How to deal with stitches after birth?

Congratulations, new mom! You have just gone through one of the most difficult and painful experiences of your life, and now it’s time to deal with stitches after birth. While this may not be the most glamorous topic in the world, it is something that every woman who has given birth must deal with. Don’t worry though; we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we will go over everything you need to know about dealing with stitches after birth.

What are Stitches After Birth?

Before we dive into how to handle stitches after giving birth (ouch!), let’s talk a little bit about what they actually are. Essentially, when a baby comes out vaginally, there is often some tearing or cutting that happens in order to get them out safely. These tears/cuts (also known as lacerations) can range from small scrapes to large gashes that require multiple stitches.

Types of Lacerations

There are two main types of lacerations that can occur during childbirth – perineal tear and episiotomy (yikes!).

Perineal Tear

A perineal tear occurs naturally during delivery where muscles stretch but break apart entirely leaving an uncontrolled gap between the vagina opening and anus behind it resulting in significant discomfort even while making simple movements such as standing up or sitting down which could last up until six weeks postpartum if care isn’t diligently followed however mild ones generally heal within 1-2 weeks without showing any external symptoms like bleeding.

Episiotomy

An episiotomy refers specifically to a cut made by your healthcare provider using scissors because they simply want more room for effective safe delivery where also major research disputes arguing defending its effectiveness regarding immediate complications among newborns stating several risks associated including probable infection sepsis postpartum mood alteration sexual dysfunction and cause prolonged pain.

Signs of Stitches After Birth

It’s important to keep a lookout for signs of stitches after delivery. Don’t just ignore them and hope they’ll go away. Some stitches might fall off naturally, but without proper treatment, some could lead to infections that would require more medication.

Some common symptoms include:

  • Painful sensation while sitting or standing
  • Numbness at the site of stitching
  • Swelling and redness around the site.
  • Itching may arise as wounds heal
  • Discomfort when passing urine

How To Deal With Them?

Now for the million-dollar question – how do you deal with stitches after birth? Here are 5 tips:

1. Take Medication As Prescribed

Your healthcare provider should provide postcare medication list comprising antibiotics, pain reliefs like lidocaine ointment which will determine what works best during recovery and analgesic sprays may additionally reduce discomfort experienced while urinating.

2.Hygiene Is Crucial

Keeping your perineum area clean by regularly taking warm showers/baths is key in reducing bacterial infection possibilities also rinse about twenty seconds using spray bottles rather than wiping using tissue paper on cleaning your wound .

Did you know that some doctors recommend spraying water directly onto your lady parts instead of wiping or patting dry? Give it a try – it can be surprisingly refreshing!

3.Use Ice packs

Applying ice packs helps numb sore tissues swelling due to lacerations compressed against blood vessels,reduces inflammation therefore promoting swift healing processes especially within first two days so make sure there’s plenty available use it efficiently fifteen minutes intervals thrice daily.

4.Try Bigger underpants (Granny Pants)

Fitted clothing irritates severely on raw flesh wear loose cotton fabricated clothing specifically high waisted baggy granny pants which enables airflow thereby encouraging stable sanitary conditions hygiene if any spillage or discharge occurs.

5.Keep Up with Pelvic floor exercises

Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) are once again essential specifically for new mothers since pelvic muscles undergo significant changes including relaxation and contraction during vaginal delivery which could lead to shedding of the regular functions but when practiced regularly it increases strength and blood flow in that region.

When To Seek Medical Attention?

It is important to seek immediate medical attention from your health care provider if you notice the aforementioned symptoms alongside experiencing fevers chills body soreness, heavy bleeding persisting more than two weeks because infections may escalate quickly depending on individual healing progress; early detection can save lives!

Conclusion:

Stitches after birth might be a little uncomfortable (ok let’s call it pretty damn painful), but they are part of the process, so don’t freak out about them too much(easier said than done). Just remember to pay attention to how you feel, keep cleanliness at its limit . And pick up some ice packs and granny panties! Congratulations again on welcoming your bouncing baby into this wild world!

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