22/04/2026
A reshare from 4 years ago because I still feel this is so true today. It is not about creating fear but opening a dialogue where informed choice is possible.
Repost:
No, no, no! Just no!
We need to stop with this archaic belief! A pregnant body most often does not need help to birth a baby.
Of course there are situations and factors that augment the necessity for intervening but as a rule, the human body is quite capable of opening up and letting out.
What are some things that could make an episiotomy (or any intervention) necessary?
💥Lack of privacy
💥Lack of information
💥Lack of support
💥Lack of adequate skills in attending caregiver
💥Restrictions on movement
💥Forced back-lying positions for birth
💥Use of stirrups or other means of keeping knees and legs open
💥Forced pushing and breath holding
So what can a person do to have a better chance?
⭐️Create your own space and lower lights, minimise interruptions and avoid observers
⭐️Get educated and do antenatal classes so you and your partner know your options and rights
⭐️Get extra support from a local doula that has experience
⭐️Ask what the episiotomy rate or intervention rate is for the establishment you will be choosing to birth in. Find out about the caregiver what their rate is. Ask questions to find out what they are doing to reduce their numbers
⭐️Move around in labour and help descend well into the pelvis and encourage baby into an optimal position
⭐️Discover positions for birth and try out different ones to find which feel good for you. Explore which positions open up the outlet better. You’ll be surprised to know it is not with your legs and knees wide open!!!
⭐️Explore your pelvic floor and the dynamics therein and practice breathing out and down.
There is much you can do but the key here is to know more and stay firm to what you request. It is not always easy to stand up to authority but if you know the facts and the evidence proves the facts, you are within your rights to expect better from outdated systems and practices!
