A common practice during childbirth is episiotomy, a small incision in the perineum - the area between the vaginal and anal opening - to ensure that there is ample space for the baby to pass through. Episiotomy can avoid laceration of the vagina, which would be more difficult to mend after delivery. It is a practice that is often necessary when the child is large, and it is essential to learn how to take care of an episiotomy to ensure proper healing and to speed up the recovery process.
Steps
Step 1. Keep the surgery area clean to avoid an infection and to help the healing process
The area is swollen, soft, and tender when you urinate. Use a sterile spray bottle, which is provided to you by the hospital or maternity clinic, every time you go to the bathroom, to keep the area clean.
Fill the spray bottle with warm water. Check the temperature of the water on your arm to make sure it's not too cold or too hot for the ultra-sensitive vaginal area. When you urinate, gently press the bottle directing the jet of hot water on the episiotomy area. Continue to spray the water over the wound at the end of urination, to clean the area. Gently pat to dry
Step 2. You can use the bidet to reduce swelling in the area
Alternatively, you can use a toilet seat, which is a small tub that rests on top of the toilet. Fill it with warm water to increase blood flow to the vaginal area and promote healing; Slowly add ice cubes to cool the water to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Step 3. Apply ointments and medications to the surgery area to promote healing
Put 3-4 tablets of witch hazel on a sanitary napkin so that it comes into full contact with the area of the episiotomy. Cold witch hazel helps reduce swelling in the area. Your doctor may also prescribe other creams and ointments, which you can supplement with witch hazel treatment.
Advice
- Make ice packs on the vaginal area to help reduce swelling and to numb the area, in order to reduce pain. Place sanitary pads in the freezer to create easy-to-make cold packs.
- Request an extra spray bottle for each bathroom in your home, so you always have one available, in any bathroom you are in.
Warnings
- Follow your doctor's instructions for proper postpartum healing after the episiotomy. He can tell you when you can safely resume lifting heavy loads, driving a vehicle, or taking a normal shower without compromising the progression of your healing.
- Avoid being constipated when you need to recover from an episiotomy. The effort in trying to free the intestine could cause pressure on the injured area and could compromise the stitches. Eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of fluids to ensure bowel regularity while you heal.
- Do not add Epsom salts or other additives to your bidet without your doctor's consent.
