Can't comment on the funding issue - sorry. Totally different system here!
About tearing - there are a lot of theories that people swear by, and you can certainly try them out!
Some say taking vitamin E throughout your pregnancy will improve all skin/tissue elasticity, and reduce tearing.
Some say that using evening primrose oil vaginally in the last few weeks will help. (A friend of mine just delivered her fifth baby, first one without tears, and she credits the EPO.)
Some use olive oil on the perineum during labour and crowning.
Some use warm compresses.
Some ask the mother to support the area with her hands as the baby emerges.
Some ask for all hands off the perineum so that a rough touch won't tear the delicate tissue, and use panting to slow down the baby's descent. (pant until the burning stops, and then you should be OK to push again, gently.)
Water birth has a lower tear rate than "land" births.
Squatting is sometimes shown to have a higher tear rate, compared with semi-reclining, or all-fours.
I'm very thankful to say that I haven't torn with any of my babies. My first doctor used hot compresses, and got me to pant through a couple pushes, and things stretched enough to be fine. The nurse had the episiotomy scissors ready to cut, but the doctor stopped her, thankfully! I've heard from many mothers that there's a big difference in how you feel postpartum with tearing and without. (understandably so!)
