perineal massage during labor ???

My OB did this when I had my first child and I plan to have this with my second... HOWEVER I'm sort of freaking out right now because I'm convinced I'm going to go in labor while he's on spring break (he's out of the office until this coming Monday). I woke up with BH last night and I NEVER have them when I'm relaxing... to top it off I started having menstural like cramps today and I dreamed all night last night (when I was actually able to sleep) that I was going in labor.

How common is perineal massage? If I do go in labor and have to use whatever doc is on call, is he going to be familiar with this procedure and willing to do it while I'm delivering?? I feel like it worked wonders with my first delivery... I didn't tear or need an episiotomy AND my daughters head wasn't cone shaped.

I don't know how common it is, but my OB did it as well. I was still tearing though and needed an episiotomy. A lot of midwives also suggest doing it yourself, in the weeks leading up to delivery, using some olive oil. 

As a doula I can tell you that it is very uncommon for an OB to do it. I would applaud your OB. What I recommend my clients and what my midwife recommended to me years ago is to have your husband/partner do it for you. Starting weeks before labor even is great. Wish Garden Herbals sells a great perineal massage oil or you can even just use vegetable oil. I highly recommend it.

How do you do it?  Is there a place where I can get some directions to print out for my husband?

www.midwife.org/siteFiles/news/sharewithwomen50_1.pdf

Thank you so much!

My DH and I are starting today. I didn't know it was something I could/should do at home in the weeks leading up to delivery until I started googling around yesterday trying to see how common it was for docs to do it.

I might need to create another post about this, but how likely is it that the hospital and my OB will allow my husband to catch the baby? My OB pretty much made DH cut the cord last time, so he's not one of those that tries to run the show or whatever. I can't see him having a problem with it, but is it a common practice outside of birthing centers and home births? 

I doubt the Ob will let him do that - the liability on that would be insane, they're slippery little buggers!