What to sit on post episiotomy or tear?

[buffythebarbieslayer]

Previous big babies and tear last time. Likely to need elective episiotomy this time as looks like another big baby.

Donut cushions seem exspensive. Don't want to buy in case I don't need it.

Any alternative s?

[PrincessBabyCat]

Boppy Pillows! :) They're soft and amazing, and then you can use them to prop your arms up to make it easier to feed baby.

[buffythebarbieslayer]

What are boppy pillows?!

[PrincessBabyCat]

www.boppy.com/shop/category/boppy-pillows/ They have a hole in the center like a donut cushion, but they can also be used for nursing, baby to relax in, tummy time, etc... We put ours in it to just let her take a nap sometimes. You can probably find them in your area's amazon website.

[cravingcake]

Dont bother getting anything. If you have a bad tear or episiotomy then sitting sort of sideways helps take pressure off when needed. If you sit on a donut ring then there is notthing supporting the scar so its sort of hanging rather than a flat cushion which sort of supports from underneath iykwim. Take good pain relief and it will be ok. If you really need it then send your DH to Boots or order online for next day delivery.

[SomethingAboutNothing]

Our local NCT hire out a valley cushion, maybe enquire whether yours do too?

[TheScience]

I've had 2 epis and never needed something special to sit on.

[buffythebarbieslayer]

Thanks, won't bother I don't think. Will cross the bridge when it comes!

[emmac3616]

Two rolled up towels, one under each leg!

[BrokenBananaTantrum]

I was given a pressure cushion by my HV.was brill. You might be providedwith one. Worth asking.

[thereisnoeleventeen]

TBH the best thing that my MW prescribed when she saw that I still couldn't sit down 4 days pp was some really good pain killers. After they kicked in I was fine in a decent arm chair.

[Passmethecrisps]

I used big fat maternity towels soaked in witch hazel straight from the fridge. I didn't need anything more cushioned. I think I just sat slightly differently

[stleger]

One of those things from travel stands that goes round your neck when you sleep on planes. They are like horseshoe beanbags. And good luck!

[MrsBungle]

I didn't sit on anything special. I sat sideways and took loads of pain killers! Go knicker-less as much as possible and a cool flannel helped me!

[kinkytoes]

I was told by the mw that a donut type cushion would actually pull on the stitches so just sat on a normal pillow. However I had a terrible time recovering and for about a week couldn't sit down at all. Was most comfortable in the bath and spent a lot of time crying in there. Strong painkillers are a must!

[redcaryellowcar]

boots maternity towels are really thick and only just over a pound for 10, they seemed sufficient after both births one episiotomy and one tear.

[CrepeFoofette]

What helped me after a second degree tear and internal and external stitches was:

*maternity pads soaked in water and frozen
*doubling up on painkillers i.e. paracetamol then ibuprofen after two hours, then paracetamol two hours after that etc
*a diclofenac suppository given to me by my midwife (not to be used with other painkillers!)
*lying on my back with legs open and pad pulled away from stitches

I tried a number of seated positions, and sitting on different things, but only the above really helped.

All the best

[iloveweetos]

I just sat on normal pillows. Save your money. And deffo ask for more painkillers

[amyplus]

I've had an episiotomy and it has been 4 months since and its still uncomfortable to sit. There is a burning by the area every time i urine and also when it comes in contact with water. Obviously I still can't have sex with my husband. After I wake up, it's always sore when I'm getting up from bed. Has this happened to anyone? I need advices, please. Can someone tell me more about this laser therapy I found on the internet, MonaLisa Touch? Thanks to you all.

[seaoflove]

I had a third degree tear and didn't experience any problems sitting. I felt some discomfort when sitting on the seam of jeans for a few months after, but nothing major.

[PenguinsandtheTantrumofDoom]

I just had big brick maternity pads!

[bagofsnakes]

I had a bad tear last time and lots of stitches and I second the recommendation for a boppy or widgy pillow. It really helped me but you do have to get your position on it right so that you don't end up accidentally putting more pressure on the area. I found both my pillows on gumtree, seems people are always selling them on.

[seaoflove]

Oh yes! It was probably the big maternity pads that helped! Forgot about those.

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

The NCT used to hire out something called a Valley Cushion, which was specially designed to comfortable. Doughnut cushions apparently reduce circulation to the perineum, which can retard healing. The valley cushion is designed to avoid this.

[Dogsmom]

I'd wait and see how you feel, I had an episiotomy and was fine afterwards, didn't need any painkillers and could sit normally.
It did feel a bit tight when I stepped into the car but I was careful not to over stretch and had no problems.

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

I should have said that I had an episiotomy with ds1, and whilst it was a bit painful afterwards, I was fine with just a pillow to sit on. What was uncomfortable was turning over in bed - but that was only for the first few days, and by the time I went home, I was fine - but that was 7 days post partum, because ds1 needed phototherapy for neonatal jaundice.