A couple of years ago, Mamaramatv devoted one of her public access show episodes to the following question submitted by a soon-to-be dad:
“Will my wife’s vagina get all stretched-out from birthing?”
Mamarama uses the question, one many folks wonder about, to educate about episiotomy and unnecessary cesarean section surgery.
Viewers come away with a better understanding of the pelvic floor muscles’ function during pregnancy and birth as well as the importance of postpartum care regardless of how a baby is born. Watch for yourself.
Take away on episiotomy:
- Falling out of favor due to increased awareness of improved outcomes for patience and non-invasive support methods
- Painful during recovery, not during the procedure
- Typically requires 40 stitches
- Leaves scar tissue that can be debilitating
- Does NOT protect a woman from pelvic floor dysfunction
Skipping the episiotomy allows a woman’s body to tear only, if at all, in areas where there is stretching and stress. If stitches are required, they go only where they are needed. Healing is swifter and less debilitating. Childbirth Connection offers thorough information on episiotomy and why almost all women should avoid them.
