Need relief - episiotomy stitches

[Informeddecision]

Hi all,

I gave birth 8 days ago. My labour was forceps assisted and I had an episiotomy as well as a 2nd degree tear. I’ve been healing fairly well but today the areas where the stitches are are so itchy.

Does anyone have any ideas on what can help relieve the itching? I’m seeing my midwife tomorrow so will ask her but I’d really like to try and get some relief tonight.

Are you using essential oils and keeping it dry as much as possible?

I was advised to use water only. Moisture toilet wipes, not toilet paper.

Maybe try some some plain, unscented moisturiser like E45 or Vaseline.

Can you send someone to a chemist for you? A pharmacist could help.

They're probably itching because they're healing, which is a good sign.

@Wigglegiggle0520 I’m not using essential oils but am trying to keep it as dry as possible.

@BritishDesiGirl I’ve maybe used toilet paper too much and irritated it! I’ve been giving the area a good clean with water when in the shower but struggling to do that if I’m not in the shower. Will switch to water wipes instead of toilet paper though.

Thanks both!

@bumpyknuckles that’s what I’m hoping! I’ve just never been so irritated ever. Yes I could send my husband

Spritz for bits douse yourself and lie down on a towel pantless for a while.

Tucks cooling medicated pads!! Lay them on your sanitary or maternity pads.

Get them on Amazon x

I @20viona - Spritz for Bits is brilliant stuff - see if your husband can find that in the pharmacy. You can spray it straight onto yourself or put it onto a pad. It's so soothing!

I remember putting witch hazel on a sanitary towel - I think it was that and it was a brilliant relief

tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic. Stick a few drops on a maternity pad or put some in a bath with lavender oil.
Dry off with a hairdryer on a very cool setting.
I agree with PP that it sounds like it’s just healing. I wouldn’t be putting any cream on it personally.

I used Tucks pads and they really helped!

I used sudocrem. On dds bits and my bits. This was 25 years ago though!

Spritz for bits!!

I remember sitting in the bath watching a portable DVD player So that I could use the shower attachment with warm water all evening!

Spritz for bits! Boots sells it now too!

I was in agony with mine, worse still when you cough, sneeze or laugh. I was advised by an aunt to bath in salt water. It really helped me. This was 35 years ago though!

I had a very sore episiotomy site with baby number 1 so got prepared for 2nd one, no stitches just tiny grazes , i put tea tree oil and lavender oil only, in the bath once or twice daily .
It really worked , very soothing and quicker healing, i did the same for 3rd baby too.

Best advice I ever had was to mix the lavender and tea tree oils with a couple of spoonfuls of milk! Then put into the bath, it emulsifies the oils so they’re within the water rather than sitting on top of it, then lay on the bed on a towel and air dry!

I remember it well. Sounds silly because it’s not pain exactly, but Paracetamol is amazing! Ibuprofen probably good too.

I got a peri bottle and just rinsed every time I went to the loo with warm water and patted dry. Basically a bidet. I changed my pad several times a day even if it wasn’t full as well. You can’t even tell I had stitches now it healed so well, I can’t recommend it enough.
Hope you feel less sore soon!

I made a brilliant DIY spritz for bits with cooled boiled water and witch hazel 50:50 and a few drops of lavender. So soothing and so cheap!

I had the exact same after my second baby 11 weeks ago.

• Epsom salts in your bath
• Keep it as dry as possible - air dry where you can.
• Make sure you are wearing 100% cotton pants.
• Peri bottle with warm water in and rinse your bits every time you wee, then dry with tissue (dab, don't rub)
• Spritz for bits or witch hazel on a sanitary towel
• Keep dosed up with paracetamol / Ibuprofen, they really do help.

And congratulations!