Childbirth/labor

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Expert: - 6/10/2009


Question
I'm 5 months pregnant, this is my second child. With the first baby I had an episiotomy. I do not want that to happen with this baby. What can I do on the last months of my prenancy to help me open more and not get an episiotomy?

Answer
Angela,


To be truthful, you probably didn't need the first episiotomy at all.  It is an outdated practice that hasn't been shown to improve outcomes for moms or babies.  Tears have been shown to heal better than cuts because episitomies cut through muscle, not just skin.  


Here are two articles that detail the benefits vs. risks of episiotomy and ways to avoid an episiotomy:

http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/benefits-and-risks-of-episiotomy.html
http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/avoiding-episiotomy.html

You may also want to start perineal massage to help the tissues stretch, which is explained at http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/perineum-massage.html


Best,
Catherine

Childbirth

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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