Episitomy type/ tearing and perenium questions from first-timer...

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Hi,

I am currently 36+1, starting to write my birthing plan and have a couple of queries.

I have read a number of positive articles about the use of warm compresses on the perinieum by the midwife during crowning to reduce the risk of tearing. Does anyone know if this is something the midwife will do if requested? Or is it 'beyond the call of duty'? Any experiences of it?

Also, I am trying to get my head around whether mid-line or mediolateral cut for episiotomy is preferable (have read much conflicting evidence on the subject). Again, anyone have experience/ knowledge of this?

Many thanks

my yoga teacher who was a retired midwife used a method to protect the perineum similar to you describe, she was known for not having may women with tears. Her advice was its ok to ask them to do this. But i also told dh what to do in case they wouldnt. In the end had episiotomy so never got to that stage.

Med-lateral line better bc prevents damage to rectum, but drs will decide, you will have little control.

Agree re relaxing and hypnobirthing, makes a hudge diffr.

Also my yoga teahcer/mws advice was to be active in the labourbut at the last stage then lie down-this is contrary to the above advice but is linked-the reasoning is to slow down the final stage as above poster recommends to limit tearing. Hope that makes sense. But again i had assisted so never got to that point.

many not may and huge not hudge!! Sorry typing on phone !

my yoga teacher who was a retired midwife used a method to protect the perineum similar to you describe, she was known for not having may women with tears. Her advice was its ok to ask them to do this. But i also told dh what to do in case they wouldnt. In the end had episiotomy so never got to that stage.

Med-lateral line better bc prevents damage to rectum, but drs will decide, you will have little control.

Agree re relaxing and hypnobirthing, makes a hudge diffr.

Also my yoga teahcer/mws advice was to be active in the labourbut at the last stage then lie down-this is contrary to the above advice but is linked-the reasoning is to slow down the final stage as above poster recommends to limit tearing. Hope that makes sense. But again i had assisted so never got to that point.

my yoga teacher who was a retired midwife used a method to protect the perineum similar to you describe, she was known for not having may women with tears. Her advice was its ok to ask them to do this. But i also told dh what to do in case they wouldnt. In the end had episiotomy so never got to that stage.

Med-lateral line better bc prevents damage to rectum, but drs will decide, you will have little control.

Agree re relaxing and hypnobirthing, makes a hudge diffr.

Also my yoga teahcer/mws advice was to be active in the labourbut at the last stage then lie down-this is contrary to the above advice but is linked-the reasoning is to slow down the final stage as above poster recommends to limit tearing. Hope that makes sense. But again i had assisted so never got to that point.

Hmmm.. I've read a number of articles that suggest episiotomies have no proven benefits vs natural tearing and actually can cause more damage. Also episiotomies often are deeper than the small amount of tearing that is common.

There are some instances where you should have one but for me personally, I'm refusing to have one unless the baby's life is at risk.

TransatlanticCityGirl - yes, there's strong evidence in this regard. In general, episiotomies do not protect against tearing, and there's evidence to suggest that tears often heal better.

If you need to get the baby out v.v.v. quickly, fine. Otherwise, I don't see that there's any benefit from episiotomy.

im so sorry my phone went a bit funny on me yesterday and decided to post my comment 3 times, so sorry

Thanks for the advice everyone.Transatlantic and tograma have also read similar and stated that unless it is a danger to the baby or danger of severe tear I don't want an episiotomy. I guess it is all down to what happens on that day and I know you can't plan anything but it's good to be prepared a bit.

Have bought myself a hypnobirthing cd going to start listening to that tomorrow so hopefully that will help me to relax a bit better (anything's worth a go!)

You know, worst case scenario (well slight exaggeration) I had a third degree tear and apart from winces from everyone when I mentioned it, I had no problems with stitches or anything. Couldn't understand what the fuss was all about.

Of course I had the usual took me forever to walk around stage, but I assumed this was a normal part of pooing a watermelon out the wrong hole.