With my first daughter I was first told that I would not need stitches until the 2nd MW started saying "erm wheres that blood coming from?" I then refused stitches as they were the scariest part of giving birth for me (i was only 18) The midwife then started saying "hmm that should be there, that bit there" Basically saying I was mutilated down there!! I was so scared and frightened. I still refused stitches. Mw basically said I would never be able to have sex again (not a good argument to a woman just given birth IMO) Eventually consented. Was the worst time of my life. Was in so much pain, held onto the gas and air as if my life depended on it, and at that stage I think I did think that. 2nd birth was so scared of having to have stitches agian but was lucky and didn't need them.

I can understand why women put this on there birth plan.