Jul 27

“This Is What Happens When You Don’t Have An Episiotomy.”

“This is what happens when you don’t have an episiotomy.” – OB to mother who stated she did not want an episiotomy and had a first degree tear.

56 people dislike these words.

There are 20 comments to this post.

Jane had this to say, Jul 27, 2011 @ 6:17 pm (Quote)

LOL! So the mom had a first degree tear rather than a 2nd degree episiotomy, and the doctor was trying to tell her she was wrong? BWAHAHAHAHA!

I hope the mom replied, “And I’m SO glad I did! Thank heaven you honored my informed choice.”

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Skyfire Reply:
July 27th, 2011 at 6:21 pm Skyfire(Quote)

That’s the first thing that sprang to my mind, too!

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Maddy Reply:
July 27th, 2011 at 8:00 pm Maddy(Quote)

Mine, too!

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LisaR had this to say, Jul 27, 2011 @ 6:50 pm (Quote)

Well that’s good news, then!

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Loraine had this to say, Jul 27, 2011 @ 6:53 pm (Quote)

I had a first degree tear and it an all honesty it was NOT THAT BAD!!!!!!!! I will gladly take a tear to being sliced open!!!!

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mharry had this to say, Jul 27, 2011 @ 6:55 pm (Quote)

As my little sister would say, BFD.

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Allie had this to say, Jul 27, 2011 @ 7:07 pm (Quote)

I know right, isn’t it awesom? soooo much better than being sliced from one end to the other. Thanks for listening doc, you done good

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Christina had this to say, Jul 27, 2011 @ 7:22 pm (Quote)

Ok, when I first read this I thought it was going to be directed at a mom with a 3rd or 4th degree tear. But a 1st degree tear?! Goodness sakes that’s less damage than an episiotomy would have been. How does that statement even make sense?

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Kali Reply:
July 27th, 2011 at 8:06 pm Kali(Quote)

Really! And I had a 3rd degree tear and I would take it again ANY day over an episiotomy!

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jaed had this to say, Jul 27, 2011 @ 7:36 pm (Quote)

The only way I can make this make sense is if the surgeon believes that a minor wound experienced in the course of nature is better than a major wound inflicted in a medical procedure.

No, wait. That still doesn’t make sense.

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Lindsey had this to say, Jul 27, 2011 @ 7:49 pm (Quote)

I have had many different experiences through my 3 births, a second degree episiotomy, a second degree episiotomy and 3rd degree tear with a substancial labia tear and with our last birth a simple 1st degree tear.
I will tell you that the first degree tear healed quicker, smoother and more comfortably than my episiotomies. Especially since after #1 I ended up with a severe infection in my incision that ended up being caused by an allergy to stitches. After #2 they didn’t believe me and stitched me up (taking over an hour to do so) and wouldn’t you know, another massive infection.

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Mama Cass Reply:
July 27th, 2011 at 10:38 pm Mama Cass(Quote)

ooh! thank you so much for sharing this. I am so sorry to hear about the infections! how are you doing now?

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Dreamy had this to say, Jul 27, 2011 @ 8:05 pm (Quote)

Yep! Woo hoo!

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Tee had this to say, Jul 27, 2011 @ 8:11 pm (Quote)

OP, if you read this… do you mind me asking if you were doing “purple pushing?” You know, the whole “hold your breathe and push for the count of ten and whatever you do, don’t stop and take a breath because then your baby will never come out!” I’ve found that so often women tear because they are being forced to push too fast and against what their body is asking for them to do.

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Melissa had this to say, Jul 27, 2011 @ 8:38 pm (Quote)

Hah! Found I couldn’t “dislike” this one…just because, though the doctor seems to get it, s/he is right! And isn’t it wonderful?

OP…dying to know if you tried to shake some sense into this crazy doc.

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Kat had this to say, Jul 27, 2011 @ 9:24 pm (Quote)

Yep, when you don’t have an episiotomy your tissue typically sustains LESS damage than if it is cut, if it is even damaged at all.

Isn’t it great how these things work out? ^_^

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Elizabeth had this to say, Jul 28, 2011 @ 6:24 am (Quote)

Um, what?

When I had DS #1 back in 2003, the doctor performed an episiotomy…then, when the baby was crowning, I ripped all the way down to my anus. 4th degree tear. It took over 20 stitches to close me up, and it took four weeks to heal.

With DD in 2004, I refused an episiotomy. My daughter came out and left me with barely a skid mark. Then, when I had DS #2 this year, I again refused an episiotomy. He came out so fast that I had a small first degree tear on my inner labia. Took two or three stitches to close, and only a week and a half to heal, if that. No biggie.

Now…how is an episiotomy better? Hmm?

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Nicole had this to say, Jul 28, 2011 @ 6:39 am (Quote)

Yep, this is what happens alright… less damage.

Did the doctor think that the mother cared that it was a little more difficult for him to stitch? I mean… if you get through medical school, you should be able to stitch a natural tear because HELLO! not all injuries are caused by sharp objects and will be jagged lol.

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Sarah Dorrance-Minch had this to say, Jul 29, 2011 @ 10:30 am (Quote)

Let me guess. Mom’s been Valsalva pushing on her back, maybe with her knees hyperflexed up to her ears, and you haven’t been supporting the perineum because you’ve been doing a routine tube suctioning of the emerging baby’s perfectly fine nostrils.

Episiotomies frequently become third and fourth degree tears. Shut up with the punitive “I told you so” and stitch.

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