The Best Perineal Massage Videos on YouTube
Some of the best YouTube videos for learning perineal massage come from midwives, doulas, and childbirth educators: Sarah Lavonne, Dexeus Mujer (animated), Sophie Kirkham of Calm HypnoBirthing, Bridget Teyler, Midwife Marley, and Dr Gowri Motha. They walk you through what the perineum is and how to perform the massage step by step. Together they're an easy way to see the technique before you try it from around week 34.
Perineal massage is one of the things you can do to prepare your body for childbirth. There are quite a few perineal massage videos on YouTube that show how to do it properly and help allay childbirth fears. They explain the perineum, how vaginal tearing happens, and how to relax the pelvic-floor muscles. Here are a few worth watching.
Perineal massage and more, by Sarah Lavonne
A doula, childbirth educator, and certified labor-and-delivery nurse, Sarah Lavonne addresses common fears about tearing in an upbeat, lighthearted way. She explains what tearing is, then covers perineal massage as a way to prepare the area for birth, including using the Perimom perineal massager. See our guide to things that may help during childbirth.
What is perineal massage, by Dexeus Mujer
A light-hearted, animated 3-minute video with pleasant music and large text that takes you through preparing for a perineal massage in four steps.
How to do perineal massage, by Sophie Kirkham
This informative 5-minute video from Sophie Kirkham of Calm HypnoBirthing demonstrates how to do perineal massage from 34 weeks, using her hand to show the anatomy. It's part of her online hypnobirthing course.
Perineal massage, by Bridget Teyler
Birth doula Bridget Teyler's 7-minute video explains what the perineum is and how perineal stretching prepares it for birth. She also discusses perineal massage oils, recommending evening primrose oil and vitamin E oil.
How to perform a perineal massage, by Midwife Marley
Midwife Marley, one of the UK's best-known midwives with more than 100,000 followers on Instagram, explains why perineal massage matters in late pregnancy and demonstrates the technique using a simple cardboard cutout.
Vaginal self-stretch, by Dr Gowri Motha
Dr Motha, an obstetrician and creator of "The Gentle Birth Method," uses simple animated drawings to show how the area can be made soft and stretchy. In this video the massage is done slightly differently: lying first on the right side with knees bent, then repeating on the left side.
An easy way to learn perineal massage
Whether you've already tried perineal massage or have only heard of it, these videos make it easy to understand. Each is presented clearly, helping you feel better informed and prepared for birth. When you're ready, see our written guide on how to do perineal massage.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I watch how to do perineal massage?
YouTube has good explainer videos from midwives, doulas, and childbirth educators, including the six rounded up above.
Who makes reliable perineal massage videos?
Look for qualified educators: midwives, doulas, and obstetricians, such as Sarah Lavonne, Sophie Kirkham, Bridget Teyler, Midwife Marley, and Dr Gowri Motha.
When should I start perineal massage?
Most guidance suggests around week 34. Check with your provider.
As part of birth preparation, many midwives suggest perineal massage from week 34. The perineal massage tool from Perimom makes it easier to do on your own at home.
