In a message dated 10/7/98 8:29:47 PM, Jeanne M wrote:

<<As long as we're fantasizing, wouldn't it be lovely for an obstetrician
to see a baby delivered over an intact perineum?>>

Yes, and I'm hopeful that attitudes are improving. Example: During Weekend
Lamaze class the other day, mother expecting her second, tells how she was
brave this time and brought up epis with her OB at the last prenatal visit
because for the last birthing experience, 5 yrs ago, episiotomy was routine
for this doc. OB's response this time was that episiotomy is not routine and
she discussed with him techniques that she and her partner plan to utilize to
avoid epsiotomy and tearing. I have been hearing "not routine" more and more
in the last couple of years. That is some degree of progress.

Deborah Tobin RN BSN IBCLC LCCE
Northern Virginia USA
In the suburbs outside the Washington DC beltway
mailto:[log in to unmask]