Episiotomy recovery help / advice?

[SecretSloth99]

I gave birth yesterday and had to have an episiotomy. Naturally very sore, and I know it’s only day one, but I am so so desperate to get back to feeling like myself!

hit me with the things that helped the most with your post-natal recovery, especially an episiotomy!

Thankyou!!!

Honestly, I can't think of anything in particular that helped. You can't rush the healing process. You just need to let nature take its course. Don't overdo it or put any strain on your pelvic floor.
Congratulations on your baby!

Congratulations!! I had an episiotomy 7 months ago and honestly the recovery was absolutely fine, for the first few days I used one of the ice pack things in my underwear which helped, kept on top of paracetamol/ibuprofen for 2/3 days and after that I honestly didn’t feel I needed them. Everyone is different but for me it was really quick & not painful for long, I would say it was only actually sore for 2/3 days x

stay on top of the basics of eating well, fluids, rest and pain relief including ice.
keep the area clean without overcleaning lots of pad and panty changes.

If still bleeding use a bed pad, after shower if you have any time to lie down, lie down pants free to get some air to the scar to help it heal

I had quite a few stitches and found even just patting myself dry with a towel quite painful. The health visitor/community midwife told me to use a hairdryer - I'm still doing this 36 years later! Really grateful for her advice.

Still not forgiven her for writing "advised re hygiene" in my notes though, as if I was a stinky mare who couldnt be bothered having a wash😂

Thankyou all!! This makes me feel a lot better and that the road to recovery isn’t as bad as i thought it might be!! Right now my pelvic floor feels incredibly loose and no position is comfortable but I’m just hoping that it will improve with time.

Bidet pan for the loo. Warm water and dip your undercarriage after you've been to the loo. Then dry in a cool setting with hair drier. Or pat dry with kitchen paper.

It keeps the area immaculately clean to prevent infections.

I used to pour diluted tea tree oil over my bits after the loo and had lovely baths with lavender in. Soothing.