Natural Birthing Company Perineal Massage Oil ‘DOWN BELOW’

The Natural Birthing Company’s ‘Down Below’ Perineal massage oil has been designed by practising midwives who recognise the benefits of perineal massage. Used twice daily a massage with 'Down Below' will help the skin to stretch. This unique, beautiful blend of natural oils contains rosehip and evening primrose oils, both rich in omega oils & fatty acids, helps to increase the elasticity of your perineal muscles. Research shows that massaging the perineal area from 34 weeks of pregnancy can help reduce the risk of tearing during labour and scaring post birth.
With key ingredients such as calendula oil and rosehip oil ‘Down Below’ Perineal Massage oil is also beneficial for dry, irritated, itchy skin and can be used to condition and moisturise your skin and growing bump throughout pregnancy. It can also help to prevent stretchmarks on bum, tum and thighs during and after pregnancy . It comes with an hygienic pipette dispenser so there is no mess and is fragrance free, nut free and allergen free.

Perineal massage is the massaging of the perineum to prepare it to soften and stretch more easily during birth, reducing the risk of tearing or needing an episiotomy. This involves partial insertion of the thumbs into the opening of the vagina and sweeping the perineum. The perineum is the area of skin and underlying muscles between the vagina and the anus. This area naturally stretches to accommodate your baby as they are being born. Often the natural stretching in this area can result in tears and sometimes if the skin is unable to stretch enough you may need to be given a small cut (episiotomy) to create the room needed.

How to use:

1. Ensure you wash your hands before you undertake perineal massage. Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Consider making perineal massage part of your routine following your shower/bath as the warmth of the water will help with the blood supply to the area and surrounding tissues. Adopt a comfortable position, semi-sitting, one foot up on the toilet, bath or stool, or squatting against a wall.
2. Place 1-2 drops of ‘Down Below’ massage oil onto your fingers and apply to the outside of the perineum.
3. Place your clean thumbs about 2 inches (5cm) into your vagina. Using your thumbs press downwards in the direction of your anus so that you can feel the stretch of the muscles surrounding the vagina and the vaginal tissues.
4. Once you have this downward pressure, use your thumbs to sweep from side to side in a rhythmic “U” shape/hammock movement.
5. Massage the perineum from the outside with your other fingers. When massaging apply steady pressure towards the anus. This may tingle, but should not hurt! This will also help you to recognize the sensation when your baby is ready to be born. Apply more oil to the outside of the perineum if required. The perineum may feel tight when you first start, but in time you will begin to feel a change and remember this should not hurt. If your partner is performing the massage, just follow the same instructions, but ask them to use their index fingers using the same “U” shape/hammock motion. It is important that you tell your partner how much pressure to apply.

Do not undertake perineal massage if you are suffering from Herpes, Vaginal thrush or other known infections. Please contact your midwife or GP if you suspect any of these infections.

Key Ingredients
Evening Primrose Oil: Hydrating and soothing – rich in antioxidants and Omega 6 fatty acids.
Rosehip Oil: Brings elasticity and regeneration to the skin, rich in Omega 3 fatty acid.
Sunflower Seed Oil: Smoothing and softening – has anti-inflammatory properties.
Apricot Kernel Oil: Moisturises – rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Calendula Oil: Soothes – anti-inflammatory properties, promotes skin healing and repair.

Oenothera Biennis oil (Evening Primrose Oil), Rosa Canina fruit oil (Rosehip Oil), Helianthus Annuus seed oil (Sunflower Seed Oil), Prunus Armeniaca kernel oil (Apricot kernel Oil), Calendula Officinalis Flower oil (Calendula Oil).