Stitches in the perineum after delivery can cause discomfort to the new mother. They can cause a lot of pain which may interfere in baby care as well. Caring for stitches is therefore important for both the mother and her child.
Stay Clean
Good hygiene is extremely important, so change your maternity pads at regular intervals.
You must wash the perineal area frequently. For that you can carry small jug warm water when you go to washroom and pour it gently between your legs while urinating. Taking showers at frequent intervals also helps. Bathe with plain water or add some lavender oil to the water, it has a soothing effect.
Remedies for Pain
In case of pain and swelling you can apply ice on the affected area for about 20 minutes every 2-4 hours. However, ice packs remain effective only up to 24-36 hours after delivery. If pain is unbearable you can apply an anesthetic foam or ointment as prescribed. Medication should be taken only on your doctor’s advice.
Stitches may also hurt on sitting or getting up from a sitting position. You can try sitting on the padding of your bottom i.e. by squeezing it together before you sit or get up. You can even sit on something soft like a pillow. Remember to cover it with a towel.
Consider wearing high-waist cotton knickers or disposable briefs instead of your low waist synthetic inner wear. It’ll be more comfortable and will not brush against your stitches.
If your stitches begin pulling or itching on the 2 nd or 3 rd day it could be a sign of their healing or being absorbed
Exercises
It is advisable to take short slow paced walks followed frequent rest periods. Some doctors advise starting pelvic floor exercises 24 hours after delivery. This little exercising increases the circulation of blood, reduces swelling and helps in quick healing. It can be uncomfortable to start with but after a few days pelvic floor sqeeze will ease the pain.
If these measures of caring for stitches are not helpful, consult your doctor. He\she may need to remove the stitches if they are done too tightly
