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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Can I have a bath after an episiotomy and tear?

27 replies

fuckbeingaparent · 14/03/2019 16:07

I forgot to ask my midwife and I’m signed off from midwife care now.

Can I have a bath after an episiotomy a d third degree tear? I’m desperate!

DD is only 2 weeks old.

OP posts:
Chimmychunga · 14/03/2019 16:09

Yes, my MW recommended putting a couple of capfulls of dettol in too which helped me lots as my stitches got infected when I was still at the hospital.

Congrats on your baby!

Whymustyoubringinthebirds · 14/03/2019 16:11

Yes but just air dry your stitches afterwards!

MyBreadIsEggy · 14/03/2019 16:13

Yes!!
The only way I could pee without crying from the stinging for the first week or so, was to run myself a shallow bath every single time I needed a wee, sit in it and wee, and then hose myself down with the shower afterwards.
My gas bill was through the roof, but my fanjo was soothed Blush

kmammamalto · 14/03/2019 16:21

Yes! I think someone once recommended me to put tea tree oil in it. Dilute a few drops in some milk to help it spread in the water (as oil doesn't do that well) and enjoy! I found I healed really well and never got infected and I had a little bath like this once a day at least!
I wouldn't have too much soap or drying bubbles but definitely enjoy a soak! Congratulations, you've earned it!

sweetkitty · 14/03/2019 16:23

Few drops of tea tree and lavender oil in a nice bath.

OKBobble · 14/03/2019 16:27

I practically lived in the bath after mg double episiotomy

tessiegirl · 14/03/2019 16:32

Yes definitely. I had a episiotomy and I had a bath the day after! Also added salt to help with healing. Enjoy!

ElkieMacjibe · 14/03/2019 16:59

An alternative view.. I had a third degree tear and was told not to bath for 6 weeks, just shower. To stop the stitches dissolving too quickly.

Ribeebie · 14/03/2019 17:12

Yes! Baths really helped with the pain after my tear. Make sure the stitches/wound are dry after - I used the hairdryer on a cool setting!

greenelephantscarf · 14/03/2019 17:15

I was told to only shower the first 4-6 weeks

OoohAyyye · 14/03/2019 17:17

Yes! I added lavender and milk to mine as recommended by a MW.

iknowimcoming · 14/03/2019 17:19

I was told lavender and/or tea tree oil baths were good so long as no more than 15 mins or so at a time so I had 3 a day for 10 mins - it was lovely, just pat dry gently, congratulations!

Samind · 14/03/2019 17:20

Tea tree and lavender oil when I had it. And I put few drops tea tree and lavender oil on pads too. Definitely helped! Feeling for you OP. Take it easy!!!

DryHeave · 14/03/2019 17:21

My consultant told me to only shower for the first 6 weeks. I too was desperate for a bath but took the advice.

stairway · 14/03/2019 17:21

I wouldn’t as it’s more of an infection risk then a shower and could make the stitches dissolve. Def don’t use salt.

FrozenMargarita17 · 14/03/2019 17:21

Lavender oil is good

WhenZogateSuperworm · 14/03/2019 17:26

My midwife told me to bath with Badedas to help soothe things.

Bubblysqueak · 14/03/2019 17:28

I had a long soak before I even left the delivery suit with lavender and tea tree oil.

thenightsky · 14/03/2019 17:29

I was also told to use Badedas. My midwife was amazed how fast I healed. If I couldn't bathe due to time, I put a tiny bit of Badedas in a big 2 litre jug of warm water and poured it over the area whilst sitting on the loo (like a make-shift bidet).

PeoniesandPretties · 14/03/2019 20:51

Please do not use a hair dryer to dry yourself! Blowing dust into a wound.... Really not a good idea, pat dry, I use a muslin then let air.

Tfoot75 · 14/03/2019 21:13

I did, with lavender oil or similar I think. Certainly didn't make a difference to dissolving stitches as I distinctly remember there was still a bit leftover when I saw the specialist after c. 12 weeks.

Pixie2015 · 14/03/2019 21:16

I used body shop tea tree oil in the bath for first few weeks after birth x

Hillaria · 14/03/2019 21:19

Going back 20 years here, but the hospitals MWs recommended a shallow not-too-hot bath with tea tree and/or lavender oil following the delivery from Hell. It certainly did not harm. The scent brings it all back...

user1471426142 · 16/03/2019 16:20

I was told only to shower as well after my episiotomy. Mine healed really well so I’m paranoid to do anything different after another tear this time round. I’d love a bath though but I don’t want to tempt fate.

MrHaroldFry · 16/03/2019 16:49

Shower only until after six week check. Use cupped hands to Gently, but thoroughly clean your vaginal area.
Pouring warm water on your perineum when you pass urine will help to clean things downstairs too (with added bonus of diluting so urine won’t irritate the wound.