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6 of the best perineal massage oils 2024
WHAT IS PERINEAL MASSAGE OIL?
Also called perineum massage oil, this oil is used to massage the area between the vagina and the anus to help prepare for birth.
How does perineal massage help?
Regular massage of this area can increase blood flow and make it more elastic. The more elastic it is, the more it can stretch during childbirth, which makes it less likely to tear or require an episiotomy. (This is a surgical cutting to help the baby come out more easily.) Perineal massage may also help to reduce pain after birth.
When should you start doing it and how often?
You can start massaging the perineum from 34 weeks pregnant. There are benefits from doing it as little as once or twice a week but many recommend three to four times a week or even daily. Start by massaging for a minute and then build up to around five to ten minutes a day.
HOW DO YOU DO PERINEAL MASSAGE?
Make sure your hands are clean and ideally that your fingernails are not too long. You might want to ask a partner to do the massage for you.
The best time to do it is after a shower or bath when the heat has softened the area.
Put some oil on your fingers, thumbs and perineum then place your thumbs 1 - 1.5 inches into the vagina and press down towards the anus and sides. When you feel a stretching sensation, hold for 1-2 minutes. If your partner is massaging you, they should use their index fingers not their thumbs.
Then massage the lower part of your vagina with your thumbs moving in a U-shape. Your fingers can massage the outside of the perineum, applying gentle pressure towards the anus.
If you are unsure about what you are doing, talk to your midwife.
when should it be avoided?
Avoid this type of massage if you have vaginal herpes, thrush, or a vaginal infection.
WHAT OILS SHOULD YOU USE?
Use an unscented, natural oil like olive, vitamin E, coconut, sunflower, almond or grapeseed oil. Or a water-based lubricant like KY Jelly.
Avoid synthetic oils like baby oil, Bio-Oil and Vaseline.
There are also oils specially designed for perineum massage. Here are six of the best.
THE MOST POPULAR PERINEUM MASSAGE OILS
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 5th January 2024.
If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. Weleda Perineum Massage Oil
100% certified natural and organic oil
Suitable for vegans and cruelty-free
Formulated with sweet almond and vitamin E rich wheatgerm oil
2. My Expert Midwife Peri Prep Your Bits
A massage oil that has been developed by midwives
100% naturally derived ingredients
Contains avocado, lavender, grapeseed, eucalyptus, and sweet almond oils
Controlled flow bottle to prevent wastage
Can also be used for general massage during or after labour
Cruelty-free
Recyclable bottle
Made in the U.K.
3. Naissance Sweet Almond Oil
An ethically produced and high-quality sweet almond oil
Certified organic, vegan and cruelty-free
Recyclable bottle
4. Natural birthing company Down Below perineal massage oil
Developed by midwives.
Contains evening primrose oil and rosehip oil to support the skin’s natural elasticity.
Also contains sunflower seed oil, apricot kernel oil and calendula oil.
Fragrance free.
Can also be used on areas prone to stretch marks.
Vegan and cruelty-free.
Made in the UK.
5. Lansinoh Organic Pre-Birth Preparation Oil
100% natural perineum oil.
98.6% organic ingredients.
Includes sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, wheatgerm oil and jojoba seed oil.
Gynecologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin.
Comes in a 50ml bottle.
6. Motherlylove DOWN BELOW Perineum Oil
Created by a qualified midwife and aromatherapist.
Contains 100% natural grapeseed, jojoba, and avocado oils.
Comes with a guide on how to massage your perineum.
Vegan and cruelty-free.
Recyclable bottle.
Made in the U.K.
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