He doesn't do episiotomies?

changingnames · March 2011

Hi ladies, I'm not sure if I misunderstood but I think my doctor told me that he doesn't do episiotomies. I think he said "You might tear but I don't do epis." Did I hear him right? I thought the episiotomy was preferable to a tear. He is well known in the natural birthing circles around here and a doula I talked to told me she was impressed that he brought his own olive oil to a birth she recently attended. What are the reasons to not do one? Maybe I just misunderstood- I'll defintely ask at my next appointment.Thank you for the info.

iris427 · March 2011

Your doctor is absolutely correct.

Episiotomies are NOT preferable to tears. There are mountains of medical studies on this subject and I would run FAST from any doctor who thinks they are. Episiotomies are more likely to extend into the anus/rectum than a tear--imagine trying to rip an intact piece of fabric vs. one you've already made a cut into. They take longer to heal, they are associated with more postpartum pain, etc. Sometimes they don't heal right and then they have to be recut and restitched months later. And think about it--an episiotomy is guaranteed 2nd degree injury. If you try your luck with tearing, you may not tear at all, or it may be a much smaller tear. So it really doesn't make sense to cut an episiotomy in most circumstances.

honkytonk_kid · March 2011

As usual I agree with everything iris says

Episiotomies should really only be done in an emergency- as in, baby needs to be out ASAP! Otherwise, tearing is preferable.

Sazhrah · March 2011

I can definately understand the example that Iris gave but, I had 2 episiotimies and 1 tear. The tear healing was so much more horrible for me. Though to be Devil's Advocate that could be because I already had scar tissue from the episiotimies.

changingnames · March 2011

Ok cool. It isn't something i had put a ton of thought into until he said that so I really didn't know what the current research said. My best friend had an epis and she told me that they were way preferable and I sholdl be really concerned that he doesn't do them- and that is the only other person I had mentioned it to so I was like- hmmm? What is going on here. I figured there must be evidence to support not doing it since my doctor has been so right on and in line with everything we have wanted to do so far. Everything you guys said makes sense to me so I'll just keep doing this uncomfortable oil massage and assume I will not need to tear or have an epis anyway- that's what I am telling myself anyhow.

iris427 · March 2011

Sazhrah:
I can definately understand the example that Iris gave but, I had 2 episiotimies and 1 tear. The tear healing was so much more horrible for me. Though to be Devil's Advocate that could be because I already had scar tissue from the episiotimies.

I'm basing what I said on medical studies, not individual experiences. You can always find someone whose experience was different, but that doesn't give us an accurate picture of the best medical care.

bensbabe · March 2011

I agree w/iris, as usual...

So your OB is just saying he doesn't routinely do them, and he would much rather you tear on your own...This is also what my OB does. I have been in many deliveries with her & she REALLY lets the baby stretch the perineum & only cuts a tiny epis in emergent situations. I have only seen her use a vacuum in fewer than a handful of cases.

Oh, and FWIW, there are other places to cut an epis than midline (toward the rectum). They can cut a mediolateral (to either side or both sides) & those usually don't extend as bad & you can make smaller cuts to allow for extra room.

NellaJ · March 2011

Where I live it is hospital, not just doctor, policy to not do episiotomies except in case of emergencies. PP's have outlined the medical reasons very well, just wanted to let you know that it is not uncommon

changingnames · March 2011

Phew- feeling much better. Now next time my mother tells me I am going to have an episiotomy (she is really upset that I won't plan a c-section just to make her happy) I can be a smart ass and say "my doctor doesn't even do them" and stick my tongue out at her.

A37licia · March 2011

Your OB is right, and it's surprising and refreshing to hear an OB say that!

steve&heather · March 2011

Your OB doesn't do them. Tears do heal much faster and better than epis. My doctor will only do an epi if it will prevent a severe tear (she did a small one on me b/c DD was crooked and I would've ended up with a 4th degree tear). The pain from the epi healing was way worse than the two small tears I had.

Want a personalized experience?

He doesn't do episiotomies?

Re: He doesn't do episiotomies?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards