I had an episiotomy with my first birth and found it very painful.  My
second baby was 9lb and I didn't even have a tear so i know my body could
have coped with my smaaller baby given half a chance.  If I had been in
hospital i would almost certainly have had an episiotomy the second time i
am sure.  I agree that a controlled, careful delivery is much better.
Except in maybe the very, very rare instance routine episiotomy is the
product of an obstetrical service rife with male doctors who have no faith
in women's bodies to perform the task they were designed for - giving
birth!

 As Sheila
Kitzinger (sp?) put it as she stepped of the plane at Auckland Airport
three years ago - 'episiotomy is the rape of all women'.  She then turned
to a reporter who was present and asked him 'how would you like it if
someone sliced open your balls?'  Perhaps a little strongly put but I agree
with the sentiments.

Love, Judy.
--
Judy Grundy
email: [log in to unmask]
WWW: http://www.cs.waikato.ac.nz/~jgrundy/judy.html