Questions
Can a Midwife Give Stitches? Yes—Here's What to Expect
Yes, midwives can give stitches for perineal tears. They are trained to suture first- and second-degree tears, which are the most common. For more severe tears, they will refer you to a physician.
Can a Midwife Give Stitches? Yes—Here’s What to Expect
Yes, a midwife can give stitches. Midwives are trained to repair perineal tears that happen during vaginal birth. This is a routine part of postpartum care. In fact, many midwives routinely stitch up any tearing around the vagina or perineum right after delivery.
Most tears during birth are first- or second-degree. These involve the skin and sometimes the underlying muscle of the perineum. Midwives are skilled at suturing these with local anesthetic, so you stay comfortable. They use dissolvable stitches that don't need removal.
If you're planning a home birth or birth center birth, your midwife will have the supplies and training to handle stitches on the spot. You won't need to transfer to a hospital for a minor tear. For more severe tears, your midwife will arrange a referral to a physician. But those are less common.
At The Midwife and More, our team has supported over 700 hospital births and has over 23 years of NICU experience. We know how to care for your body after birth, including stitches. You're in good hands.
Tearing During Home Birth: How Your Midwife Handles Stitches
If you tear during a home birth, your midwife can give you stitches right there in your home. Here's what to expect and how to prepare.
- Your midwife assesses the tear – After birth, your midwife checks the perineum for any tearing and determines the degree.
- You get local anesthesia – A numbing injection is given so you don't feel the stitching.
- Suturing is done with sterile tools – Your midwife uses sterile gloves, instruments, and dissolvable sutures.
- You receive aftercare instructions – You'll learn how to keep the area clean, manage pain, and spot signs of infection.
- Follow-up visits are scheduled – Your midwife checks your healing at your postpartum appointments.
If a tear is severe (third or fourth degree), your midwife will recommend transferring to a hospital for a physician to repair. This is rare but important for your health.
What Tears Can a Midwife Stitch? Understanding Degrees and Limits
Midwives can stitch first- and second-degree tears. Here's a breakdown of what each degree means and who repairs it.
| Degree | What It Involves | Who Repairs It |
|---|---|---|
| First-degree | Skin only, minor tear | Midwife |
| Second-degree | Skin and perineal muscle | Midwife |
| Third-degree | Involves the anal sphincter | Physician |
| Fourth-degree | Extends into the rectum | Physician |
Midwives are trained to recognize when a tear is beyond their scope. If you have a third- or fourth-degree tear, your midwife will arrange for a physician to perform the repair. This ensures you get the right care.
What to Expect When Your Midwife Gives You Stitches
- Numbing – Your midwife applies a local anesthetic to the area so you feel minimal discomfort.
- Cleaning – The perineum is cleaned with antiseptic to prevent infection.
- Suturing – Your midwife stitches the tear in layers, using dissolvable sutures that absorb on their own.
- Aftercare – You'll get instructions on keeping the area clean, using ice packs, and taking pain relief as needed.
- Healing – Stitches dissolve over 1–2 weeks, and you'll have follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
If you have questions about recovery, our team can help. We also offer [[how-to-heal-vaginal-tear-after-birth|vaginal tear healing tips]] to guide you.
Directions to our midwife near me from California Lutheran University
Start at California Lutheran University and head to The Midwife and More at 5115 Clareton Drive, suite #100, Agoura Hills, CA 91301.
What Midwives Can and Can’t Do: Scope of Practice Explained
Midwives are highly trained professionals, but there are limits to what they can do. They cannot perform C-sections, nor can they repair third- or fourth-degree tears. They also don't provide care for high-risk pregnancies that require medical intervention.
However, midwives can provide prenatal care, labor support, birth center or home birth, postpartum care, and women's wellness services. They can also prescribe medications, order labs, and give stitches. In California, midwives work within a legal scope of practice that is well-defined.
If you're considering a midwife, it's good to know what they can and can't do. This helps you make an informed choice. For more on midwifery vs. OB care, see [[midwife-what-does-obgyn-mean|midwife vs. OB-GYN]].
Midwife vs. Doctor: Who Gives Stitches and How It Differs
Both midwives and doctors can give stitches, but their scope and approach differ. Here's a quick comparison.
| Aspect | Midwife | Doctor |
|---|---|---|
| Can give stitches | Yes, for first- and second-degree tears | Yes, for all degrees |
| Setting | Home, birth center, hospital | Hospital |
| Approach | Natural, low-intervention | Medical, intervention-ready |
| Referral | Refers to doctor for severe tears | Handles severe tears directly |
Both are skilled, but midwives focus on physiological birth. If you prefer a natural approach with the ability to handle stitches, a midwife is a great choice. For high-risk situations, a doctor may be more appropriate.
Can a Midwife Give Stitches in California? Legal Scope of Practice
Yes, in California, midwives can legally give stitches. The California midwifery scope of practice allows certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) to perform perineal repair for first- and second-degree tears. This is part of their training and licensure.
If you're in Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Fillmore, Calabasas, Newbury Park, or Simi Valley, you can get midwifery care that includes suturing. Our team at The Midwife and More follows all state regulations and best practices.
For more on licensing, see [[how-to-verify-a-midwife-is-licensed|how to verify a midwife is licensed]].
Get Midwifery Care in Agoura Hills: Your Next Steps
- Call us – Reach us at 877-537-3240 to ask questions or schedule a consultation.
- Book online – Use our online scheduling to pick a time that works for you.
- Visit our clinic – We're at 5115 Clareton Drive, Suite #100, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. We're open Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM, with after-hours appointments available.
- Start your care – We'll guide you through prenatal, birth, and postpartum services, including stitches if needed.
We serve families across the Conejo Valley and beyond. We look forward to supporting you.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Can a midwife stitch you up if you tear?
Yes, midwives are trained to stitch first- and second-degree perineal tears. They use local anesthesia and dissolvable sutures. For more severe tears, they refer you to a physician.
What are midwives not allowed to do?
Midwives cannot perform C-sections or repair third- and fourth-degree tears. They also don't manage high-risk pregnancies that require specialist care. They focus on low-intervention, physiological birth.
How common is it to give birth at home?
Home births are a small but growing percentage of births in the U.S. Many families choose home birth for a natural, comfortable experience. Midwives provide safe care for low-risk pregnancies.
Do they shave pubic hair during labor?
No, routine shaving is not recommended and is not done by midwives. It can increase infection risk. You can groom as you prefer, but it's not required.
Also asked as
- Can a midwife stitch you up if you tear?
- Do midwives do stitches after birth?
- Can a midwife repair a perineal tear?