I think the best thing they usually say is to take your time and listen to the midwife.

I think if you have a normal unaccelerated labour and you obey your midwife when she tells you not to push, your tearing will be minimal, i think you only tear badly when the baby, for whatever reason has to be delivered faster than the perineum can stretch.

I seriously think i'd rather tear than be cut....

Hana