According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, approximately one in three women having a vaginal delivery also have an episiotomy. Even without the episiotomy, women may experience bruising or tearing in the perineum. This is the most common source of discomfort in the days after giving birth.
You may be given ice packs or anesthetic spray in the hospital to help with the discomfort. In addition, there are natural remedies that can aid in healing the perineum after your baby is born.
Essential Oils are thought to be effective for postpartum healing. Some of the oils you may want to try include lavender and tea tree oil. You can apply the oils in a few different ways.
Add about ten drops of oil into the water in a sitz bath. A sitz bath is a small tub that is filled with warm water and fits over the toilet seat. You sit in the bath and soak the perineum in the water to relieve the discomfort after a vaginal birth. This can be useful, whether or not you had an episiotomy.
A peri bottle or spray bottle is another method for using essential oils to help heal the perineum. Add about ten drops to the peri bottle and rinse the perineum when you use the bathroom. This can also be done with a spray bottle and some warm water.
Witch hazel is another home remedy that is effective at soothing the perineum after giving birth. Soak gauze pads in witch hazel and apply to the perineum. Some women find that using Tucks pads is a convenient method, since they come pre soaked.
There are some herbs that are believed to have healing properties. These include rosemary, goldenseal, calendula and comfrey. You can make an infusion with the herbs by boiling two cups of water, removing the water from heat, steeping the herbs for about 30 minutes and straining the tea.
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