An episiotomy is a cut which has been made in the area between the vagina and anus (perineum) during childbirth. Some women’s perineum may tear as the baby comes out and an episiotomy can prevent a severe tear or speed up delivery especially if the baby needs to be born quickly. There is a chance the episiotomy can extend to become a deeper tear.
A person usually requires stitches after an episiotomy to repair it. Here are some tips for self care after having an episiotomy:
Tip #1 - Bathe everyday
Have a bath/shower at least once a day with plain warm water- no perfumed products.
Tip #2 - Pat yourself
Pat yourself dry, no aggressive wiping with toilet paper.
Tip #3 - Squirt water
Use warm water (body temperature water) to clean your vaginal area when you pee or poo. Wipe front to back.
Tip #4 - Sitz bath
Sit in a few inches of water that is covering the buttocks up to the hips for 10-15 minutes. First few days you can try cold water, then after warm water.Â
Tip #5 -Air stitches out
Remove underwear for at least 10 minutes, lie down on your bed, air your stitches out! This can help with healing. You can do this in the morning and night before bed.
Tip #6 - Prevent constipation
Change your sanitary towels regularly to prevent infection.
Tip #7 - Ice pack
Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel to help with pain. You can also get medicated cooling packs with witch hazel that some people find helpful.
Tip #8 - Kegel exercises
Try Kegel/pelvic floor exercises when you are able to. Squeeze the muscles around your vagina and anus as though you are stopping yourself from going to the toilet or farting. For more information check out- https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/exercise-in-pregnancy/pelvic-floor-exercises.
Tip #9 - Pillow
Sit on a pillow, avoid hard surfaces.
Tip #10 - Sanitary towels
Change your sanitary towels regularly to prevent infection.
If you develop red, swollen skin at the site of the episiotomy or severe persistent pain, a foul smell, discharge of pus/liquid from the cut then this maybe a sign of infection so you need to contact your GP/midwife as soon as possible for treatment.
Some useful resources used for this article which are worth a read include: