Suggestions for comfort after an Episiotomy

[MissKitty89]

Hi all I just wondered if anyone had any suggestions of keeping comfortable after having an Episiotomy. I recently had my daughter on Monday and had to be stitched due to being cut. The hospital suggested thick pads, which I’m using but I’m finding them some what uncomfortable especially when getting up from a seated position. Was thinking of getting them disposable briefs and placing a thin sanitary towel inside. Any other suggestions are welcomed

[Lovefood1984]

I had a pair of always incontinence pants and put a pad inside those (so double thick). I also had a spray called ‘spritz for bitz’ 🙈🤣 I used to spray it on the pad before I used it. It’s expensive and I think it helped a little 🤷‍♀️ The thing that helped the most of all was time though, I think it was about 12-14 days before I could sit and get up better from the sofa I’m afraid, I couldn’t sit on my ass for days, I was sitting on my hips 😬 x

[Seb9]

I used thin pads as I found the thick pads really uncomfortable.

I also used an ice pack wrapped in a towel to sit on for a bit of relief.

I also found a warm bath with Epsom salts were amazing.

Best of luck, hope you have a fast recovery xx

[jessyjessy572]

Hi have the same issue having had one last Thursday. I fund using the disposable underwear (always green ones are best for me) very helpful as they keep you protected with beefing and adding additional cousin. Also when you are using toilet especially when having a wee have a bottle of warm water and poor over your area at the same time as having a wee it will take the burning sensation away.

[MissKitty89]

Thanks all. 🙂

I got my partner to get me the incontinence pants and placed one of my usual pads inside which feels a bit better.

Passing wee doesn’t hurt. So that’s one positive. It’s just the tenderness when getting off my comfort cushion.

Seb9 I was told not to have a bath for at least 2 weeks so having to do showers. We’re your stitches dissolvable?

Thanks again guys for the suggestions xx

[Seb9 in reply to MissKitty89]

I didn't have stitches, I was lucky enough to only have a small tear and graze, but when looking on the NHS guidelines they advise bathing everyday so I assumed it would be the same for you. nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy...

[Lizzielizzielizzie in reply to MissKitty89]

I was told not to use a comfort cushion (assume you mean a donut one), I can’t remember exactly why but I think it might have been to do with pelvic floor. I did sit on my yoga ball sometimes for a bit of relief.

[Lizzielizzielizzie in reply to Lizzielizzielizzie]

I was allowed a bath and I had loads of dissolvable stitches so maybe check this advice with your midwife.

[Elynn]

If we packs

Baths

Calendula cream

[Zaza34]

Hi can fully sympathise! I had epistotomy ...felt like I was sitting on a pineapple for over a week! I had a cushion I took around to sit on and also found bathing in a bath with tea tree oil or salts really did the trick! J don't like baths so I often just ran a really shallow bath and just say in it for 5 mins or so before getting a shower!!

[Lizzielizzielizzie]

Definitely maternity pads rather than sanitary towels. I used disposable knickers for about four days as well.

My midwife recommended teatree or lavender oil in the bath but mix with a little milk first so it emulsifies.

Also witch hazel gel on the pad. Mine came from boots.

Finally I had a squirty bottle to wash the area with at nights (I had a shower in the mornings) and then patted dry very gently with a towel I used just for that area.

[Em2405]

I can definitely recommend witch hazel, you can get a bottle at most supermarkets and it’s a god send. Pop it in the fridge and then pour onto your maternity pad. Will make the pad more comfortable and will cool the area. Also I used a squirt bottle after going to the loo to help keep it all clean. I was told no baths for 2 weeks too so just made do with showers. Honestly witch hazel saved my sanity with the episiotomy as I was also really uncomfortable. Also take paracetamol and ibuprofen every 4 hours to keep on top of pain if you have some.

Take care! It does get better, I’m 6 weeks postpartum and feeling back to normal (pretty much!) xx

[Hidden]

Google valley cushions, you can hire them. I used Femepads amazon.co.uk/Feme-Pad-Reusa... after my episiotomy.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

thevalleycushion.co.uk/shop...