- 1. Do sitz baths
- 2. Wear only panties during the day and cotton
- 3. Eat healing foods
- 4. Do Kegel exercises every day
- When to use healing ointments
The complete healing of the episiotomy usually happens within 1 month after delivery, but the stitches, which are normally absorbed by the body or fall naturally, may come out earlier, especially if the woman has some care that helps to speed up the healing process.
However, it is important to remember that all care with episiotomy is important, especially those related to intimate hygiene, since they prevent infection, which, in addition to preventing pain, also end up facilitating healing. See a complete guide on how to care for an episiotomy.
The most focused care to facilitate healing and decrease recovery time include:
1. Do sitz baths
Sitz baths, in addition to helping to relieve discomfort in the genital region, are also a great way to accelerate healing, as they increase blood flow to the site.
Thus, they can be done right after the first 24 hours after delivery. To do this, just fill the bathtub, or a basin, with a few centimeters of warm water and then sit inside, so that the vaginal area is covered with water. In addition, it is also possible to add salts to the water, as they contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that further facilitate healing.
In any case, it is always important to consult the obstetrician before trying any technique that has not been informed by the doctor.
2. Wear only panties during the day and cotton
The best type of panties to wear is always 100% cotton, however, this type of fabric is even more important in women with episiotomy or any other type of sore in the vaginal area. This is because cotton is a natural material that allows air to circulate, preventing the development of fungi and bacteria that can delay healing.
In addition, if possible, whenever you are at home, or even while sleeping, you should avoid wearing panties, as it allows even greater air passage. However, if there is any type of vaginal discharge, the panties can be used to hold the pad in place and should be removed only after the discharge stops.
3. Eat healing foods
In addition to caring for the episiotomy site, eating healing foods is also a great way to nourish the body and accelerate the healing of any wound. Some of the most recommended foods include egg, boiled broccoli, strawberry, orange, sardine, salmon, liver, soy, Brazil nuts or beets, for example.
See more examples in the video:
4. Do Kegel exercises every day
Kegel exercises are a very effective natural way to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic area, but they also help to increase blood flow in the area, which ends up facilitating healing.
To do these exercises, you must first identify the pelvic muscles. To do this, just imitate trying to stop the pee stream and then do 10 contractions in a row, relaxing for a few seconds and then resume the exercise doing 10 sets of 10 contractions every day.
When to use healing ointments
In most cases, healing ointments are not necessary to treat episiotomy. This is because the vaginal area is very irrigated and, therefore, heals very quickly. However, if there is a delay in the healing process or if there is an infection at the site, the obstetrician may indicate the use of some ointments.
Some of the most widely used healing ointments are Bepantol, Nebacetin, Avène Cicalfate or Mederma Healing Gel, for example. These ointments should only be used with the guidance of the doctor.
