[ozmidwifery] Vaginal wall tearing

[Ross W Timbs]

Isis,   I had a 3rd degree tear with the birth of my first child.  I believe there were also a number of contributing factors to this - mostly crap in my head from other peoples' births (I am a midwife).  The tear healed well, but remained tender for about 12 months.   My second child was 4585g, 200g+ larger than my first, and I had an intact perineum with her birth.  I did have a small cystocoele (weakness in the anterior vaginal wall) after her birth.  I don't know whether this was a result of perineal scar tissue, or my mind protecting my perineum.  Whatever, the cystocoele was much better than a perineal tear (and obviously much better than a Caesarean).  It never caused any problems and disappeared when I stopped breastfeeding.   In my practice as a midwife, I have seen many women achieve natural births after previous bad experiences, including extensive perineal damage.   Don't let this dreadful man into your head (or near you when birthing).  Keep your belief in yourself.   Jacky