The MatNeo Podcast
Brought to you by the Norfolk and Waveney LMNS, The MatNeo Podcast is your go-to podcast for insightful, practical, and inspiring conversations in maternity and neonatal care. Designed for multidisciplinary teams working across our healthcare system—but open to all—each episode dives into the latest knowledge, innovations, and experiences that shape the journey from pregnancy to newborn care.
The MatNeo Podcast
Safeguarding the Perineum: OASI Prevention, Identification & Recovery Explained
Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASI) remain a significant cause of maternal morbidity, with lasting physical and psychological impact if not identified, managed, and supported appropriately.
In this episode, midwife and host Jo Govier is joined by Jenna Sweeney, a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist, to explore OASI across the continuum of maternity care. Together, they discuss risk factors and prevention strategies, the physiological rationale behind perineal massage and warm compresses, and best practice for identification and immediate postnatal management.
The conversation also focuses on postnatal recovery — including pelvic floor rehabilitation, the role of Pelvic Physiotherapy Health Services, what the 6-week physiotherapy review involves, and how women should be supported through recovery.
This episode aims to raise awareness, strengthen multidisciplinary understanding, and support maternity professionals to deliver evidence-based, compassionate care for women and birthing people affected by OASI.