While an episiotomy isn’t routine anymore, everyone who delivers vaginally — and sometimes even those who have a lengthy labor before having a C-section — can expect some perineal postpartum pain. The vagina still stretches, which may lead to inflammation or vaginal tears.
An episiotomy is a procedure wherein the doctor makes a clean cut to the woman’s perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus) and the muscles beneath it to let the baby pass through quickly. The episiotomy cut is stitched closed after the baby has been delivered.
A natural vaginal tear, on the other hand, may or may not require stitches, depending on its severity. Still, it’s a different path to healing compared to a C-section wound on the abdomen.
Moms share tips on how they cared for their episiotomy, vaginal tear after birth
One mom in the Smart Parenting Village asked for postpartum healing tips using homemade remedies. Many moms shared what they did to help their stitches down there heal faster.
Keep it clean and dry; wear comfy undies
“Hygiene is a must and to pat gently to dry after washing. Wear comfortable underwear, yung huwag masyadong tight for better circulation in the area. Rest and nutrition are all equally important for postpartum recovery.” — Mommy Andrea
Betadine feminine wash
“Betadine fem wash lang, you need an antiseptic wash for fast healing.” — Mommy Marjorie
“I used Betadine feminine wash and in three days wala na yung hapdi nung tahi sa private part ko.” — Mommy Leigh
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWGuava leaves or warm water with salt
"Dahon ng bayabas. As per my OB, iwasan na mainit yung water, dapat yung sakto lang na init, kasi baka naman yung tahi ay matunaw agad." — Mommy Carise
“Upo sa warm water with salt. Wala kasing dahon ng bayabas dito sa amin.” — Mommy Lynn
Use padsicles
“I heard padsicles really help a lot.” — Mommy Chesca
Padsicle is a play on the words “pad” and “popsicle.” It’s a frozen sanitary pad or an ice pack and a maternity pad in one that helps soothe swollen tissue and reduce inflammation.
According to MamaNatural.com, moms say padsicles are incredibly helpful with swollen labia, vaginal tear or episiotomy stitches, and even hemorrhoid relief. When prepared with healing herbs, it can also help prevent infection.
Other tips to help heal an episiotomy or vaginal tear faster
Aside from moms’ tips based on their own experience, you should first ask your doctor for care down there and follow his instructions. Heed these practices to heal faster:
Change pads every two to four hours.
Or change it every time you go to the bathroom. It’s one way to keep your vaginal area clean to avoid infections. Use warm water to wash, and pat the area dry with towel or gauze pads (not toilet paper!).
Leave it alone.
Try not to touch it every so often. The more you tinker with it, the longer it will take to heal. Leave it alone, and it will heal faster. The stitches will dissolve on their own.
CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch nowKeep your bowels consistent.
Eat food with high-fiber content and drink lots of water to prevent constipation. Try not to strain when you poop. Consult your doctor about a stool softener or laxative.
Take it easy and manage the pain if necessary.
Take pain relievers as prescribed by your doctor. Doughnut-shaped pillows could give you some comfort when sitting. Remember to wait six weeks before having sex again or doing any strenuous chores or activities that may cause your stitches to open.
WhatToExpect says it takes about seven to 10 days or more for the stitches in your perineal area to heal, but you may still feel pain down there doe several weeks.
Kegel exercises can help.
Here’s how to do simple Kegel exercises: Squeeze the muscles you use to hold in urine for five minutes. Do this 10 times a day throughout the day.
Alert your doctor if the pain gets worse, you’re not moving your bowels for four days or more, you pass a blood clot larger than a walnut, your vaginal discharge has a foul odor, or you feel your wound had opened up.
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