Episiotomy vs. Tearing: What Moms Need to Know

😊 Episiotomy versus tear: Discover expert advice on birth tears, episiotomy reasons, recovery, and key questions for your provider. 🎓 This recommended birth class helps you prepare for delivery and postpartum recovery: https://www.pullingcurls.com/online-p... 📝Grab my pregnancy freebies: https://pregnurse.com/free-resources/... 👶 Experiencing anxiety about vaginal tearing or episiotomy during birth? This video explains everything you need to know to reduce fear and make confident decisions about perineal tears, episiotomy, labor, recovery, and talking with your doctor. Too many new parents worry about pain, healing, or what their provider might decide during delivery—and feel lost on what’s truly best for their body and baby. With 20+ years of bedside experience, I break down up-to-date, evidence-based advice in plain language so you feel empowered, not overwhelmed. After watching, you’ll better understand possible pain points, what recovery looks like, and strategies for advocating for your own birth plan—making your labor and postpartum journey smoother and more informed. 📚 Quick Breakdown ✨ Difference between tearing and episiotomy, with real-life explanations ✨ Why doctors might cut vs. let you tear ✨ Degrees of tears and what they mean ✨ When an episiotomy is necessary ✨ How to talk to your provider about your birth plan ✨ Evidence-based data on routine vs. selective episiotomy ✨ Ways to support perineal healing and recovery ✨ Tips for postpartum comfort and care 🔔 SUBSCRIBE HERE for more true-to-life tips to lower birth anxiety and make decisions with confidence:    / @pregnancynurse   📝 Other Resources Mentioned in the Video 💻 The recommended online birth class - https://www.pullingcurls.com/online-p... ✂️ Episode about vacuums & forceps -    • Vacuums, Forceps and Birth: What Every Par...   📄 Article with linked studies - https://pregnurse.com/episiotomy-tear... 🎥 Video on how unprepared I was -    • Why I Was Totally Unprepared for Birth—And...   🎥 Video on how to prevent tearing -    • Can You Really Prevent Tearing During Birt...   💙 Video on taking care of your bottom after birth -    • Taking Care of Your Bottom after Baby   🎥 Videos on pushing:    • Labor Breathing Techniques & Pushing Metho...      • When, Where & How to Push for Hospital Bir...      • How to Push During Labor: Timing, Methods,...   👉 Watch Next: 4 Ways to Prepare Your Cervix:    • Four Ways to Prepare Your Cervix and Avoid...   Pregnancy Month by Month playlist:    • Pregnancy Month-by-Month   👩‍⚕️ About Hilary Erickson | The Pregnancy Nurse® Hilary has been a bedside nurse (RN, BSN) for over 20 years, has supported thousands of laboring patients, and is passionate about making birth information simple and practical for you. She shares the latest evidence-based guidelines with personal stories to help you feel empowered in your perinatal journey. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Tearing vs. Episiotomy Introduction & Background 01:04 - What is the Perineum and Defining Tearing 01:33 - Tear Grades Explained (1st–4th) 02:01 - What is an Episiotomy & Hilary's Personal Story 03:10 - Situations When Episiotomy Is Necessary 04:02 - Shoulder Dystocia, Forceps, Vacuum & Timing 05:13 - When Tears Go Up: Urethra Protection 06:04 - Provider Offers & Choice about Episiotomy 06:53 - How Routine Episiotomy Practices Have Changed 07:42 - Cochrane Review: Research on Episiotomy vs. Tearing 09:13 - Types of Cuts & Long-Term Pain Studies 10:14 - Benefits & Downsides to Episiotomy 11:49 - Stretching, Tearing & How to Minimize Risk 12:19 - The Truth About Coached Pushing 13:06 - How to Talk with Your Provider & Tailor Your Birth Plan 15:32 - The Truth About Consent During Emergencies 16:04 - Postpartum Bottom Care & Where to Get Support 🌐 Find us on social @pregnancynurse pregnurse.com | pullingcurls.com ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and not personal medical advice. Always discuss your specific birth situation, risks, or concerns (like perineal pain, forceps or vacuum assistance, or recovery questions) directly with your care provider. Information is evidence-based but not tailored to individual medical needs—practices and recommendations can change, so consult your doctor or midwife for advice specific to you and your baby's health. #birthprep #episiotomy #pregnancyadvice 💗 If you appreciate the expertise and support here, you can donate to help this work: https://pregnurse.com/support