Infected stitches after episiotomy?

[Firsttimemama333]

Hey ladies,
New to this and looking for any advice! So I gave birth to my first baby boy 9 days ago and got an episiotomy. The stitches have been so sore and uncomfortable and I have not noticed any improvement in healing or pain since I gave birth. I’ve been keeping clean, rinsing with warm water after going to the toilet, bathing etc but getting no relief at all. Unsure as to whether they may be infected or not at this stage since there is no improvement. I’ve had a look but everything down there is still quite swollen and red so I’m not sure if it’s looking infected or not if you know what I mean. Also, still bleeding after childbirth so unsure whether stitches are oozing or anything like that as everything is all over the place!
Anyone that had an episiotomy- how long did it take for it to heal or for the stitches to start feeling better? I’m sick of being in pain and not being able to even sit down without being so uncomfortable. Wondering whether to go to gp or not at this stage or wait it out...

Hi

I had an episiotomy which got infected. It took a few weeks of specific antibiotics to heal. Are you still seeing your community mw? If so, have them check your stitches, they’ll know instantly. You have my total sympathy, it’s miserable x

I’m sorry to say it took a good 3-4 weeks before I could sit down without feeling them pulling or wincing. Then 2-3 months for them to properly heal. Then up to six months before I could have sex comfortably. However my midwife did say I’d “burst” a couple. I think can take regular pain relief such as paracetamol while BF (I was bottle) so keep up with painkillers as they will help. Get your midwife/HV to check them when they’re next around? I can honestly now say though after feeling like it would never be back to normal and crying so many times because of the pain, after a good 6 months everything was perfectly back to normal and doesn’t cause any pain now. It’s a really shitty way to give birth IMO, so so painful I’d rather have a C-Section again. Congratulations on your little boy and it does get better

Also a tip, sit on a soft pillow everywhere nothing firm. Lay if you can to take the pressure off of them. You can free sanitary towel to get a bit of cold relief when changing pads.

*Freeze

I found putting tea tree oil in the bath really helped with healing and soothing them.

I think I used lavender oil too

Ask your community midwife to check. Episiotomies can take longer to heal as the trauma is usually larger and in a more unusual place compared to a tear.
Tea tree oil/lavender oil in the bath. Regular paracetamol and ibuprofen

Definitely get them checked just in case. But it takes time to feel better. I used to soak a sanitary towel in witchazle and then put it in the fridge it honestly felt like heaven. And baths with a few drops of tea tree oil. Keep taking painkillers regularly, don't avoid them and suffer. I sympathise but promise it will get better.

Yes agree with getting midwife to check if you’ve got one that’s nice and good. With DD1 I had an epi but my midwife was rubbish and didn’t really want to look. When she did she said was fine. 2 days later I felt it wasn’t right and went to GP who then gave antib’s for infection so trust yourself but try and get an experienced GP. I had a complicated time with mine but I’d certainly expect a good few weeks of the pain you’re in. I’m about to have number 2 so about to join the club 😖 Hope you feel better soon.