Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Childbirth

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

Please help episiotomy healing!

5 replies

Randomname85 · 09/09/2020 23:34

3 weeks ago tomorrow I had my baby, failed forceps and vacuum and eventual c section. C section is feeling ok if a little tender and numb plus my insides feel a bit wonky still (disconcerting when you hear a surgeon say ‘just putting your bowel back in the right place’ 😂) - however the episiotomy is not. It’s my second episiotomy and I’m sure my first healed much quicker. A week ago it felt like I had a UTI and prolapse (Plus piles!) it was so sore - I was on antibiotics from the hospital anyway so the GP said if there was an infection it would clear up. I then had about 3 days of feeling completely 100% - but since yesterday the scar is extremely itchy and tender. I don’t think any stitches or anything have come loose but it’s hard for me to even sit down again which became much easier up to a few days ago.

How normal does this sound for anyone else who’s had an episiotomy? No one has even checked the stitches which I found odd as they did first time round.

OP posts:
MrsCl19 · 10/09/2020 07:00

My episiotomy took a good 6 weeks before it felt 'ok' - the only advise I have is maybe have a look with a mirror see if there's any discharge from it or anything. Although I always though itching ment it was healing but I could be wrong

Chefwifelife · 10/09/2020 07:19

Hey @Randomname85. Congrats on the new edition, sorry to hear your labour was rough. My first was too. I agree with PP to try and have a look with a mirror. My episiotomy failed and it was very obvious (except to some HC professionals!) to see something wasn’t right. Is there any discharge or smell? Sorry tmi this early in the morning. I was also told that breast feeding can affect your healing hormones so things can take a little longer if you are. Always go with your gut instinct and if something doesn’t feel right ask for it to be looked at again and again.

Wood34 · 17/09/2020 21:14

Hey,
Sorry you had a rough time. My episiotomy got infected when I had my first baby and took 16 weeks to heal. I would just have a look and check for any infection. It could be itchy as the new scar tissue grows.
You could have some baths with salts or tea tree oil and just air it out a bit.
Once healed I used to massage with almond oil!
I hope it gets better soon!

Wood34 · 17/09/2020 21:17

I would get it checked! They left me and I got a bad infection.
I used to wash with clean water a jug or get a bath after every toilet and use this kitchen roll called blitz (really thick) to dry the area and it healed really well. I found towels weren’t that clean and needed a new one every time.
I am just sending this, as I read the bit about you saying struggling to sit down and also that it is tender! X

Tryingtogetitright · 17/09/2020 21:21

Second Wood34's suggestion of washing every time you use the loo, but rather than a jug would recommend a sports bottle of water (think the 750ml Evian or Volvic bottle?) refilled with warm water - they have a cap you can spray with to make a sort of bidet.

Also, don't dry your stitches with a hairdryer... I did that and mine dissolved....

New posts on this thread. Refresh page