Can you ask a MW to put hands on?

[FraggleRock77]

Just that really? I've read numerous posts about tears being prevented/minimised during child birth from pro active MSs. Has anybody requested this? And did it help?x

I onced asked for a cold flannel to be pressed on to prevent the stinging bit!! Didn't tear and didn't sting as much either!! Took own flannel!!

Yes you can. In some hospitals this is now the norm again. I had a third degree tear with DC2 and, although I tore slightly with DC3, it was much less significant as midwife was supporting my perineum. I had this written into my birth plan at around 34 weeks I think.

Interesting, can someone dig out some more details as I've never heard of this.

I had an episiotomy with no.1 as he was in distress so had to be more quickly, so local anaesthetic in the area. I'm concerned though a previous episiotomy could make me more prone to tearing.

Love the flannel idea. Our first DS was born at 29 weeks, 50 mins ish from start to finish. Towards the end of labour the MWs just said push, push, push as DS needed to be out. I pushed without an urge (which of course was the best thing for our DS) but i did tear a little even with only a 3.3 baby. Now diagnosed with an IC and with a stitch in place I'm hoping to get further. Hence the question. X

Hi CowParsleyNettle

Here's a project carried out at the Medway hospital in Kent.

Hands on midwives is one of the measures they use to reduce severe tearing. Prenatal assessment is another one. Why can't we all benefit from this? (shortage of midwives and cultural problems I suspect)

www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/safer-birthing-project-wins-award-121820/