#15 Recovering from a severe (third degree) tear after homebirth

The Matrescence Podcast

In this episode Bree sits down with Kel to discuss her experience sustaining a third degree (3B) tear during the homebirth of her second child, Emmy.

Bree's homebirth was positive, empowering and everything she had hoped for. However despite having had an undisturbed physiological birth, Bree was surprised to realize that she wasn't experiencing the post-birth euphoria that so many had described. Infact, she seemed to be in quite a lot of pain.

After some time spent bonding with her baby girl the midwives suggested that they do a routine assessment of tears.

Initially they identified that Bree has sustained a second degree tear that could benefit from suturing however during the repair concerns were raised that it was infact a fourth degree tear.

The decision was made to transfer to hospital for a more thorough assessment.

Once in hospital it was established that Bree's tearing was of the third degree and would require surgical repair.

Tune in to hear about the process of repairing tears after a homebirth, how this affected Bree's feelings about her birth and how her recovery has been so far.

Themes: Third degree tear, 3B tear, severe tear, perineal tear, natural birth, homebirth, physiological birth, midwifery-led care, private midwife, doula, hypnobirthing, Hypnobirth Australia, hospital transfer after homebirth,