Talk to me about actual episiotomies and forceps

[Ididivfama]

A very obvious TW for anyone who might find this difficult!

I’ve found all this terrifying and realised that it’s more fear of the unknown and not knowing how it will feel. So can someone please tell me what they’re like? Do they numb you at all before for either? I had a c section previously due to failure to progress but also I couldn’t bear going through any of this. For me the fear was way worse than c section.

The actual procedure was fine, stitches uncomfortable but had gas and air. The only thing I wish I knew was that it REALLY affected my continence. I couldn’t hold anything at all in for a couple of weeks (1s and 2s), then probably another 5 or 6 weeks before I felt confident without a tena lady. I was really upset by it but as with lots of things it gets better gradually and now I’m absolutely fine.

I should add that my second child was the exact opposite labour (big baby, very quick) and while I had a massive tear the episiotomy site wasn't an issue, so it didn't cause any issues with future labours.

The forceps stage was quite quick though, two massive tugs and she was out.

I had an episiotomy (but not forceps). I didn't feel a thing as I'd had an epidural. My understanding is that they do an episiotomy to prevent a serious tear, so although the stitching was a bit painful I assume it would have been worse if I hadn't had one.

Episiotomy was my biggest fear but I ended up having to have one as my son's heart rate dropped (exactly the same happened to my mum when I was born). I'd written about it in my birth preferences so they were very good in making sure that I was completely numb with the injection before they made the cut. I didn't feel a thing. It did take a while to heal with the aching scar being a bit of a bother even six months afterwards BUT it felt totally normal after a year.

This was the idea with mine I think but I ended up with a 3b tear anyway 😂

Slightly different scenario of forceps use here but thought it’s good to share as I personally had no idea forceps are not used during vaginal delivery only. I had an elective c section due to failure to progress after my waters broke and I really didn’t want to go on the drip so requested the section. Little did I know though that my DD had different plans and didn’t want to come out at all. During my c section they had to use forceps to pull her out as she never dropped before labour and was still very high and got stuck. I didn’t know until after the actual birth and you can imagine my shock because I specifically refused induction due to the high chances of instrumental delivery and emergency section, and in the end ended up with forceps anyway. I was pretty bruised across the bump and loss full sensation of my bladder for 3 months but all good now! My DD had a few scratch marks and bruises on her face and we did wonder where they came from until we got told that they had to use forceps after they cut me open as she didn’t want to come out.
I am sharing my perspective of things because no matter how much you try to avoid certain procedures being done to you in labour, when the time comes we and the doctors do what it takes to have a healthy mum and baby.

Many moons ago I had a forceps delivery without the episiotomy. The midwife and then a few days later the health visitor couldn't believe I hadn't had a tear (reading this back I'm thinking maybe I have an unusually large vag!) I'd had the epidural and can honestly say I didn't feel a thing.

It did sting like fuck when I had a wee for around a week after and when I asked the HV if she was sure there wasn't a tear because of the pain she said it was just severely perforated but not to the point of a tear. I found pouring a jug of cold water down there whilst peeing helped no end.

Same! Only had gas and air (which I’m convinced wasn’t working because I honestly didn’t feel any effect from it). I don’t remember them doing the cut but I remember the forceps being unpleasant. But the stitching up was worse. I guess because you’re having contractions when they’re cutting/ using forceps so you have pain elsewhere to distract. Then when they’re stitching that’s the only pain to focus on. Took surprisingly long to heal as well.