Why do people always ask for boiling water when helping a woman give birth? by Connie b. Dellobuono

Answer by Connie b. Dellobuono:

The hot compress from boiled water as supported by the hands of midwives support the perineum of the mother to not tear so much.
I feel more pain in the hot compress on my perineum than the birth, although I felt a sharp knife pain when the baby comes out. And so I have a second degree tear at 36 yrs old (second birth). Younger mom delivers her baby with less tear (skin is richer in Vit C, A and E).
Boiling water is used by midwives for many purpose in home birth.
A compress of sage, salt and comfrey is used from the boiled water to add to the sanitary napkin which is frozen or refrigerated to be used after birth to aid in skin healing.

Why do people always ask for boiling water when helping a woman give birth?