Interesting article/opinion piece re:episiotomies

Re: Interesting article/opinion piece re:episiotomies

• tokenhoser member

  January 2013

  https://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/27/what-you-dont-know-about-episiotomies-can-hurt-you/

  It's insane that doctors are still doing episiotomies all over the place after many, many studies showing you should probably just let things happen how they happen. There are rare cases where they are beneficial, but not nearly as rare as the scissors to the vagina seem to be.

  My doctor said she doesn't do them, and she didn't. I like her. 
  

  
  
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• jennyelf member

  January 2013

  tokenhoser:

  https://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/27/what-you-dont-know-about-episiotomies-can-hurt-you/

  It's insane that doctors are still doing episiotomies all over the place after many, many studies showing you should probably just let things happen how they happen. There are rare cases where they are beneficial, but not nearly as rare as the scissors to the vagina seem to be.

  My doctor said she doesn't do them, and she didn't. I like her. 
  

  I asked about this at my hospital too and I was told "We don't do those here unless absolutely necessary." One doctor responded, "I don't remember the last time I did do one." Made me feel very comfortable about choosing the hospital I did (I had contemplated the birth center across the street). 
  

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• GraceInCA member

  January 2013

  A midwife I know told me that a natural, jagged tear will heal more quickly and better than a straight tear from an episiotomy. I would like to avoid one if at all possible.

  
  
  
  

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• resilient61 member

  January 2013

  I ended up with a partial one because I could not physically push through the pain of the ring of fire- DS1 was crowning & my body just stopped mid-contraction.  I'd used EPO, done perineal massage & pushed in a squatting position as long as possible.  I even had a doc that was known to not hand them out unless necessary.  I haven't had any issues with the healing, and will hopefully be able to push through it this time, pun not intended.

  

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• SpruceGrouse member

  January 2013

  I am in Scotland and had a natural birth, they don't do episiotomies here at all unless absolutely necessary. I am actually someone that needed one (my mom was the same).  They gave me the smallest one possible and I didn't tear, I was actually surprised at how fast and well it healed and I didn't even notice it!

  I agree that they are done too often when not necessary in North America it seems.  If they think one is needed, they should try to make it as small as they can.
  

  

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