Urgent! Post episiotomy help and what to buy?

[Stitchhelp]

My sister has endured a traumatic birth. Her baby in ICU and she’s not allowed to stay in hospital due to current restrictions. So a lot going on.

She had to be cut and as pain relief wears off - extreme discomfort.

What can I buy to help? What can she do?

Any guidance be appreciated.
Thanks

This sounds horrendous I'm sorry. Coffee and fresh fruit and veg - so soups, fruit salads etc. Smoothies also (she needs to be wary to keep herself regular!)

A big hug, and time offering her driving about where needed. Lots of time talking about the baby and looking at pics if she wants to do that. Understand if she feels uncomfortable talking about baby when baby isnt' there - don't pressure her.

Get the contact details for support services - eg, local midwifery team, la lache line or whatever so if she gets upset she has support you can help her turn to.

for your sister op, sounds like she's had a rough time. I hired a post partum cushion from the NCT after giving birth. I had a 3rd degree tear and it made sitting and standing from sitting much less painful. I'm guessing hiring isn't an option now, but I've looked and you can buy them on Amazon.

You need to get distilled witxh hazel over the counter at a pharmacy. Chill it in the fridge and tell your sister to soak every fresh maternity pad with it before she puts the pad on. It is so soothing and healing and was a tip given to me post my episiotomy by the hospital women's health physio who came to see me on the postnatal ward. And do get a referral to a women's health physio at about 6 weeks post partum. So important.

How lovely of you both thank you

Any particular pillow you’d recommend

She’s strong but this is tough

Dettol antiseptic liquid, the brown stuff from the pharmacy in a shallow bath twice a day to keep the area clean.

You can get squeezy bottles with upturned spout for cleansing the area too after going to the toilet. Amazon.

Postpartum cushion as PP mentioned.

Loose comfy clothing.

I was advised to take paracetamol and ibuprofen, alternated every two hours, e.g. P @10, I @12, P @2, I @4 hopefully midwife can advise on this?

Lactulose, again buy from pharmacy, loosens your stools for easier passing. Dried apricots and prune juice do this too and have the added benefit of contributing to five a day.

If she can, check her stitches out every now and then, just to keep a check on the healing. Mine became infected and I only realised as I checked them with a mirror as they were so painful after several days.

That's all I can think of for now, I'll be back if I think of anything else.

Hope she and bubs are OK xx

Oh yes the menthol of witch Hazel reminded me that I used tea Tree oil in the same way. But! It seemed to make the sticky bit of the maternity pad stick like crazy to my pants, the glue was hard to remove, so I used a thin panty liner between the pad and pants and that helped.

I second the witch Hazel, so soothing, I had a 4th degree tear and the witch Hazel was a dream. Get her some high fibre snacks too, she doesn't need to be straining.

Poor thing! After my episiotomy I used the nursing cushion to sit on! To be honest it was painful sitting for probably a month.

Lol remembered another one! I was advised to eat lots of protein to help the healing process.

No help but what a lovely caring thing to do I wish I had a sister like you

Sorry to hear this.

Boots maternity mats: www.boots.com/boots-maternity-mats-1-5pack-10238767

Means she can sleep without pants on and without staining sheets - air helps the cut heal faster and reduces the chance of infection.

Superb - I’m going on an amazon spree

If you can get her some tena pants instead of maternity pads. I was TERRIFIED of the pads shifting and an underneath bit sticking to my stitches. The pants aren’t exactly sexy but they’re more comfortable than pads. X

I highly recommend she wear pants and pads as little as possible. Letting the area breathe really aids with healing.

I used a witch hazel gel which was very helpful. Also a reusable pad which you put in the freezer. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000UX52Z0/ref=cmswwrcpptai_Uy1bFb75Q85R5

If she has any trouble with her stitches or healing, see if she can get a referral to the perineal midwife. Mine has been superb and made such a difference with my recovery, she also supplied me with something called Flaminal which has been like a wonder cream for healing.

Get either a foam or a blow up rubber ring (swimming one will do fine) for her to sit on. Means the only pressure is on the thighs and buttocks rather than sore places.

I had a bilateral episiotomy and was advised to take arnica tablets. I healed more quickly after that than after the single episiotomy (and no arnica) with my previous delivery.

Lots of great suggestions on here.

I've had three episiotomies. The main thing I'd say is if the pain doesn't ease within a couple of days - and especially if the pain gets worse - urge her to get seen by a doctor or midwife. My first episiotomy got infected and it was agony, but I thought that was normal. Two courses of antibiotics cleared it but it really was excruciating and I wish I'd got help sooner. Don't suffer in silence.

Also, she needs to take plenty of paracetamol for the first couple of days. She's lucky to have your help and concern.

Yes mine got infected too (10 years ago!) and I remember the discomfort even now. Hence trying to get things to avoid that for my sister.

Really appreciate all the suggestions - thank you

I kept meaning to buy ‘spritz for bits’ which is supposed to be good.
I would say to stay on top of pain meds too. If I didn’t, it started to hurt. What with those, preventative antibiotics and arnica I had to draw up a timetable for tablets, but it worked.
Hope she’s on the mend soon.

Yes a ring pillow thing was so helpful for me
I think they’re sometimes marketed as being for people with piles/haemorrhoids.
Sort of look like a donut

And squirting with a water bottle after going to the toilet

Oh and gently pressing the area with a clean pad when doing those terrifying first poos when you feel your insides are going to fall out 😂

No to soaking it in anything! I had a repair on my episiotomy after it came apart and the consultant said the best advice was to keep the wound dry, not take baths but showers, no putting anything on it.

I would ask for a telephone consultation at least with an NHS women's health physio. Mine healed fine with the witch hazel so I only know that. I would caution against the ring pillows as I was advised by the physio against them due to prolapse risks. They move pressure from one area to another that can be more damaging. I would check with a physio first.