Peristeam shortens Laura’s labour time and soothes perineal tear symptoms
Peristeam shortens Laura’s labour time and soothes perineal tear symptoms
Background
Laura and I first met in July 2023 when she was 39 weeks pregnant with her second child. She had a bit of a rough time with her first birth and was hoping for smoother sailing this time.
Laura’s first birth five years prior was quite traumatic. She had endured a third degree perineal tear that did not heal as expected, and had to have corrective surgery six months later. Though it was deemed successful, she experienced painful sex for quite a while. She was no longer experiencing this when she came to see me, but it had taken a long time to be considered pleasurable.
Her hope was to have a vaginal birth again, but a quicker recovery that was long lasting without any long term negative side effects.
Solution
As Laura was quite late in her pregnancy, I suggested she start peristeaming to support her body for labour (peristeaming from 38 weeks is safe for most women). Plus, I recommended daily steaming after giving birth to help with her recovery.
Laura started steaming regularly from 39 weeks and welcomed her baby at 41 weeks after being medically induced. During birth, she sustained a second degree tear. Once she returned home from the hospital she began peristeaming; not consecutively for 30 days as prescribed but only as needed, or as time permitted.
Outcome
Though she had an induced labour, Laura reported that the birth was quicker than expected, lasting only about 15 minutes. She attributed this to peristeaming at home beforehand, using a T.E.N.S machine and this being her second childbirth.
With the second degree perineal tear, she found that peristeaming eased the discomfort of the stitches by reducing itchiness and pain.
When I saw her at five weeks postpartum, she was a glowing and radiant mama, relaxed and deeply connected to her baby.
At her six week check up her doctor reported that the stitches have healed and she could resume normal activities. Given her previous experience of painful sex, I recommended peristeaming 30 minutes prior to engaging in any sexual activity, especially penetrative.
Conclusion
My client had a positive birth experience despite being induced and having a perineal tear, and acknowledges the positive impact that peristeaming played in this.
If you’re interested in exploring peristeaming further, I invite you to schedule a complimentary 30-minute discovery call.
Steamy blessings,
Sanjukta xo