S2E29 - Episiotomy - Part 1
Aug 23, 2026 · 50 min · 13 segments
Shellie and Simon break down what this surgical cut actually does to the perineum, why it was normalised for decades, and why the evidence now strongly supports restrictive use instead of routine…
Shellie and Simon break down what this surgical cut actually does to the perineum, why it was normalised for decades, and why the evidence now strongly supports restrictive use instead of routine intervention.Shellie, joined by her husband and co-host Simon, takes you inside the anatomy, history, and real-world consequences of episiotomy. From the pressure of crowning to the structures that can be cut, torn, or damaged, this episode exposes the gap between what birthing people are often told and what the research shows.You'll discover:What an episiotomy is, how it differs from a natural tear, and why the direction of the cut mattersWhy midline, mediolateral, lateral, J-shaped, T-shaped, and radical incisions each carry different risksHow episiotomy became routine through outdated obstetric ideology, not evidenceWhy forceps births are one of the few scenarios where episiotomy may genuinely reduce serious anal sphincter injuryWhat women report about pain, healing, sex, breastfeeding, anxiety, and the long shadow episiotomy can leave behindThey also unpack the consent problem head-on. Shellie and Simon discuss how often episiotomies happen without meaningful consent, why pain relief is sometimes withheld or minimised, and how being on your back in hospital can increase the likelihood of intervention. Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me Website: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@birthuntethered Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theserenitydoula/ https://www.instagram.com/birth.untethered/ https://www.instagram.com/kemibirthjoyjohnson/ Support us by buying our merch: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/merch Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/shellie https://buymeacoffee.com/dujube
Shellie and Simon break down what this surgical cut actually does to the perineum, why it was normalised for decades, and why the evidence now strongly supports restrictive use instead of routine…
