Congratulations @Hodge85!
I had a third degree tear after my little boy 10 weeks ago.
A bath is good but be careful about how many a day as you don’t want an infection. I got an infection in mine despite best efforts not to sometimes it just happens. Midwife said gentle showers better as not sitting in ‘dirty’ water so maybe bath once a day and shower once a day?
Lay in bed and get as much air to your bits as you can. Use a puppy pad under your bum whilst you do this.
I used spritz for bitz but couldn’t get on with it but know some proper rave about it. Boots also do a version of it.
Sit with feet up or lay on sofa take pressure off. Don’t use a ring cushion.
Very very steady walks at first if at all. REST REST and more rest!!
My biggest piece of advice would be keep on top of medications especially pain relief even if feeling ok. Paracetamol and irbuprofen 4 hourly. Lactolose to keep you soft when you need a poo. Vitamin c to help the healing process.
Raise your feet on a little stool when going to the toilet so your knees are slightly higher than your hips. Use a clean dry pad to hold your stitches when you poo. Will make you feel much safer. DO NOT STRAIN. Take a book or phone whatever and be prepared to wait and let it come naturally. If it doesn’t try again later Breath out when passing the poo to stop any straining. That first time is horrendous but it does get better. Again lactolose is your friend. Morning and night.
Use a sports bottle or small jug to pour Lukewarm water on your stitches when you pee.
There was a time about 2 weeks post partum that I sobbed it would never get better. It does. It totally does. It just takes time.
A perfect excuse to stay on the sofa and cuddle your beautiful baby.