A New Beginning

SHOWERING If you had a vaginal birth, you may be able to shower the next day. If you had a cesarean birth, how soon you can shower depends on several variables. Read more about showering after cesarean on page 30.

After birth, any large tears or an episiotomy incision will be closed with dissolvable sutures that won’t need to be removed later. Although the level of perineal pain or discomfort varies from person to person, it can last for several weeks.

Physical Changes

To relieve perineal discomfort: • Apply an ice pack for 10–20 minutes to help reduce swelling (most

Safe Showering Guidelines • Use a clean washcloth and towel each time • Use a mild, non-irritating soap • Do not scrub

• Apply witch hazel pads to the sanitary pads. • Use a numbing spray or cream if recommended by your health care provider. • Lie on your side or back while resting. • Avoid straining during bowel movements. • Wear loose, comfortable clothing. • Keep the area clean and dry.

• Let the soap and water flow down onto the incision • Gently pat the incision dry, then air dry for a few minutes

effective in the first 24 hours after birth). • After 24 hours, take a warm sitz bath to soothe soreness or a cool sitz bath to ease swelling. No full tub baths until approved by your health care provider. • Sit squarely on the

the incision or area around it

PERINEUM The area between your vaginal opening and rectum is called the perineum. During childbirth, this area may swell or tear as it stretches. In some cases, your health care provider may need to surgically cut the perineum (called an episiotomy) to make more room for the baby’s birth. SCAN + PLAY

chair or bed and not sideways on your hip.

8 STEPS

1 and 8

Wash your hands.

Rinse with warm water from your peri bottle each time you use the bathroom and until your lochia has stopped. Wash your perineum with mild soap and water. to promote healing and prevent an infection To keep your perineum clean

Check the amount and color of your lochia with each pad change. 7

Fill the peri-bottle with warm water each time before you use the bathroom. 2

6

3 Rinse and clean your perineum from front to back.

Apply a new sanitary pad from the front to the back after every urination or bowel movement.

Pat dry, from front to back. Avoid rubbing. 5

Use all the water in the peri-bottle. 4

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Chapter 1: Physical Changes