Episiotomy is a gynecological practice that consists of making a cut in the vaginal area in order to facilitate the delivery of the baby. It helps to gain up to 3 centimeters of opening and is performed in cases where the flexibility of the perineum is not sufficient and there is a risk of tearing. There is a lot of controversy surrounding this practice; many professionals try to discard it from their routines, claiming that a natural tear heals more easily than one made with scissors or a scalpel. And in that they are right.
It came to be used as something common in each delivery, making women recover worse. And is that including an unnecessary episiotomy in childbirth is totally disrespectful to the female body. But in the case of needing it, there are a series of cares that have to be followed to heal the points. These cares are also useful if you have suffered a natural tear that has required a suture.
Cleaning and drying of the episiotomy and natural tear points
One of the most important things will be to keep the area dry and clean. Ideally, every time you go to the bathroom, you should use the shower with fresh water to clean the area. We can use some type of specific soap for episiotomy cures. They are available at the pharmacy and help the stitches to dry more easily. They also contain non-iodized antiseptic, which will ensure that the area is free of opportunistic bacteria.
Once we have cleaned the wound, it is dried. The easiest thing to do is use a soft towel and lightly pat to remove excess water. As a final touch, we can use the dryer with cold air to remove completely (or as much as possible) the remaining excess moisture. It is important not to rub the wound to avoid breaking any point or to help the bacteria located in the area of the anus get closer than they should.
Tricks for the day to day with the points
After cleaning and drying, we can use some type of tocological compress in our underwear to avoid staining with blood. Although if you are at home, it is best to bring the area to the air as long as possible (always with hygiene). One tip I used was to sit on soft towels and bring my knees to my chest so that the wound was ventilated. Consistent use of pads can make the area non-perspiring and create a rich environment for bacterial growth.
As the days go by, it is normal that you notice very tight stitches. That means they are drying well. And it is normal that they sting a lot and you do not find relief. One trick is to use the shower with fresh water, aiming the jet at very low pressure towards the area where you feel the itch the most. It is important that you do not exert yourself more than necessary the first days with the stitches and when you notice them tight to prevent them from skipping. Don't be afraid to use the toilet; After childbirth, include a lot of fiber and large amounts of water in your diet and when you need to use the bathroom, peace of mind will be the best of tricks.
If the wound hurts and you have ruled out infections or skipped stitches, you can use some type of analgesic compatible with breastfeeding. Another of the most used things is ice. You can put it in a bag and wrap it with a clean cloth to avoid cold burns. Sitting on this type of float will relieve pain and also soothe itching.
Avoid episiotomy
It is best prevent this type of intervention in childbirth. The midwives of the childbirth classes can give you a series of recommendations. The important thing is to keep the perineum flexible; we can massage it with rosehip oil. It is necessary to maintain good hydration in pregnancy in order for the skin to achieve the flexibility that it naturally has.
The WHO warns of the unbridled use that doctors have had with episiotomies and recommends that they only be used in totally justifiable cases, because a natural tear heals more easily. Pregnant women are masters of their body and can decide whether or not they want to be cut off. You can make a birth plan and deliver it to the hospital where you will be treated in your day. On the other hand, there are different types of episiotomies so some tricks will work better or worse for you. In any case and in the event of any strange discomfort, go to your doctor without fail.