If you had an episiotomy or extensive tear with a previous birth...

[MissMuffet]

...did you tear at all during your UC? If not, what position did you birth in? And if so, was it along the old scar line? what factors do you think contributed to the tear?

According to Michel Odent, a birthing woman with the right cocktail of hormones (stemming from feelings of security, privacy etc) will instinctively birth in a position that protects from any trauma to her perineum. Just looking for real life stories that reflect this.

[babymonster]

Yep.  I had a 4th degree tear with my first (vacuum delivery) and a lateral episiotomy with my 2nd (forceps delivery, I had bad luck!).

For my UC I birthed on hands and knees and tore into the original scar on my perineum (into the muscle).  I suspect if I could have slowed him down a little the tear would not have been as bad.  I wasn't really expecting his head with that contraction, but it shot right down and out with one push.  If I had realised I might have tried to pant a little!

I did a lot of research before my 2nd birth, and a repeat 4th degree tear is very unlikely with a natural birth - something like 5%  

[MissMuffet]

Ouch! Did you go to a midwife or to a dr. for repair? 

eta- Are there positions that m/ws specifically recommend for protecting the perineum?

[babymonster]

We were going to take the baby for his newborn check at the hospital (it was a "oops, it was all so fast" arrangement).  As it happened, my placenta wouldn't come, so we were there anyway for that.  I would love to experience PP with no stitches!  

From the research I did, it seems that all fours or side lying are easier on the perineum, also birthing in water.  I think a full squat increased the risk slightly, maybe because the baby can come faster like mine did?  I read the same as you - that you will naturally assume the best position given the chance.