Perineal after-care

• Always wash your hands before caring for your stitches or changing your sanitary towels. This is particularly important if anyone in your household has a cough or cold
• Shower or bath daily, if possible, for the first two weeks. Prolonged bathing can cause the stitches to dissolve too quickly. Rinse with warm water and avoid soaps and perfumed products. Dry with a clean towel and avoid rubbing the area
• Do not apply any creams, salts, oils or lotions to the stitches
• Sanitary towels should be changed frequently, and leaving the stitches exposed to the air can assist with healing
• When passing urine, some mild stinging can be expected in the first few days. Avoid dehydration which can worsen this sensation. Rinsing with plain water during or after urination may reduce this discomfort
• When opening your bowels the stitches won’t come apart. Avoid constipation or excessive straining and ensure good personal hygiene is maintained to reduce the risk of infection
• Mild/moderate discomfort is to be expected in the first few days after birth and can be relieved with common pain relief medications such as paracetamol and/or ibuprofen. Please speak to your midwife regarding the recommended dose and other methods to relieve discomfort of your stitches
• Using ice can reduce inflammation and pain. You can use ice wrapped in a clean towel or use a sanitary pad that has been placed in the freezer for couple of hours. Place over the tender part of your perineum for 10 minutes. Repeat the process three to four times each day for the first few days
• If your stitches are gaping, oozing, severely painful, offensive in smell or unusually hot, please contact your GP, midwife or local maternity triage/assessment unit urgently.