Research-backed
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Have you just delivered your baby? If yes, then you must be aware that the doctors surgically cut between the vaginal and anal area to ensure smoother natural delivery. This condition is known as vaginal tear or episiotomy (1). If you are looking for ways to treat the vaginal tear, you have come to the right place. Anyone who has experienced it will know how much of a pain it is. And, it can be even worse if the doctors have not given you a heads up as you are not mentally prepared to handle it. Don’t worry, we, at MomJunction, are here to help you in the way that we know best. Here are some quick yet helpful ways that might help you recover from vaginal tear:
1. Don’t Touch It
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No matter what you do, try not to touch the stitches or that area entirely. If you touch it, it may result in an infection and that is the last thing you would want. It is not just a very sanitary or hygienic thing to do. That is why it is always advised not to touch any type of scars and allow it to heal naturally.
2. Ice
If you apply ice pack on the affected area, it may help reduce the pain as well as swelling. Just consult with your doctor once. And, if it is not an issue, you can go ahead with it if it hurts a lot.
3. A Damp Cloth With Little Soap
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At the time of taking a shower, you can use a damp towel that has a small quantity of non-scented soap on it. Just very gently pat the affected area with the damp cloth to ensure that it remains clean. If you use your hands, it might cause irritation. But, make sure that the cloth you use is clean and sterile. Also, be careful not to rub that area.
4. Don’t Lift Heavy Objects
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It is best that you don’t put any pressure on that area, which may end up aggravating the vaginal tear. This will help you have a relatively quicker and more pain-free recovery experience. So, be careful about lifting heavy objects and also try not to bend too much for a few days.
5. Warm Water
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Because of where the tear is, you may feel a slight burning sensation as you urinate. So, try to trickle down warm water in that area when you pee to steer away from the stinging pain (2). It will help give you the much-needed relief.
6. Rest, Rest, And Rest
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Of course, we understand that this is a luxury since you have to take care of your munchkin. But, whenever you do get a chance, put your feet up and relax. Try lying down sideways whenever you can since it helps relieve the pressure on the affected area (3). Even when you are breastfeeding, try to find a comfy couch or chair to rest on. Even the doctors will advise you to take as much rest as possible for faster recovery.
7. Sitz Bath
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One of the best ways to get relief from the vaginal tear is to make a sitz bath for yourself. Don’t do it any sooner than 24 hours post the delivery. After this, you can take a warm sitz bath with only your bottom and hip area submerged (4).
8. Kegel Exercise
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It is a given but do consult your doctor if you decide to do any exercise out of the routine. But, it is said that Kegel exercises can help strengthen your muscles, specifically the ones near the tear. So, doing this may help you heal faster (5).
9. A Diet Rich In Fiber
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Apart from eating a meal that is rich in fiber, you should also drink lots and lots of water. This helps in ensuring a regular but soft bowel movement. If your stools are softer, that may help too (6).
We hope that the tips and suggestions mentioned here help you out in some way. Share your experience and tips with us too in the comments section below. Good luck, mommies!
