Dam massage is a method designed to relax and soften the dam, which is the area between the vagina and rectum. It is usually performed during the last six weeks of pregnancy to prevent the dam from tearing during childbirth and at the same time in preparation for the sensations felt during childbirth. If the very thought of someone else massaging your dam is annoying, you can do it yourself.
Own dam massage
Talk to your doctor or nurse before starting a massage. Dam massage can cause more harm than good if excessive pressure is applied, lubricant is not used properly, or it is done incorrectly. So be sure to tell your doctors your plans.
Treat yourself to a ten-minute bath. It will help you calm down before the massage and relax the muscles around the dam. You can add bath oils to the water, which softens the skin and calms the mind.
Trim your nails to avoid scratching. The tissues in the area of the vagina and dam are very sensitive. Nail trimming prevents skin tearing and discomfort.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Bringing bacteria into the birth canal is the last thing you want, so wash your hands thoroughly before the massage.
Find a nice location. The best place to do a massage is a bed. Support the pillows, which will provide sufficient support for your back, and bend your knees. You need to be completely relaxed during the massage, so it is important to find a position where you feel good.
You can also perform a massage on the toilet with your legs raised.
Use lubricant. Lubricate the fingers and tissue in the dam area with a water-soluble lubricant. The best remedy is vitamin E oil, almond oil or olive oil.
Insert your thumb about 2.5 cm into the vagina. Rest your fingers on your buttocks. Press towards the rectum and the sides of the vaginal wall. Hold your thumbs in this position for about a minute. You will begin to feel a slight burning or stretching.
Don’t forget to breathe deeply during the massage.
If you feel your muscles begin to contract, consciously try to relax them.
Gently massage the bottom of the vaginal opening. Massage here and there, up and down with U-shaped movements. Try to relax the muscles during the massage. Repeat these movements for about two or three minutes.
Repeat the massage. At the end, you should perform the massage for 10 minutes. However, you can feel the more flexible dam after a few weeks of daily massages.
Wash yourself. After the massage, you can take a shower or bath and wash off the lubricant.
Partner dam massage
Find a partner you trust. The ideal choice is someone with whom you can relax, such as a doctor or your counterpart. Remember that you must be able to communicate comfortably during the massage.
Prepare for possible emotional reactions. Even if the massage is performed by a person you completely trust, you may experience feelings of embarrassment or shame. It’s completely natural. Try to keep in mind that the dam massage, like any other massage, aims to relieve tension and, in the case of childbirth, bring relief to the mother from pain.
Communicate with a partner. Tell him about any possible discomfort. Light pressure and mild pain is normal, but if it is too intense, ask your partner for a short break or reduction in pressure.
Relax comfortably in a comfortable position. You need to be able to relax your muscles in an outstretched position. Try to lie down on a bed with your knees bent and your back supported by pillows. It will be easier for your partner to perform the massage in this position as well.
Have your partner prepare for a massage. He should cut his nails and wash his hands before the massage. If he wants, he can massage you in latex gloves for greater hygiene.
Use lubricant. The partner will have to lubricate his hands and your dam with a water-soluble lubricant. Vitamin E oil, almond or olive oil are most suitable.
Let your partner initially massage the area lightly. The thumbs should gently rub the outer area of the dam. Slow movements here and there from the outside of the dam will help you both relax sufficiently at the beginning of the massage.
Continue in the same way for one to two minutes.
Insert your index fingers inside. Your partner should perform forefinger massage instead of a thumb. Inside, he should then move his fingers from side to side in a “U” shape and apply downward pressure.
Repeat these movements for two to three minutes.
Repeat the whole massage. The double massage during one session brings the best results. Try to massage daily for the last six weeks before delivery.
Wash yourself. After the massage, you can take a shower or bath and wash off the lubricant.
