Antenatal Perineal Massage Education

1. Evidence

1.1. Has it been proven to be effective?

1.2. Does it reduce incidence of perineal trauma?

1.3. Are there any negative effects?

1.4. When is the best time to discuss and implement massage to have best effects?

2. How will it be taught?

2.1. Community midwives

2.1.1. Further training?

2.2. At antenatal appointments

2.2.1. Time constraints?

2.3. Antenatal classes

2.3.1. Funding

2.3.2. Extra hours

2.3.3. Drop in

2.3.4. Uptake/demand?

2.4. Information leaflet

3. Model of care

3.1. Medical- Not just accepting that perineal trauma occurs. This idea is trying to prevent and improve rather than adapt once trauma has occurred.

3.2. Midwifery- Personalisation. Involving women in their care- inform and give option to participate

3.3. Is this women centred and empowered midwifery?

4. Incidence of perineal trauma

4.1. Primiparous vs multiparous

4.2. Types of trauma

4.3. Does this get discussed as much as it should in antenatal appointments?

5. What does it entail?

5.1. Massage

5.1.1. Woman

5.1.2. Partner

5.1.3. Professional

5.1.4. Intimate/taboo?

5.2. Oils

5.2.1. Mineral or water based

5.2.2. Supplied or bought?

6. Evaluation

6.1. Audit

6.1.1. Follow women who carried out perineal massage and who had perineal trauma

6.1.2. Who will be responsible for following up information and statistics?

7. Should it already be part of antenatal education?