When I take a birth history of my bf moms, I always ask about complications during the birth or immediate pp period: i.e. - heavy pp bleeding, baby in NICU, episiotomy, baby in distress or deep suctioned, etc. The women are always surprised at the fact that I include the episiotomy in complications, and I remind them that 'if momma ain't comfortable, ain't no body comfortable,' and that it makes it more difficult for her to get into a pleasant, comfortable position for bf. Having been on the receiving end of one episiotomy (the direct result of which was inability to urinate, a bladder infection and a hospital stay of 6 days -- imagine that! -- and pain for over a year), and two minor lacerations with the next two babies, I say, "Let 'er rip! -- though of course, I think a controlled birth using massage, olive oil and warm compresses is much better. We used a crock pot in the birthing center to keep the water for the compresses at just the right temperature.... Jan B