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Ask A Nurse
Questions and Answers

Q. I have a huge fear of getting an episiotomy, when I give birth next spring. Am I more likely to get an episiotomy if I have an epidural?

What is your opinion on epidurals? How effective is a TENS unit for controlling pain? How effective is gas for controlling pain?

Look forward to hearing from you.

A. You really need to be in a child birth preparation class. It will help some of these fears and worries to learn about the various interventions in birth and your choices. An episiotomy is an incision made at the perineum to give to prevent tearing. Some practitioner believe that a straight line is easier to repair. Some believe that you can be allowed to tear naturally if at all and the repair is the same. In the United States it is common practice in some areas for first time moms to recieve one. If you are wanting to avoid this, you will need to start perineal message now to stretch the tissue. Then at the time of birth, apply warm compresses at crowning and have a health care provider that will assist in this plan to gentle pushing while stretching this tissue.

I have not had much experience with TENS units. We have had physical therapist that have used them in birth, with good success.

The epidural, in my opinion is a personal choice. I had one in my first birth, and hated it. It took away my ability to push and lengthened my labor. But I know people who were so anxious that it helped them to relax and they dilated quickly and did not have a long pushing stage. I prefer less interventions and with the epidural there is a cascade of interventions that can follow.

My advice is to seek a great class in your area and learn all your options.

Debi Fatherree, RN, has been in nursing for 10 years. All of it has been with a childbirth focus. She has worked postpartum, nursery, NICU and have cross trained some in Labor and Delivery. She started a infant home visit and prenatal educational program in her rural home town and was nominated for Maternal Child nurse of the Year in 1995. She and her husband were transferred with his company 1 1/2 years ago and she started teaching chidlbirth classes and doing breastfeeding classes and consults. She also works as a doula and has her own business, StorkHelp. Debi is mom to three wonderful children - Katie, age 8, Hannah, age 6 and Bobby, age3 (my spit fire.) She and her husband have been married thirteen years, a great accomplishment these days. She currently teaches in the hospital setting and privately through StorkHelp.

Debi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.