Help me pass the word to all of our moms-to-be. New research shows the warm compresses on the pelvic floor during the second stage of labor help prevent tears. This is really good news, and it's such a nice low-tech solution. Midwives have been doing this for generations; but, the medical establishment is just starting to get a clue. According to the research, warm compresses reduce the incidence of tears by 52%. Unfortunately, they don't give the details of what materials, what temperature or how often to use the compresses; but, I bet your midwife can tell you If you want to read the scientific data look here MORE