Perineal compresses

You may have heard a doula, midwife, or friend talk about the use of warm compresses during the pushing stage. There are several benefits to using a warm compress during pushing. A warm compress (which can simply be a washcloth that has been soaked in clean warm water) can help to soften the tissues in the perineal area. This is the area of skin stretching between the vaginal opening and the anal opening. Another benefit to this is that sometimes a mother appreciates some counter pressure during the pushing stage as this may help to direct her to focus pushing where the pressure is applied, as well as to alleviate some of the pressure the baby's head is applying to the perineum. In addition, a warm compress may feel comforting as the mother's tissues begin to gently stretch and prepare for her baby to be birthed.

Most importantly, for those women hoping to avoid an episiotomy (an incision made to the perineal area to make space for the baby to be born) or to reduce tearing, warm compresses have been shown to effectively reduce the use of episiotomy and tearing. There have been several studies done which show that simply using a warm compress can help to reduce both of these for women. Another great tool to reduce tearing is to practice perineal massage in the time leading up to the birth. (I will post instructions for this another day!)

Here is a great recipe for making ginger compresses. This smells lovely, and has some great herbal benefits as well.  (found at herbmentor.com)

1.Chop 1 ounce of ginger root (or measure out one ounce of dried root) and place in saucepan with 1 pint of water.


2.Bring water to a boil. Turn heat down to low and simmer covered for about 20 minutes until the water is reduced by 1/2.

3.Soak a cloth in the warm tea for 5 - 10 minutes.

4. Place soaked cloth directly on affected area of the body.

5.Place a towel on top of the cloth, then a hot water bottle or heating pad on the towel.

6.Cover the whole pile with a blanket or large towel.

7.Rest with the fomentation, or compress, on for 20 minutes allowing the heat to penetrate into the area.

8.Repeat as needed to ease and heal discomfort.

Picture from:http://dailyfitnessmagz.com/2011/01/ginger-nutrition-facts/

Sources: http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/755502, http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/755502, herbmentor.com