Episiotomy

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What If Medicine Disappeared? Gerald E. Markle and Frances B. McCrea See book keywords and concepts

We should add to this total of unnecessary gynecological surgeries the episiotomy (incision in the birth canal prior to delivery), done more often than either C-sections or hysterectomies. Of these almost one million episiotomies per year: There is little scientific support... for rhis procedure. The suggested advantages of episiotomy are challenged easily and the surgery is not without risks. Adverse effects... include an increased incidence of severe lacerations, blood loss, pain, delayed healing, dyspareunia [pain during sexual intercourse], psychological trauma and medical cost.

1000 Cures for 200 Ailments: Integrated Alternative and Conventional Treatments for the Most Common Illnesses Marshall Editions See book keywords and concepts

Staphysagria: This remedy is specifically used to heal incised wounds. An episiotomy (cutting tissue to enlarge the vagina) as a result of childbirth is an excellent example of the kind of wound that calls for Staphysagria. It is appropriate for wounds that involve sharp stinging pains, and that are sensitive to touch. It can also be used to ease residual pain once stitched areas have healed. HERBALISM Tea tree oil: This is perhaps the best and most effective herbal therapy for treating cuts owing to the oil's antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Timeless Secrets of Health & Rejuvenation: Unleash The Natural Healing Power That Lies Dormant Within You Andreas Moritz See book keywords and concepts

One of the most common types of surgery during delivery is known as an episiotomy or "cutting." The procedure helps to widen the vagina so that the baby's head and shoulders come out more easily. This routine operation is supposed to prevent tearing of the vagina. Yet if the mother were not induced and/or made numb by drugs and were properly prepared for the delivery, she would know perfectly well how and when and when not to push to release the child from the birth canal at the right time. The pain would tell her exactly what to do during the birth process.

What If Medicine Disappeared? Gerald E. Markle and Frances B. McCrea See book keywords and concepts

The suggested advantages of episiotomy are challenged easily and the surgery is not without risks. Adverse effects... include an increased incidence of severe lacerations, blood loss, pain, delayed healing, dyspareunia [pain during sexual intercourse], psychological trauma and medical cost.17 How is all this gynecological surgery to be explained? "It's not all that complicated," Fran sneered. "It's just a manifestation of sexism. Most gynecologists are males—all of them used to be—and every single patient with a uterus is female." Fran then told me a story.

In addition to the episiotomy, consider the 494,000 operations to remove a woman's ovaries and Fallopian tubes and the 111,000 mastectomies performed in the year 2000. Most in this latter category are— and have been for at least twenty-five years—controversial. For localized cancers of the breast, it is well-established that removing the lump (lumpectomy) is just as effective and far less traumatic than removal of the entire breast, and perhaps the associated lymph glands (radical mastectomy) as well.

Birthing without obstetric laceration or breaking of the amniotic sac, let alone C-section or episiotomy, would now by necessity happen in a natural way. A variety of gynecological conditions would not be subject to the purported amelioration of major surgery. Patients with coronary artery disease would not be subject to operations of the heart, from the less invasive insertion of stent to the heroic but oddly termed "cabbage." What would take its place?

Overtreated: Why Too Much Medicine Is Making Us Sicker and Poorer Shannon Brownlee See book keywords and concepts

Other examples of widely accepted medical treatments that have been shown not to be effective and frequently harmful when valid studies are done include routine episiotomy, brain bypass surgery for patients with warning signs of stroke, and hormone replacement therapy to prevent a second heart attack in women. The list goes on. Today, doctors routinely prescribe drugs, perform procedures, and use medical devices and tests on the basis of evidence that sometimes has only a little more science to support it than the contagion theory.

Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy Joe Graedon, M.S. and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

These are also recommended for people who have had abdominal or colorectal surgery or an episiotomy during labor and delivery and must avoid straining. Old-fashioned mineral oil is the best-known product in this category. It should be used for only a short time, though. Mineral oil is petroleum-based and is not absorbed into the body. But it can interfere with the absorption of important fat-soluble nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Over weeks or months, this could be detrimental to health.

Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG See book keywords and concepts

Perineal Tears or Extensive Episiotomy The perineum (the area of skin between the vagina and the anus) may be surgically cut (an episiotomy) or may tear during birth. Usually, these will heal faster if all significant tears are stitched. A number of simple procedures can help alleviate discomfort and speed healing: Apply ice immediately after the repair is finished to decrease swelling. Take sitz baths with infusions of vulnerary herbs. Apply Aloe vera gel. Calendula, Symphytum, Hydrastis, and Achillea are all good choices of herbs for ointments or sitz baths.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

Will you have an episiotomy? (This is an incision made to enlarge the vaginal opening either so that forceps can be used or to hasten delivery or to prevent tearing in this area, which takes longer to heal than an incision does.) • Probably the most important question: Are you willing to have a cesarean section, and under what emergency circumstances do they perform this operation? If you had a cesarean for a previous delivery, will you be supported through a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) this time? Over 24 percent of American women who give birth in hospitals undergo cesarean sections.

Fundamentals of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson See book keywords and concepts

A randomized trial comparing hamamelis water with ice and a proprietary formula found no difference between the three forms of treatment in women suffering episiotomy pain following childbirth (Moore et al 1989). Witch hazel is used in after-shave lotions and in cosmetic preparations. REFERENCES Baumgartner M et al 1998 Zeitschrift fur Allgemeine Medizin 74(3): 158 Bremner P.

Power Healing: Use the New Integrated Medicine to Cure Yourself Leo Galland See book keywords and concepts

Lewis, The effect of bromelain therapy on episiotomy wounds—A double blind controlled clinical trial, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the British Commonwealth, Vol. 79 (1972), pp. 951-53. G. Zatuchni and D. Colombi, Bromelain therapy for the prevention of episiotomy pain, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vol. 29 (1967), pp. 275-78. 2. Curcumin, a component of curry, which has anti-inflammatory potency equal to the stronger NSAIDs. One needs pure curcumin in capsules, 400 to 600 mg three times a day. Or turmeric, the spice from which it is derived, 8 to 60 grams per day.

Death by Medicine Gary Null PhD, Carolyn Dean MD ND, Martin Feldman MD, Debora Rasio MD, Dorothy Smith PhD. See book keywords and concepts

In a study of 20,500 women, 5% required an episiotomy and 67 patients (.0033%) experienced wound disruption that required surgical correction resulting in a "satisfactory outcome".1073 NEVER ENOUGH STUDIES Scientists used the excuse that there were never enough studies revealing the dangers of DDT and other dangerous pesticides to ban them. They also used this excuse around the issue of tobacco, claiming that more studies were needed before they could be certain that tobacco really caused lung cancer.

Alternative Medicine the Definitive Guide, Second Edition Larry Trivieri, Jr. See book keywords and concepts

EPISIOTOMY The most common surgical procedure in childbirth and medicine overall is the episiotomy an incision in the muscular wall surrounding the vagina intended to widen the opening and ease delivery. A Canadian study now recommends that routine episiotomies be abandoned. Instead, researchers suggest, this surgery should be reserved for cases of fetal distress or if a woman is unable to deliver her child without help. Episiotomies do not, as previously thought, prevent perineal tears or trauma, enhance later sexuality, or benefit the baby.

Reclaiming Our Health: Exploding the Medical Myth and Embracing the True Source of Healing John Robbins See book keywords and concepts

In performing an episiotomy, the doctor cuts through muscles and nerves. When no episiotomy is performed, if tears do occur, they tend to take place where the perineum has stretched to its fullest, along the lines of least resistance and easiest mending. A 1990 study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women who undergo episiotomies are 50 times more likely to suffer from severe lacerations.44 Another major study concluded that women with episiotomies undergo far more pain than those with tears, and that the pain lasts longer.45 Botched episiotomies are frequent.

The Woman's Encyclopedia of Natural Healing Dr. Gary Null See book keywords and concepts

CORRECTIVE VAGINAL SURGERY In the United States, about 80 percent of women give birth by episiotomy. Of those operations, approximately 90 percent are improperly performed. "Doctors are just not instructed in how to do this surgery," says Dr. Vicki Hufnagel. "All you have to do is go to your local medical school, get out the textbook on obstetrics, and look at what an episiotomy is. It will have a drawing, and a discussion that says to put one or two sutures here, and one or two there. They are teaching physicians to close an entire organ system in just one or two layers.

