Recovery advice for Episiotomy: Firstly, congratulations on your new arrival! Recovering from an episiotomy can be challenging, but there are several things you can do to promote healing and alleviate discomfort. 1. **Keep the area clean**: It's essential to keep the episiotomy site clean to prevent infection. After using the restroom, gently dab the area with warm water and pat it dry. Avoid using harsh soaps or wipes that may irritate the area. 2. **Use cold packs**: Applying cold packs or ice packs to the perineal area can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Make sure to wrap the pack in a thin towel to avoid direct contact with the skin. 3. **Take pain relief**: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help manage postpartum pain and discomfort. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage instructions. 4. **Practice good hydration and nutrition**: Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in fiber can promote healing and prevent constipation, which can worsen discomfort during bowel movements. 5. **Avoid lifting heavy objects**: To prevent strain on your pelvic floor muscles and the episiotomy site, avoid lifting heavy objects during the recovery period. 6. **Kegel exercises**: Pelvic floor exercises, known as Kegels, can help strengthen the muscles around the episiotomy site and promote faster healing. Consult with your healthcare provider on when it is safe to start these exercises. 7. **Rest, rest, rest**: It's crucial to give your body time to heal. Try to rest as much as possible, and don't hesitate to ask for help with household chores or caring for your newborn. Things to avoid: 1. **Avoid sitting for prolonged periods**: Sitting for long periods can put pressure on the perineal area and slow down the healing process. Try using a cushion or donut pillow to reduce discomfort when sitting. 2. **Avoid strenuous activities**: Refrain from engaging in strenuous activities or exercises that may strain your pelvic floor muscles and delay healing. 3. **Don't skip your postpartum check-ups**: Follow up with your healthcare provider for postpartum check-ups to ensure proper healing of the episiotomy site and address any concerns you may have. Remember, every woman's recovery is unique, so it's essential to listen to your body and seek medical advice if you experience severe pain, fever, or signs of infection. Take care, and I hope these tips help you have a smooth recovery! https://invl.io/cll6she
the first two weeks are gonna be super uncomfortable. take the painkiller prescribed by your doctor. change your pad/maternity diaper frequently! keep the wound area dry and clean. use epi kool to ice it for the first few days. perineal spray helps too, you should also buy the portable bidet spray to clean every time you pee/poo!