tearing during childbirth

Tearing is something that a lot of first time mothers fear...I have found a great article that explains what it is and when it is most likely to happen, also what can help reduce it's occurance. I would like to know what all of you did in regards to preventing tearing? I personally will be having a home waterbirth, using a warm cloth on my perineum and also doing perineal massages and excersizes in the later stages stages of pregnancy. I also think that it is extremely important to have a midwife you trust at your birth, someone that supports and empowers you, not someone that bullies and treats you like a child. I am a first time mum due in July, I have not experienced birth yet! So I have a question for all you lovely mothers,  what did you do to reduce your risk of perineal tearing? Perineal massages? Warm cloth? Were you suported by your healthcare provider? Did you birth at home? Hospital? Birth centre? Did you end up tearing and how was your recovery?