Caring For Stitches

When asked about their experience of delivering a baby, most women will tell you that, it was like rebirth. There is no doubt about the fact that, having a baby is one of the most exhilarating experiences in the world. But there is as much pain as there is joy in this experience and a lot of people overlook this fact. A new mother not only has to care of her newborn baby but also has to take care of herself as well, to ensure that she heals well. Even in a normal delivery sometimes it is likely that you have had an episiotomy. An Episiotomy is a surgical cut to enlarge the vagina to allow the baby's head to emerge easily during delivery. Some women may tear their perineum (the area between the vagina and anus). In both the above cases, you are likely to have stitches that need taking care of. Given below are a few easy tips to ensure that the stitches heal well:

• Ensure that the perineum is clean at all times. After using the toilet, take a mug of lukewarm water pour it slowly between your legs while sitting on the toilet. Urinating while bathing will help reduce the pain. After this dry gently with a soft towel. Do not use a hair dryer to dry out excess water, as it hinders healing and may infect the wound.
• You can bath as and when you feel like. Use water with or without antiseptic or salt will do just as well.
• You can add a little lavender oil to your bath water and have a very soothing bath.
• Replace maternity pads as often as you need.
• Use disposable panties or comfortable cotton panties with a high waist.
• While sitting down make sure you sit on something soft.
• You can try using gel pads; these can be used easily like a panty liner. These are specially made to reduce the discomfort and pain most women feel after delivering.
• Try to move around as much as you can. It may be difficult and painful at first, but this will increase blood circulation, decrease swelling and speed up the healing process.
• The experiences of many women suggest that taking arnica tablets reduces bruising and helps recovery. There is no research to support this fact, but you can still try it.

If pain persists in spite of these measures, you should consult a doctor. If your stitches are too tight then they will have to be redone or the doctor may give you an anesthetic cream to apply locally. Take whatever measures are required to recover comfortably and you may not suffer any unnecessary pains.