Which is better?

Question

I’ve heard mixed opinions on this so I’m just curious what you ladies think. Is it better to tear naturally or have an episiotomy during childbirth? 
I’m planning to have a natural home/water birth and I know that my midwives don’t even do an episiotomy unless it’s an emergency. I’ve been told that’s pretty much the standard way of thinking now but a few members of my family were trying to convince me otherwise. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Answer

Not many places pratice episiotomy anymore, mainly because it takes longer to heal and the pain is worse. I would not want to do that even if it was an option

Answer

I learned in nursing school that episiotomies were done to speed up healing time and prevent infection. Now all I hear at work is how it’s better to read naturally because the jagged tissue heals better somehow. I don’t know anyone that has gotten an episiotomy. I don’t think it’s done much anymore.

Answer

I had an episiotomy. I feel like it healed pretty quickly. The cut was very clean so theres not even a scar. I have heard tearing naturally is better but I was scared of tearing to the point I was holding back. They numbed me so I didnt feel the actual cut. I wouldnt like outright recommend it and say oh do it or anything. It definitely was not in my plan to get one but then again, nothing went as planned when it came down to it. Don’t regret it tho.

Answer

I had one with my daughter becuz it was necessary and my healing was much more uncomfortable. I tore naturally with my second, a second degree tear and its was much easier healing from it

Answer

Not everyone tears or needs an episotomy. So hopefully you won't. But I would imagine you get a cleaner cut with an episotomy as opposed to just tearing. So it makes it a little easier to stitch up.

Which is better?

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