How I Avoided Tears During My First Delivery in Garki, Abuja

Blessing, 28, booked at a public hospital in Garki, Abuja, for her first baby in March 2025. She dreaded more than labor pain; she feared routine episiotomy after hearing her sister’s stories: “They cut me,” and “I couldn’t sit for weeks.” Her midwife, Nurse Comfort, explained that episiotomies aren’t routine anymore and recommended antenatal perineal massage from 35 weeks. Every two to three nights, Blessing’s husband used olive oil for gentle U-shaped stretches lasting five minutes. At first it felt strange, but by week three it became part of their Netflix routine. When labor came, Blessing avoided both severe tears and episiotomy. Research shows perineal massage from 34 weeks can reduce episiotomy rates by about 21 percent and lower the risk of major tears, especially for first-time moms.

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