Tearing and needing stitches, can this be prevented?

[dejags]

When DS was born I was attended by four midwives the last of whom made me take things very slowly. She was a strong personality and didn't "allow" me to push when I should have been panting. She did have to yell at me a few times though to stop pushing.

I didn't tear or need stitches and I was wondering if this was the result of having an experienced midwife manage my 2nd stage or if tearing is more physiological (I think that's the correct phrase)?

Incidentally I had a failed epidural and no other pain relief. My labour was induced with syntocin due to my waters breaking and labour not starting spontaneously - it was 12 hours from start to finish.

Sorry Nqwww, didn't mean to scare anyone. The only thing that I read about stitches in my first pregnancy was that "they may be uncomfortable". So you can imagine my shock when I first went for a wee afterwards. It was like going into labour where the only knowledge that you have is "it might sting a bit". Prepare for the worst and you can only be pleasantly surprised.

I had a very bad episiotomy with dd - I was given painkillers which were amazing - never felt any discomfort, although this might have been part of the reason why I was so spaced out for the first few weeks. I wish I could remember what they were called so I can ask for them next time around!

Bekki - don't know whether you have done it yet, hope all is well... Just to tell you, I had my boy at home in a birthing pool a week ago and apart from a small graze, no damage whatsoever. So I would definitely recommend water births for this reason alone!

I am sooo happy that I chose to have this baby in a midwifery unit. It was wonderful. When I explained the previous problem to them they talked the situation through and reasured me that they would do their upmost to leave me stitch free. And what do you know- no stitches, just a small graze. I had no idea that I could feel this normal after giving birth and its made me realise what a horrible effect it had on me and my son first time around. No doubt it would have been made easier if I had been told about the tear but everything went brilliantly this time, 5 days on and I'm still on cloud nine over the whole experience.

I tried a waterbirth but I felt a little out of control once I was in there and I had to have my waters broken so I took the opportunity to stay out. But I definatley think that the water may have been a more effective pain relief in the earlier stages. The reason for not tearing this time- a fantastic midwife who ignored my pleas for her to just "pull him out" once his head was out and for all her previous advice which slowed that part of the labour down. Apparently I'm not someone who needs to push my body does it for me. Oh and having a baby almost 2lbs lighter than my first might of helped as well!

I'm so glad everything went well for you as well Cha. It makes such a difference to be able to walk and move normally once you've got your baby. And no crying on the loo! Hope you and your ds are doing well, meet me on September babies when you get a minute. Although I know you managed an August birth. Congratulations!

Bekki - so happy to hear things went so well and congratulations on the birth of your son.

Glad to hear it was so much better, Bekki. Labouring in water seemed to help me avoid a tear 2nd time, too.

Good to hear Bekki, congrats on your little man

I too am a 'subconscious pusher' I seem to have no control over it...