The Healing Power of Herbs: The Enlightened Person's Guide to the Wonders of Medicinal Plants Michael T. Murray, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Howat R and Lewis G: The effect of bromelain therapy on episiotomy wounds—a double blind controlled clinical trial. / Obstet Gynecol Br Common 79, 951-953, 1972. 24. Zatuchni G and Colombi D: Bromelain therapy for the prevention of episiotomy pain. Obstet Gynecol 29, 275-278,1967. 25. Blonstein J: Control of swelling in boxing injuries. Practitioner 203, 206,1960. 26. Rimoldi R, Ginesu F, and Giura R: The use of bromelain in pneumological therapy. Drugs Exp Clin Res 4, 55-66,1978 27. Ryan R: A double-blind clinical evaluation of bromelains in the treatment of acute sinusitis.

Get Healthy Now with Gary Null: A Complete Guide to Prevention, Treatment and Healthy living Gary Null See book keywords and concepts

Corrective Vaginal Surgery following fpisiotomy_ In the United States, about 80 percent of women give birth by episiotomy. Of those operations, approximately 90 percent are improperly performed. "Doctors are just not instructed in how to do this surgery," says Dr. Vicki Hufnagel. "All you have to do is go to your local medical school, get out the textbook on obstetrics, and look at what an episiotomy is. It will have a drawing, and a discussion that says to put one or two sutures here, and one or two there. They are teaching physicians to close an entire organ system in just one or two layers.

Reclaiming Our Health: Exploding the Medical Myth and Embracing the True Source of Healing John Robbins See book keywords and concepts

When no episiotomy is performed, if tears do occur, they tend to take place where the perineum has stretched to its fullest, along the lines of least resistance and easiest mending. A 1990 study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women who undergo episiotomies are 50 times more likely to suffer from severe lacerations.44 Another major study concluded that women with episiotomies undergo far more pain than those with tears, and that the pain lasts longer.45 Botched episiotomies are frequent.

The results put most hospitals to shame. The episiotomy rate is less than 6 percent. The cesarean rate is less than 7 percent.50 How do they do it? Everything possible is done to enhance a woman's capacity to have pleasure and a sense of well-being. Supported and cared for in a safe, quiet place, she can turn inward and listen to what her feelings tell her to do in labor and birth.

And yet, in Scandinavian countries the episiotomy rate is only 6 percent.42 Are U.S. perineums different from Scandinavian ones? They are all made up of elastic tissue, able to stretch and open. Obstetricians are trained to believe that cutting a woman will prevent her from tearing, but many women will not tear at all if allowed to ease the baby out, particularly if the vaginal opening is massaged or soaked in warm water. At The Farm in Tennessee, more than 70 percent of the thousands of home births have involved no tearing at all, and when tearing has occurred, it has usually been minimal.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete Home Reference to Natural Medicine Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC See book keywords and concepts

It is also indicated after surgeries involving reproductive organs (such as prostate surgery, hysterectomy, C-section, episiotomy) or the abdomen, stomach, and rectum (including hemorrhoids). Staphysagria may also help after operations on traumatic injuries, such as stab or bullet wounds. anxious with the pain, making chewing motions and pressing his gums together, often even while sleeping. Babies who need this remedy are usually chubby, slow to learn to crawl or walk, and their heads often sweat during naps or sleep at night.

Bromelains therapy for the prevention of episiotomy pain. Obstet Gynecol 1967; 29: 275-78. 9. Taub SJ. The use of Ananase in sinusitis. A study of 60 patients. EENT Monthly 1966; 45: 96-98. 10. Ryan RE. A double-blind clinical evaluation of bromelains in the treatment of acute sinusitis. Headache 1967; 7: 13-17. 11. Mori S, Ojima Y, Hirose T, et al. The clinical effect of proteolytic enzyme containing bromelain and trypsin on urinary tract infection evaluated by double blind method. Acta Obstet Gynaecol Jpn 1972; 19: 147-53. 12. Cohen A, Goldman J.

Get Healthy Now with Gary Null: A Complete Guide to Prevention, Treatment and Healthy living Gary Null See book keywords and concepts

All you have to do is go to your local medical school, get out the textbook on obstetrics, and look at what an episiotomy is. It will have a drawing, and a discussion that says to put one or two sutures here, and one or two there. They are teaching physicians to close an entire organ system in just one or two layers. If you were to close a laceration on your face in one or two layers, your muscles wouldn't work, your face wouldn't work. You'd be a real mess. We are teaching students how to close the vaginal vault area in a manner that is not allowable in other places.

