Perineal tears during homebirth

How do I know if I have a tear? Let us begin by reminding ourselves the importance of prevention when it comes to a tear. Do not rush the birth and do not push beyond your urges. Choose good positions that leave stretch in the perineal skin. Relax the perineum while you push, don't tighten the muscle. Read the section on preventing an episiotomy for more information.

If you hired a midwife to attend you at home, she will do any repairs necessary before she leaves. This is part of homebirth midwifery services. Most issues that arise during labor are easily handled with the equipment a midwife brings to your home.

That being said, my midwife told me a tear that needed repair would be noticeable unless it was inside. Basically she said I should know what my vagina looks like and know if something was not right. My son was born on a Friday, and she saw me on Monday at her office. There was no tear, which was good since it would have been too late to repair it by then. I have seen two tears in labor which the midwives were kind enough to show me. Indeed my midwife was right, in both instances it was obvious the skin was not intact.

What would you like next?

Learn comfort techniques for labor.

Find out how what you eat can impact how you give birth.

Learn ways to stay comfortable during pregnancy.

Read sample birth plans.

Get emotionally prepared to give birth.