Labor and Episiotomy?

Question

I'm not 100% sure how I am going to deliver yet I still have 5 months to go. But I am terrified of the Whole going into labor thing and whether or not to get an episiotomy mostly because I have a very low tolerance for any kind of discomfort and pain in general. My mother doesn't help because all she does is say "epidural will give you major back problems in the future I didn't have one" "you have to get an episiotomy because you'll tear really badly and need 234 stitches inside out". So I'm freaking out and my husband is supportive of whatever I want to do. I'm just so nervous and scared and honestly sometimes I cry because I have no one to talk to that doesn't tell me I'm acting stupid or giving me helpful advice and talking to me how a normal person should. Considering this is my first child. So any past birth mothers please help me to understand and not feel like I've made a mistake.

Answer

I felt really freaked out about birth too but I read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and I feel excited for a natural, medication free birth. I really recommend that book for ease of mind.

Answer

They don't do episuotomies anymore. If your doctor does, they beed to retire lol. Also you can request none, just to be on the safe side. But I highly doubt they will.

How old are you, that she's trying to scare you like this? When I was a teen mom my mom scared me too. And I realize now it was because she was mad I was pregnant so her passive-aggressive ways was to scare the shit out of me. And talk me out of pain meds during my recovery. Which was a horrible recovery and the doc was surprised how hard of a time I was having.

Epidurals, there's a CHANCE something can get hurt and cause long pain. But very low. I've had 3. Give your back enough time to heal. My 3rd child I didn't wait long enough to recover and it caused pain for a long time. But I strapped her on me all the time early on. And it was too much too soon.

Stitches. At most you'll get like 3-4 I'm not sure how big your moms vagina is to get over 200!! Lol! The stitches, if you get any..I got stitches 2 of 4 deliveries, will itch as they heal. May cause discomfort, and if you need medication, they will give you it. Sits baths help, the tucks they give you help, and after baby REST for a few weeks!! Ice packs will help as well. Get support from other mommies who want to help, not horrify you!!

I'm on baby 5 and still horrified of the pain. But we all make it!  Another help for no tearing during labor is they do this thing as baby is coming where they rub the bottom of the vagina to help stretch. You can do that  before labor with oil to help too. Look up how to do it tho!

Answer

Read Ina may gaskins guide to childbirth it will put your fears to rest. And an episiotomy should be the least of your worries

Answer

In addition to Ina Mays, I highly, highly suggest reading "Expecting Better" by Emily Oster. It has been a total game changer for me. She has done extensive research and gives you facts about different topics (lunch meat, episiotomies, weight gain, etc) and allows you to make the best judgement call for yourself!! I recommend it to any woman TTC or already pregnant!!

Labor and Episiotomy?

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