i was induced for DD's birth (at my request) and things progressed well BUt my heart rate shot through the roof and DD's kept dropping, both of which caused a lot of concern to my OB....

he said he needed to "help" me to get her out and asked to use the forceps and i said no, he then told me i had torn and would need stitches and would i consent to a episiotomy....

i had epidural so it didnt hurt, actually i didnt feel a thing when it was done.

once the cut was made my DD literally fell out, my OB told me not to push, and as far as i was concerned i wasnt, my body might have been i dont know, but she just fell out!!!

i was obviously stitched up and to be honest the ligament pain i had ( i was in stirrups for over a hour at a time, 3 times in the 5 days leading up to and including delivery) was sooooo much worse!

i was tender, but i really only noticed it when i went to stand or sit, once i took panadol on the day after she was born and that was it, i didnt need the ice packs or anything.

its definitly a personal choice and honestly before DD's birth i was terrified of being cut and having my fanny stitched but i hardly noticed it....

and TMI but i was sure id be in agony DTD but there is no pain from that either.

good luck with ur decision, do your research and choose the option you feel is right for you!