Sewing a tear or episiotomy
Match the sides of the tear carefully. Try to put the skin back where it was before
the birth. This can be difficult with a complicated tear and swollen tissue.
The torn edges of the tear
should line up closely.
like this
not like this
The suture should come through just above the bottom of the tear. If the stitch is
too shallow, the space under the stitch can fill with blood or pus and get infected.
If the stitch is too deep, it can pierce the rectum. This can cause serious infection.
This stitch is done right.
Make each stitch tight enough to
bring the sides of the tear
together snugly. Do not make
them too tight — that can cause
pain or infection.
This stitch is
too shallow.
Blood and pus
will collect here.
This stitch is too deep.
It goes into the rectum
where the stool is.
The edges should
line up closely.
They should not
bunch the skin.
363
A Book for Midwives (2010)