Re: [ozmidwifery] Julia's birth

[Aviva Sheb'a]

Ah, yes! and it's wonderful what happens to the perineum, vagina, bladder and the whole woman when Belly Dance is taken up. I heartily recommend it!   If you don't have access to Belly Dance classes, the basics are simple:   Circular movements come from the vaginal muscles, though not all Belly Dance teachers teach this way (what a shame). Move your pelvis forward, allowing the vaginal and belly muscles to relax. Take the movement towards one side. When you get to the side, start pulling the vaginal muscles up and the belly in. Keep the movement going so you go to the back; when you reach the other side, you've pulled the vagina and belly up very powerfully. As you go from the second side to the front, allow the vagina and belly to relax again. You have a sort of sponge effect happening.   Once you master this, start to play!   Love and wiggles to you all,   Aviva   ----- Original Message ----- From: Robyn Thompson To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 10:36 AM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] Julia's birth I support this Vicki have not seen a 3rd/4th degree tear since I moved out of the hospital system 20 odd years ago.  Have sutured a few 2nd degree tears, but most small tears heal themselves.  Women who have had previous episiotomy followed by a perineum without trauma or a small tear the next time tell me that their perineum feels 'much better now' and their sex life is much more comfortable.  The enormous amount of scar tissue remaining from episiotomy must be very traumatic.  The Obstetricians may think they are preserving the perineum but what for??  What does preserving this wonderful female birthing muscle mean??  If rest, good nutrition and when appropriate exercise are part of post birth recovery and forced or encouraged 'pushing' is minimised/eliminated and women are assisted to breath their baby over the perineum then the perineal muscle returns to a very good state of health and strength.  Of course it will never be exactly the same, just as body shape changes after birth so does the perineum. regards,  Robyn