04/11/2023
An episiotomy is when the perineum, or the layer of skin connecting the vaginal opening to the a**s, is cut.
Doctors do this during childbirth to allow for more room for babies to pass through in an attempt to avoid tearing.
The problem with this logic is that cutting the vaginal opening can actually CAUSE more severe tears.
Tearing naturally is far better for healing than being cut. The tissue that tears during birth does so in a way that when it heals it fits back together like a puzzle piece.
When this tissue is cut, it isnât able to heal back in place as well which leads to a harder, longer healing period.
Take a sheet of paper and pull on both sides. How easy does that tear? Not very.
Now cut a slit in the middle of the paper and do the same thing - it tears rather quickly.
So when your OB suggests doing an episiotomy think twice before consenting!
It is YOUR body, you are allowed to say âI do not consent to you cutting me, I would rather tear naturally.â