Science
In this episode of the medical podcast, Atypical Presentation, we explore the topic of the famed and feared “husband stitch”, an extra throw of nylon an obstetrician supposedly asks a mother’s significant other if he’d like for “increased pleasure” or “tightness”. And before we even get into that crazy practice and the morality behind this decision, the autonomy it takes away from a mother, and the objectification it takes on, we take a closer look into episiotomies and several research studies as to the actual risk vs benefit breakdown of the procedure. Who are episiotomies being performed on? Why? Do I need one? Do I have a say in if I get one, when the time comes? In addition, we also discuss other gender power discrepancies in the birthing suite and patient care dynamics as also touched upon in the referenced blog “Feminist Midwife”, curated by midwife Stephanie.An excerpt from the short story, The Husband Stitch, by Carmen Maria Machado is read aloud to give a more realistic depiction of this procedure.To read more from Stephanie’s blog, visit:http://www.feministmidwife.com/www.notyourtypicalpresentation.com