Perineal tear and stitches after birth — healing and proper care

Perineal Tear After Birth — Heals Well, Requires Patience

In short: A perineal tear (or episiotomy) affects 60-70% of all vaginal first births. The vast majority are grade 1 or 2 and heal without problems within 2-4 weeks.

Perineal Tear Grades

Care Tips for Faster Healing

1. Cool pads — the first few days (ice pack wrapped in washcloth, NOT directly on skin)
2. Sitz baths — with chamomile or oak bark, 2x daily for 10 minutes
3. Nurse while lying down — less pressure on the stitches
4. Donut pillow — relieves pressure on the perineum when sitting
5. Keep wound moist — do NOT let it dry out
6. Run water over stitches when urinating (less burning)
7. Shower instead of bath for the first 2 weeks (infection risk)

Pain Relief

• Ibuprofen — anti-inflammatory + pain relief (safe while breastfeeding!)
• Acetaminophen — as an alternative or supplement
• Arnica pellets — some mothers report relief
• Cool pads with witch hazel — soothing

What to AVOID

• ❌ Lifting heavy objects (max. baby's weight!)
• ❌ Standing or sitting for long periods
• ❌ Sexual intercourse (only after complete healing + doctor's clearance)
• ❌ Tampons (not until after 6 weeks)
• ❌ Exercise/jogging before stitches are healed

When to See a Doctor

• 🚨 Stitches open up or threads come loose
• 🚨 Pus-like discharge or foul smell (infection!)
• 🚨 Severe pain that doesn't improve with ibuprofen
• 🚨 Fever above 38°C
• 🚨 Incontinence (difficulty holding stool or gas) → See a specialist!

What Other Mothers Share

"Grade 2, stitched. The first 5 days were rough. After 2 weeks I could sit normally again. After 4 weeks it was almost forgotten."

This information does not replace medical advice.