Physical Recovery from a Vaginal Birth
WebsitesCaring for Your Perineum after You Give Birth
American College of Nurse-Midwives "After you give birth, your perineum (the area between your vaginal opening and your anus) can feel sore and tender for a couple of weeks. Th is is especially true if you had stitches. Even without stitches, your perineum may be swollen and sore. Most women feel much better about 3 weeks after birth. Here are some tips to help you feel better sooner and prevent any problems or complications." Your recovery after childbirth: Physiotherapy, exercises, and advice Oxford University Hospitals - NHS Returning to sport or exercise after birth Pelvic Floor First - Continence Foundation of Australia Pelvic physical therapy: Another potential treatment option Harvard Health Publishing "This treatment approach may help provide relief for many women with chronic pelvic pain and urinary symptoms." Birth Stories The Birth Hour - A Birth Story Podcast |
Helpful Postpartum Supplies
This is a general list of supplies that may be helpful during your postpartum recovery from a vaginal birth. Every birth is different, so everyone will have a different recovery. Don't feel the need to use something if it doesn't feel good to you! Your midwife or doctor may provide other instructions for your recovery; this list is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Your provider will likely provide some of these supplies, such as mesh panties or a peri bottle.
- Mesh panties
- These can be washed in the laundry and worn again and again until you don't need them!
- Peri Bottle
- Fill with warm water or sitz bath herbal tea
- Witch hazel wipes
- Use these to clean your perineum/anus. Remember to blot, don't wipe until your perineum heals. When you do start wiping again, remember to go from front to back to prevent infection.
- Menstrual pads
- Disposable pads are generally recommended over cloth in the first weeks postpartum due to ease of use and the ability to change them often to stay clean
- Most people need the largest size for at least the first few days after giving birth. After that it's common for your bleeding to get lighter, and regular pads are generally sufficient.
- Padscicles: You can fill some pantyliners with witch hazel and aloe vera and freeze them. Take one out when you go to the bathroom and place it inside a bigger pad, then apply to your perineum for a cool, soothing effect.
- Ibuprofen (Advil) and/or acetaminophen (Tylenol) if desired
- Be sure to follow safe dosage instructions, particularly if breastfeeding. Don't use any other pain relievers unless they are prescribed by your care provider.
- Perineal Spray
- You can try a lidocaine spray, such as Dermoplast® Pain Relieving Spray, or an herbal perineal spray