Postpartum Recovery - Perineal Care

At first, the thought of peeing or doing a poo can be a bit frightening. Squirting warm water over the perineum during urination may ease the pain by diluting urine which can often sting in the immediate days after giving birth. A Peri Bottle is perfect for rinsing your perineum as it features several small irrigation holes in the spout to deliver a gentle spray of water. This is why peri bottles are essential for postpartum as they are an effective way to clean the perineum. Rinse beginning at the front and moving toward the back. Do not squirt water up into the vagina.

When finished urinating, gently pat the area dry. Witch hazel spray or an ointment can help soothe pain and itching and promotes healing. Our perineal spray was created with this in mind - formulated with a base of witch hazel infused with chamomile, lavender flowers and peppermint to provide instant relief from postpartum vaginal swelling and bruising, perineal tears, episiotomies and haemorrhoids. You can spray some onto a pad for extra relief. Then follow up with the perineal balm to ease irritating stitches or grazing.

After a bowel movement, wipe from front to back with toilet paper. You can use witch hazel or our perineal spray to reduce minor itching or burning if you have haemorrhoids or piles. Use a clean piece of toilet paper sprayed with witch hazel or witch hazel pads for each wipe.

Stay well hydrated and eat fiber-rich foods to avoid constipation. If you do get constipated do not strain, it might feel better if you hold a pad or clean tissue over the stitches when pooing. You can gently push up on your perineum as you bear down. After delivering the baby, the perineum must be kept clean.  If you've had stitches after tearing or an episiotomy, bathe them every day to help prevent infection.

A sitz bath is great as it speeds healing and relieves discomfort. There are many herbs that can be used to soothe tender perineal tissue, heal tears and episiotomies, reduce inflammation, and even shrink haemorrhoids after a vaginal birth. If you don't have access to loose herbs you can try our postpartum bath soak with has being blended specifically for this purpose. Take at least three 20 minute sitz baths every day for the first 7 days. If you don’t have a sitz bath (basin that fits perfectly into your toilet seat), wash your feet and legs, then fill the bathtub with 3 inches of warm water and sit in it.

Lastly, always wash your hands thoroughly before and after going to the bathroom or changing a sanitary pad. Proper hand washing is the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby to prevent infection.