HI All,

I sustained a 2nd degree (although, I belive it might have been VERY close to a 3rd) tear with my first baby. I was very stressed and emotionally upset about it for a time, but now I must admit all is fine.

Here is my question - my OB specifically told me that he NEVER cuts an episiotomy (unless an emergency) and prefers to let women tear naturally. Now, most of my friends had epis, opposed to tears, and all said their OBs professed that epis are better than spontaneous tearing. Im just wondering if anyone out there knows what benefit my OB (who is very well regarded in the birth world, I might add) may see in spontaneous tearing? I tore straight down the middle, whereas most epis tend to be cut an an angle, and I cant help but think that the straight tear I had is located in the weakest spot, and therefore, most like to re-tear next time. I dont necessarily want a c/s next time, but Im just so afraid of tearing badly!

Any input?