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"Still suffering from childbirth tears and nothing seems to be working? Read on to learn how to heal those tears."
What are perineal tears?
During pregnancy, the perineum, also known as the space between the vagina and anus, usually expands but can tear, especially during a woman's first labor. When your baby's head puts pressure on your perineum, you will feel a burning sensation that stops once you cry.
Tears come in different types and are divided into four severity levels: first, second, third, and fourth. A first-degree tear involves only the skin of the perineum; if it doesn't bleed, doctors usually recommend not stitching it up. Perineal tears are common in primiparas, but less common in later labor.
What is an episiotomy?
Occasionally, an episiotomy, a surgical incision in the perineum, may be necessary to aid in childbirth. Your midwife or obstetrician will always explain why they are doing it and need your consent to do it because it is a medical procedure. An episiotomy is no longer a standard procedure, and the area is numb, although it is not painful when it occurs.
Healing perineal tears naturally
There are several steps you can take to heal and heal a postpartum perineal tear naturally.
1. Apply witch hazel
Witch hazel has a variety of benefits and is a popular product for pregnant women. Great for hemorrhoids during pregnancy, postpartum swelling and suture healing. You may find that freezing a witch hazel pad and applying it to your panties helps relieve discomfort and symptoms by soothing and cooling the area. Use 10-20 minutes a day, up to every 2 hours.
2. Take a bath
A sitz bath may be beneficial for perineal tears after episiotomy. Soak in a toilet-friendly postpartum sitz bath that allows you to submerge your buttocks a few inches in the water. Warm water and salt together are very calming. It can help with pain, swelling, stitches and hemorrhoids, as well as general postpartum healing to speed up recovery. For added comfort, you can add herbs, essential oils and salts to your sitz bath. It is best to take a sitz bath for 15-20 minutes 3 times a day.
3. Get plenty of rest
Childbirth is an emotionally and physically strenuous experience, so make sure you get plenty of rest to recover. Listen to your body and accept any help available. Since many women suffer from postpartum depression, you can try these relaxation techniques to help you relax. To avoid overloading, be patient with yourself and maintain a moderate level of activity. When getting up and sitting down, move slowly so as not to irritate the perineum. The more relaxed you are, the faster you will recover and return to normal.
4. Do Kegels
Get back to your pelvic floor exercises as soon as possible. Pelvic floor exercises strengthen the muscles around the vagina and anus, increase blood flow and aid healing.