Reclaiming Our Health: Exploding the Medical Myth and Embracing the True Source of Healing John Robbins See book keywords and concepts

If a baby is presenting in a breech position and cannot be turned, it may be useful to do an episiotomy. The trouble is that most births are normal, and obstetricians are not trained to do normal births. JUST HAND ME THE BABY WHEN IT'S ALL OVER It is not only obstetricians who often believe that birth is a dangerous and foreign process from which women need to be rescued. Many women believe this as well, and pass this crippling mythology on to other women. Some mothers tell their pregnant daughters, "Now you'll see how I suffered with you.

The Healing Power of Herbs: The Enlightened Person's Guide to the Wonders of Medicinal Plants Michael T. Murray, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Zatuchni G and Colombi D: Bromelain therapy for the prevention of episiotomy pain. Obstet Gynecol 29, 275-278,1967. 25. Blonstein J: Control of swelling in boxing injuries. Practitioner 203, 206,1960. 26. Rimoldi R, Ginesu F, and Giura R: The use of bromelain in pneumological therapy. Drugs Exp Clin Res 4, 55-66,1978 27. Ryan R: A double-blind clinical evaluation of bromelains in the treatment of acute sinusitis. Headache 7,13-17,1967. 28. Taussig S and Nieper H: Bromelain: Its use in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease: Present status. / Int Assoc Prev Med 6,139-151, 1979.

The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing: A Comprehensive A-Z Listing of Common and Chronic Illnesses and Their Proven Natural Treatments Gary Null, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

By enlarging this area, the need for an episiotomy may be eliminated. The technique involves self-massage: With clean hands and warm vitamin E or vegetable oil, the mother places thumbs or index fingers an inch to an inch and a half inside the vagina. Firm, gentle pressure is applied downward and outward until the stretch results in a burning sensation. This is held for a few minutes. The exercise is repeated once or twice a day. During labor, applying pressure to certain acupressure points can reduce pain and anxiety, and even speed up labor.

PDR for Nutritional Supplements Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik See book keywords and concepts

Positive bromelain studies related to oral surgery and episiotomy have been double-blind and placebo-controlled. Positive effects have been attributed by some to anti-inflammatory activity, rather than to an analgesic effect. Bromelain has been used with some success as a substitute for trypsin and pepsin in cases of pancreatic insufficiency and post-pancreatectomy. In vitro and in vivo studies show some bromelain-induced inhibition of platelet aggregation, and some positive brome-lain-related effects have been reported in patients with thromboses and angina.

Healing Your Child: An A-Z Guide to Using Natural Remedies Frances Darragh and Louise Darragh Law See book keywords and concepts

HOMEOPATHIC After-pains: Mag Phos or Cimicifuga Racemosa 30c Exhaustion: China 30c or Cocculus 30c Hemorrhage: Ipecac 200c Pain of Episiotomy: Hypericum or Staphysagria 30c Puerperal Sepsis: Pyrogenium 30c Shock and Bruising: Arnica 200c immediately after birth FEEDING PROBLEMS Belladonna 30c: Breasts swollen, congested, hard and hot with red streaks. Very tender. Abscess. Bryonia 30c: Painful breast engorgement, worse from movement, better from pressure. Mastitis. Chamomilla 30c: Cracked nipples, cries out in pain, very irritable, and emotional.

Homeopathic Medicine at Home: Natural Remedies for Everyday Ailments and Minor Injuries Maesimund B. Panos, M.D. and Jane Heimlich See book keywords and concepts

In addition to relieving sore muscles and bruised parts, Arnica will speedily heal an episiotomy. Carbo vegetabHis, known as the "great reviver," proved a boon during Anne's second delivery. After labor had been going on for some time, she seemed completely depleted and too tired to carry on. The air conditioner was going full tilt—she had asked to have it on even though the rest of us were freezing. I suddenly realized Anne needed Carbo veg.—besides exhaustion, its keynote is a craving for moving, cold air. I gave her a dose, and, in minutes, she had her strength back to complete the job.

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