Fear causes tears, perineal tears that is. This is the conclusion of a new study out of Sweden. The study looked at perineal tearing in home birth settings. What they found was that midwives prevent tears long before the birth actually occurs. They do this through a number of means, but the overriding theme, strong communication between the mother and midwife. Then when the pushing phase is underway, they have an already established relationship and a trust. If pushing needs to be slowed down, if the midwife needs to tell the mother to blow through a few contractions to ease the head out, it's fine because the mother and her midwife have a bond which they both can rely on in this intense moment. The mother can then relax, her pelvic floor muscles can relax too, she can push without fear into the trusted hands of her midwife.
The other areas which the study found important in preventing vaginal tears amongst a home birth population were:
1. Preparing for the birth
2. Going along with the physiological process
3. Creating sense of security
4. The critical moment
5. Midwifery skills
Another great reason to consider midwifery care. Your bottom will thank you!!
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