A tear, a cut, or simply some bruising in the perineum is common after birth. If the tear is more than slight, The doctor will have stitched you, or suture glue may hold the incision in place. This may bring along a great deal of perineal discomfort. Here are some tips to find relief for perineal discomfort after birth.
You should have received instructions from your doctor or midwife about cleaning and caring for the area. You can manage your perineum after birth in two ways.
Peri Bottle
I recommend you get a peri bottle for every bathroom in your house, regardless of whether you give birth in a hospital or at home. That way, you don’t have to carry it to every bathroom you use.
Peri bottles are small squeeze bottles filled with warm water or a solution. After using the restroom, you should wipe the area with this. To minimize stinging and pain when you urinate, you may also point and squeeze the water on the spot while you empty your bladder.
If the tear has not healed completely, don’t wipe it with toilet paper; pat the area dry.
Sitz Bath
You can use warm water to clean an area in a sitz bath, similar to a peri bottle. Sitting on your toilet seat is possible with special sitz baths. You may also sit in a shallow or full bathtub with your doctor or midwife’s permission. Herbs can also soothe the area in a sitz bath.
The amount of discomfort and pain you experience will largely depend on the severity of the injury. A more significant tear is likely to cause more discomfort. If you have more minor tears or bruises, you can keep the area clean to prevent discomfort. Here are some ways to relieve pain.
Cold postpartum pads
If you gave birth in a hospital, they would provide a cold pack for you in your underwear. Your freezer should always contain some postpartum pads; they will reduce swelling and discomfort, and they feel great. You can also use cold packs for sitting.
Donut cushion or pillow
After birth, it can be pretty uncomfortable to sit down. Sitting upright on a donut cushion or unique pillow can reduce discomfort. Some women love boppy pillows. Also available at many drug stores and online are inflatable donut cushions.
Herbs and essential oils
To soothe the area after birth and promote healing, use herbal teas and essential oils. As well as baths, sitz baths, and peri bottles, they can be soaked into postpartum pads and compresses as well.
Comfrey, yarrow, rosemary, goldenseal, witch hazel, thyme, lavender, calendula, myrrh, tea tree oil, and aloe vera are popular herbs and oils for postpartum recovery. You should infuse the herbs before use, and You can add the essential oils directly to the bath or water.
Overall, herb and essential oil remedies are great ways to find relief for perineal discomfort after birth.
Postpartum Healing Infusion
- 1/2 cup comfrey leaves
- 1/4 cup shepherd’s purse
- 1/2 cup sea salt
- 1/4 cup uva ursi leaves
- 1/4 cup lavender flowers
- 1/8 cup myrrh
- 1/2 gallon boiling water
You can mix herbs and salts and store them in a jar. When ready to prepare the mixture, cover it with boiling water and let it steep for 30 minutes. To contain the herbs, you can use cheesecloth or cotton drawstring bags.
You can prepare a liquid ahead of time, strained and refrigerated. To promote postpartum healing and relieve perineal discomfort, soak two to four cups in a bath, sitz bath, or peri bottle.
I hope these tips help you in finding relief from perineal discomfort after birth.
Alongside her therapeutic work, Vanessa is also a certified birth doula. With her doula training, she offers compassionate support to individuals and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, ensuring a nurturing and empowering experience.
Vanessa's commitment to supporting individuals on their healing and transformative journeys shines through her expertise in trauma therapy and her compassionate approach to birth support. With her diverse skill set and passion for holistic well-being, Vanessa strives to provide comprehensive care and education.
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