If You Had an Episiotomy or a... Health Article

After your baby's birth, you received stitches in the skin near your vagina. The stitches might have closed an episiotomy (an incision that enlarges the opening of the vagina). Or you may have needed stitches to repair torn skin. Either way, your stitches should dissolve within weeks. Until then, use this guide to help ease any discomfort and aid healing.

Keep Clean

You can reduce your risk of infection by keeping the stitches clean. These hints can help:

• Gently wipe from front to back after you urinate or have a bowel movement.

• After wiping, use a squirt bottle to spray warm water on the stitches. Pat dry.

• Change sanitary pads at least every 2 to 4 hours.

Reduce Your Discomfort

To find what works best for you, try a few of the following tips:

• Sit in a warm, shallow bath (sitz bath).

• Place cold or heat packs on your stitches. Keep a thin towel between the pack and your skin.

• Sit on a firm seat so the stitches pull less.

• Soak a sterile gauze pad with witch hazel. Place the wet gauze against the stitches.

Eat to Stay Regular

Having bowel movements is easier if you're not constipated. Follow these tips to help keep your bowels moving:

• Eat fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and bran cereals.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Ask your healthcare provider about using a stool softener. If you are breastfeeding, don't take any medication without asking.

Checking Your Stitches

Using a mirror, you can check how well your incision or repair is healing. The tissues around your vagina will be stretched and swollen after the birth. Expect them to look more red than normal for the first few days. After that, you may be able to see some of your stitches.

Try Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises help strengthen the muscles near the vaginal opening. Try each of the simple exercises described below:

• Tighten as if you were stopping your urine flow, but do it when you are not urinating.

• Tighten the same muscles before you sneeze, cough, laugh, or lift.'