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Written by

Gina Conley, MS

Essential Perineal Care After Birth: Tips from a Labor and Delivery Nurse

  • Postpartum
In this post, I’ll share essential perineal care tips based on my experience as a labor and delivery nurse and student midwife. Whether you’ve had a natural tear, an episiotomy, or are lucky enough to remain intact, these tips will help you heal faster and minimize discomfort.

If you’re currently pregnant and preparing for childbirth, you’re probably wondering how to care for your body after giving birth.

If you’re looking for expert guidance throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey, subscribing to our YouTube channel is a must! We release two educational videos and one workout video each week, covering everything from prenatal fitness tips to labor prep and postpartum recovery. Whether you’re a first-time mom or a seasoned parent, our videos will help you feel confident and prepared every step of the way. Join our growing community of empowered mothers—hit subscribe today, and never miss an update on the latest in maternity health and wellness!

Table of Contents

What You’ll Need for Perineal Care

After giving birth, taking care of your perineal area becomes essential to speed up recovery. Let’s break down what you’ll need:

  1. Disposable Underwear or Mesh Pads
    Right after delivery, you’ll need something comfortable to wear that can manage the postpartum discharge. You can opt for Frida Mom Mesh Underwear or Bodily Soft Disposable Underwear, both of which offer support while keeping things tidy. Many women, including myself, prefer disposable underwear since it combines a pad and underwear in one, making it more convenient.

  2. Peri Bottle for Cleansing
    Keeping the perineal area clean without causing irritation is crucial. Instead of using toilet paper (which can fall apart and stick), use a Frida Mom Angled Peri Bottle. The angled design makes it easier to clean without awkward maneuvering. For extra soothing, some women mix sitz bath herbs with warm water for a more healing effect.

  3. Ice Packs and Cooling Pads
    To reduce inflammation, using cooling products like Tux Pads or Witch Hazel Pads can be incredibly soothing. Ice packs can also be beneficial during the first 24-48 hours post-birth to reduce swelling. You might also want to try reusable ice packs that fit snugly into your underwear.

  4. Numbing Sprays
    To alleviate discomfort, consider using numbing sprays like Dermoplast or EpiFoam. These help reduce pain and promote healing. Make sure to avoid using these sprays with ice packs simultaneously, as the combination of cold and numbness can lead to tissue damage.

  5. Perineal Balms and Sprays
    For long-term healing, balms and sprays can be a game-changer. We recommend perineal sprays for the first few days post-delivery and balms for when stitches start to itch. Both promote healing and offer a bit of aromatherapy. Try Earth Mama Perineal Spray or a balm like Motherlove Organic Perineal Balm to help with any itching from stitches.

  6. Sitz Baths
    Sitz baths are incredibly soothing and can promote healing. By soaking in warm water, you increase blood flow to the perineal area. Enhance your sitz bath with herbal salts to get the most out of your postpartum recovery. These are particularly helpful if you’re dealing with hemorrhoids as well.

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Enhancing Your Recovery

In addition to the above, it’s important to stay consistent with your peri care routine. Here’s a quick recap of the key steps to follow after childbirth:

  • Wear comfortable, supportive underwear that can handle postpartum discharge and keep everything in place.
  • Clean the perineal area regularly with a peri bottle and avoid using harsh materials like toilet paper.
  • Use ice packs and cooling pads during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling.
  • Soothe the area with numbing sprays and switch to balms once your stitches start to heal.
  • Take sitz baths regularly to promote blood flow and soothe soreness.

By using the right products and staying on top of your perineal care, you’ll be on your way to a smoother postpartum recovery. Don’t forget to check out our online postpartum prep course to learn more about postpartum care and to grab some of our recommended products.

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