REPLAY: EBB 210 - Evidence on Warm Compresses and Hands-on vs. Hands-off for Protecting the Perineum

Curious how to actually prevent perineal tears during childbirth? In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker breaks down the latest research on three of the most talked-about methods: 1) using warm compresses, 2) provider “hands on” techniques, 3) provider “hands off” techniques, and how these approaches measure up when it comes to protecting your perineum. You’ll learn surprising facts, like how a simple warm washcloth can significantly lower your risk of severe tears (and even ease pain!), plus what the evidence really says about whether a provider should help “guard” the perineum or just keep their hands off you during the actual birth.

 

Content note: Discussion of perineal tears during childbirth, severe tears, and episiotomy.

 

(02:55) What is the Perineum?

(05:33) Warm Compresses Reduce Birth Tears

(08:51) Warm Compresses Reduce Birth Complications

(12:27) Hands On vs. Hands Off

(18:07) Hands-On vs. Hands-Off Perineal Techniques

(19:38) Perineal Support Training Reduces Tearing

(22:47) Hands-On vs. Hands-Off Birth

 

Resources

• For a full list of scientific references, visit the EBB website here.
• To watch the EBB YouTube video with visual props, visit here. 
• Listen to Episode 206 of the EBB Podcast (Perineal Tears and Avoiding Episiotomy) .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}