OBSTETRIC ANAL SPHINCTER INJURY: PREVENTION AND REPAIR
ROBERT L. BARBIERI, MD (EDITORIAL; MAY 2021)
Experience with warm perineal compresses and massage
I have been a midwife for 45 years. I have used warm compresses on the perineum my whole career. I don't need data to tell me it provides comfort. My patients do.
I don't do much massage of the perineum, only slightly while applying K-Y or another water-soluble gel.
A slow, controlled extension of the vertex and healthy tissue is the best way to prevent tears.
Karen Parker, MN, CNM
Ashland, Oregon
Dr. Barbieri responds
I thank Ms. Parker for her clinical recommendation: "Yes to warm compresses" and "Massage of the perineum?" Not so much.
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