COMMENT & CONTROVERSY

OBG Management. 2021 June;33(6):

July 1, 2021|ObGyn

Karen Parker, MN, CNM;Boris Petrikovsky, MD, PhD;Steven E. Chavoustie, MD;Tomas Hernandez-Mejia, MD;Alan D. Rosen, MD

OBSTETRIC ANAL SPHINCTER INJURY: PREVENTION AND REPAIR

ROBERT L. BARBIERI, MD (EDITORIAL; MAY 2021)

Experience with warm perineal compresses and massage

I have been a midwife for 45 years. I have used warm compresses on the perineum my whole career. I don't need data to tell me it provides comfort. My patients do.
I don't do much massage of the perineum, only slightly while applying K-Y or another water-soluble gel.

A slow, controlled extension of the vertex and healthy tissue is the best way to prevent tears.

Karen Parker, MN, CNM

Ashland, Oregon

Dr. Barbieri responds

I thank Ms. Parker for her clinical recommendation: "Yes to warm compresses" and "Massage of the perineum?" Not so much.

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