So the most pressure, the maximum stretch and pressure is put on that perineum, the base of the vaginal opening, the bottom part, because that's where the baby's coming through.

That gets the maximum stretch.

And at the top has to stretch and the bottom has to stretch.

So labial tear is usually just like a split in the

skin. They are often not repaired because they're usually pretty minor, but sometimes they do

need to be. And the same stuff that we're going to talk about preventing perineal tearing is the

same stuff that you do to try to prevent labial tearing. I had a third degreedegree tear, and the doctor said I qualify for a C-S. Oh, wow, look at that. I've got news for you. You qualify for a C-section. It's your lucky day. So, sorry about the sarcasm. We hear this all the time. You qualify. The doctor found an opportunity to insist on a C-section. Ridiculous description.

I'm Cynthia Overgard, birth educator, advocate for informed consent, and postpartum support

specialist. And I'm Tresha Ludwig, certified nurse midwife and international board-certified

lactation consultant. And this is the Down to Birth Show.

Childbirth is something we're made to do.

But how do we have our safest and most satisfying experience in today's medical culture?

Let's dispel the myths and get down to birth. Here we are.

We're doing our first evening recording in a long time.

We're recording this evening because I had a little incident this morning.

Did you notice which child of yours it involves?

Of course.

Did you?

It's always the same one.

She's away in college.

She comes home for a week and there's an incident.

Unbelievable.

...