When I discussed my fears about episiotomies with my midwife, she explained things this way:
Imagine trying to tear a shirt in half. Now, imagine cutting it with scissors a little and trying again. Which one will rip more?
Brilliant.
Bottom line: don't let them cut you. Tearing will result in far less damage to the area and will heal faster and better.
See. It's as simple as that. The end.
Wow, that's such a great explanation of this tear vs. cut debate! I tore while birthing my son and had to get stitched up, but I never thought "Oh, I wish they would've just cut me." Tearing was just the natural progression of things. That didn't stop others from asking me why I didn't just ask them to cut me LOL, but this explanation is perfect. Definitely going to use this next time the discussion comes up :P
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