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I was absolutely, 100% against it.... and I got one because I needed forceps. I'd take the episiotomy over a c/s any day. Meh. I don't think it was that big of a deal in the end. It healed cleanly and the scar is very tiny. Didn't really hurt that badly either.

I didn't want one, ended up needing one due to fetal distress. I remember thinking when they were cutting "hey wait, I didn't want an episiotomy!" But it was needed for LOs safe arrival, and like @zippylef, I'd rather have that than a C-section!

I don't want one, but my doc thinks they are a better option over tearing. I'm trusting his judgment that he won't do one unless absolutely necessary and I'll be looking for coaching during pushing so I don't push too hard and tear uncontrollably after a cut is made (if necessary).

I am terrified at the thought of an episiotomy. We learned in our childbirth class that our hospital will not do one unless you already have a 1st-2nd degree tear and look like you may tear worse. So that makes me feel better. Though like pps have said, I'd take an episiotomy over a cesarean....lesser of 2 evils.

I had a discussion with my OB. I went in thinking an episiotomy would be a cleaner cut and therefore heal faster/better than a tear. But my OB said tears heal much better and all of the doctors in her practice will avoid an epi unless absolutely necessary. I trust her judgement.

My OB and hospital both said they're only used in cases of emergency. I read somewhere comparing it to ripping paper vs. cutting it - matching up & "healing" aka taping a jagged edge is easier than a clean one. Made sense to me.

I didn't want one and stated so in my birth preference list that my doula gave to the nurses at the hospital. They were really nice about sticking with my birth plan. I was going to discuss with my OB but went into labor before I had the chance. I did have a weird nurse afterwards who asked me why I didn't want one.

No but it was on my birth plan that I didnt want an episiotomy at all. I'd rather tear

I had a very unusual labor and delivery. I had a totally natural birth and barely remember it except for the amount of pain I was in, but even that was forgettable. I went from a 2.5 to a 6 to an 8 to a 10 in less than 2 hours so I had no time to stretch. My OB is not quick to do episiotomies, but I barely even remember getting one. I had 3rd degree tears even with an episiotomy and can't imagine how bad it would have been had I just torn naturally. This is probably TMI but my ass is still bleeding when I have a BM, so I literally cannot imagine how bad it could have been had he not done one. Plus DS was sunny side up!

I said no episiotomy. Probably would have torn less if I had gotten one though.

Hey lookie here, a blog that I read posted about this topic just now:

http://www.healthytippingpoint.com/2012/11/mind-and-body-after-baby-month-5.html

While I was in labor my OB said that I would probably need one, but then she disappeared to deliver another baby, and baby the time she came back, they already had me pushing and I had a tear. I was a little irritated about that!

Didn't want one, but didn't need one....would have had one to avoid overtearing. I ended up with a small tear.

The hospital I delivered at does not routinely perform them, but I ended up with one, and a 2nd degree tear to boot. Post-delivery was really hazy for me, and I didn't ask enough questions so I don't know exactly why they ended up doing it, but since he did he must have had a damn good reason. I'd been pushing for two hours, my blood pressure and his heart rate both dropped scary low right at the end, he was posterior, and they wanted to get him out ASAP, so I'm guessing those were big contributing factor.

ETA: DH told me the OB only cut after he'd spent half an hour massaging my perineum with oil over and over again and letting me labor down. I do not believe he did it willy-nilly.

I don't want one. Our hospital does not routinely do them, and neither does our doctor's office.

Loved it.
I needed it...Dr. said there was no way in hell he was coming out without it. As soon as she cut: he came flying out!
My recovery sucked at first; I was addicted to my pain meds and my Tuck's pads:) but that only lasted about 2 weeks (or less). After the 2w mark, I would feel more & more like myself everyday. Now at 5w pp, my stitches have disintegrated and I feel great:)
I didn't talk to my OB about it ahead of time because I didn't think it would be an issue for me (so naive). But if I had I would have told her to cut me rather than let me tear a jagged tear! Those are tougher to stitch up nicely.

ETA: with the epi: I felt nothing. I felt the stitches maybe a couple hours after, but I told the nurse & she quickly got me some pain killers. Oh, and f you don't have an epi: they can/will numb you with a local anesthetic when they stitch you up.

I honestly have no idea if I had one or not. I'm pretty sure I did since I had to have forceps assistance. All I know is I had a second degree tear. The first week was kind of painful but after that not so much. I only had to take a painkiller once when I got home, the rest of the time ibuprofen was enough. After pushing for three long hours I was willing to do whatever was needed to get him out!

i trust my doctors' decision. my doctors and hospital do everything the can do avoid them, but if they feel it's necessary, then they're welcome to go for it. in the end, i just want a safe delivery and healthy baby.