How To Heal A Tear After Giving Birth

A perineal or vaginal tear is common during childbirth. The perineum is located between your vagina and anus, and plays a significant role in birth, stretching and opening as your baby’s head emerges. A tear of the perineum can occur while giving birth and may even require stitches. This is relatively normal, especially for first-time mothers.

While birth is a natural process, it’s also a very physical experience. A little time, a consistent self-care routine and (ideally) some support are generally all it takes to fully recover from a tear. Although the healing process is different for everyone, in many cases, it is complete in a few weeks.

Many of the tips recommended below will provide overall benefits to your entire pelvic floor, reproductive organs, and abdominal cavity.

How To Care for A Tear After Childbirth

Minimize Movement

Your pelvis is activated by almost any kind of movement, which impacts your tear. Walking, sitting down, bending over, lifting, and standing up all engage the pelvis. Try to limit your movement as much as possible. For example, going up and down steps, moving around the kitchen for long periods and bending over. We know…easier said than done. But this is the most important thing you can do to heal a tear after childbirth.

Repair Down There Salve

Our Repair Down There Perineal Salve is designed to reduce pain and inflammation while accelerating the healing of your tear following childbirth. Apply the salve generously several times per day to your perineum, bottom, or vaginal area. The entirely organic, plant-based ingredients will accelerate healing of all your sensitive parts. It also helps to prevent chapping and chaffing if you apply it before wearing menstrual pads.

Be Nudie

Pads irritate your vagina and perineum after birth slowing down the healing process. Generic pads contain things like bleach and other harmful ingredients which are even worse. Fragrance and dye-free pads are a much better alternative. Have them on hand. That said, there’s no substitute for being naked. If you are able, spend as much time without any underwear or pads to allow everything to air out.

Peri Bottle with Witch Hazel

Keep a Peri Bottle (likely a part of your birth kit) near the toilet and fill it with 1oz of non-alcoholic Witch Hazel and the rest with warm water. Rinse the area around your tear with the peri-bottle every time you use the toilet. Gently pat yourself dry with toilet paper. This will keep the area clean and hydrated while the tissue around your tear heals.

Massage Your Abdomen

Why massage your belly? We’re talking about healing your tear. Well, your body has been holding a baby inside for nine months, while pushing your insides up and out the way all the while. After delivering your baby your abdomen is floppy and loose. A gentle massage to your belly increases circulation and blood flow to the abdomen and down to your pelvis. This increased blood flow to the pelvis is the basis for healing it. To learn more about abdominal massage check out our post, Recover From Vaginal Childbirth With Abdominal Massage.

Bathing

Soaking for 30 minutes in a mineral salt bath heals your body’s aches and pains after giving birth. Soaking in high mineral salts increases circulation, hydrates, and repairs damaged tissue while it replenishes minerals lost in the birth process. Bathing consistently is a great way to support the healing of a tear. Our Bathtub Madonna Salt Soak is specially formulated for use during pregnancy and postpartum.

Sitz Bath

A sitz bath consists of soaking your perineum and vaginal area in warm healing herbs chosen to reduce pain and inflammation around your tear and accelerate healing. You can purchase a sitz bath collection of herbs from any number of companies. Add the herbs to either a warm bath or a special sitz bath bowl that attaches to the toilet seat. Soak your sore parts for 10-15 minutes, making sure it is not too hot before you sit down.

Summary

Dedicating time to your own health is really challenging for women postpartum. Healing your perineal tear is quite possibly the most important thing for getting you back to feeling your best. Getting the things you need before your child’s birth with help with this. You can always return what you don’t need or pass it on to a friend. If you didn’t, it’s okay. It’s never too late to start implementing some of these self-care tips.