Postpartum Perineal Pain: Relief & Recovery

After the birth of a baby, many women may be surprised at the intensity of perineal pain. Even if a woman receives no stitches during birth, she may feel tender and sore. Common herbal and medical remedies exist to help ease this discomfort.

Preparing Your Perineum

• Few women think to prepare their perineums for birth; however, this area undergoes a great deal, and it's important to be proactive in preparing this part of your body. Some heath-care providers recommend perineal massage with oil. Also, Kegel exercises can help to strengthen the pelvic floor.

Taking Care of Stitches

• Many women tear either naturally or surgically through an episiotomy. Caring for these stitches is relatively easy. Simply soak your perineal area in a warm bath or a sitz bath two to three times a day. Also, when urinating, use a peri squirt bottle to squirt warm water on your stitches to keep them clean. Some women do experience a stinging sensation the first few times they urinate after giving birth.

Herbs

• For women with tears, or even those who are experiencing discomfort, some herbs may provide relief. Placing herbs such as Calendula, Plantain or Arnica in a sachet for your sitz bath can help soothe the sensitive area. These herbs may also be used to make oil infusions and rubs.

Medications

• To help ease perineum pain, some women choose to take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. In a recent study from the University of British Columbia, both were found to be effective; however ibuprofen had fewer side effects and is easier to administer.

Resuming Sexual Intercourse

• Because the perineum is extra sensitive after birth, many women wonder how they will ever feel well enough to have sex again. Most health-care providers recommend waiting six weeks before resuming sexual activity. Using over-the-counter lubrication can help ease discomfort, as well.