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A woman has gone viral for revealing how she used olive oil and a hot compress to help prevent her from tearing during childbirth.
In the TikTok clip, which has been viewed over 800,000 times, Sovereign Parenting shared four tips she used to aid her through her labour: perineal massage, a side-lie pushing position, warm olive oil compress and pushing slowly.
Watch the clip below
Speaking about perineal massage, she shared: “Before I even went into labour, my partner and I did perineal massages starting in the third trimester.
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“A perineal massage is when you insert a finger or two into your vaginal canal using some sort of lubricant and sort of massage in a U-shape motion to prepare your body for labour.
“You can do it by yourself or have your partner help you”.
Later explaining the warm compress, she shared: “Third our doula Ellie held a warm compress with olive oil on the space between my vagina and my butt.
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“It made it a bit more comfortable to push and helped it not be dry which reduces the risk of tearing.”
Understandably many were taken aback by her olive oil suggestion with one asking, “Compressed olive oil. WOAH I would have never had that idea”.
“I didn't tear with them using the olive oil in the warm compress during labour birth with my third,” another commented.
In light of her advice, we spoke to Emma Armstrong, known as The Naked Doula, about Sovereign Parenting’s tearing-prevention tips and she revealed that extra virgin olive oil paired with perineal massage from 34weeks can help.
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Speaking to Tyla, she shared: “Firstly let’s be clear that is has to be extra virgin olive oil.
“Studies show that Perineum massage performed with olive oil leading up to birth is effective, inexpensive, simple, and well-tolerated way to improve intact perineum.
“It’s has also been associated with an increase in the mother's health, quality of birth and shorter hospital stay.
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“What’s more is the application of extra virgin olive oil throughout pregnancy and during birth is shown to significantly lower the need of pain relief. Most likely down to its elasticity boosting effects”.
The British birth influencer and educator explained that extra virgin olive oil is superior to other lubricants as it doesn’t upset your vaginal bacteria.
“Extra virgin olive oil is the only oil that doesn’t mess with your vaginal microbiota,” Emma told us.
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“During pregnancy and birth, we have particular strains of bacteria which is building up in the birth canal and will be consumed by your baby during the second stage when baby makes their way down the birth canal.
“This is their first immune system and is vital for their health. The vaginal lube they use at the hospital messes with your microbiome, so this makes it a more popular option to use during perineal massage and when birthing your baby.”
Although Sovereign Parenting suggested using olive oil with a hot compress, Emma insisted that “no hot compress needed” and explained that the oil “can be used alone without the need of heat and is safe to use during pregnancy and for perineal massage.”
Emma did tell us that supporting the perineum with a warm compress during childbirth reduces third and fourth-degree tears.
But said she understands that not everyone would want a compress applied to area during labour and warned that using a hot compress is “not doable if you have a water birth”.
Lisa McLoughlin