Healing from Vaginal Birth

Giving birth should automatically give you the street cred of a celebrity and the red carpet should be rolled out as you leave the hospital or birth center…[Or after you leave your living room.] I mean you did just push a human out of your vagina. Unfortunately, giving birth isn’t all that glamorous.

Our bodies are made to give birth and some births are easier than others but we still need to allow time for healing. If you had a wound on the outside of your body that was visible, then you would slow down, rest, and nourish your body. The same goes for healing from vaginal birth. You have a wound inside your uterus the size of a basketball from where the placenta was attached. Just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there.

You can also expect some swelling, soreness, bruising, pain, bleeding, possibly some tearing, and don’t forget the adult diapers…

We may not be able to roll out the red carpet, but we can talk about ways to help you be a bit more comfortable.

Tips for healing from vaginal birth:

• Peri bottle. This will be your best friend for the first week or two after giving birth. It’s a good idea to have one in every bathroom. We love the one from Frida Mom. We still suggest using a peri bottle even if you don’t have vaginal tearing. It will still burn when you pee from the skin stretching and the water from the peri bottle is oh so soothing.
• Padsicles. These are a game changer! Take large pads, lay flat and pour witch hazel over the pad and freeze! We suggest making these a month or so before your due date. TIP: When using padsicles we suggest doubling up with another pad or depends to go under the padsicle. Padsicles aren’t really absorbent.
• Sitz bath spray. Motherlove has a fantastic sitz bath spray that can be used each time you go to the bathroom. It helps to ease discomfort after birth.
• Fresh air. Giving your bottom bits some fresh air can aid in healing. You can lay a chucks pad under you and be pad and underwear free.
• Stool softener. The first poop after birth can be a bit scary, ask your doctor if taking a stool softener might be helpful.
• Hemorrhoids. We love rhoid balm by Motherlove and tucks pads. It’s a great idea to get at least one of these ahead of time just to be prepared!
• Having a doula. This might sound silly. But having a birth doula can help you push at the right times to limit tearing, can reduce the risk of an Episiotomy and overall lead to an easier birth.

Most importantly REST! Try to stay off your feet and take it easy for the first couple of weeks. Plan ahead and prepare some meals. Line up family or friends to help with older children and just plan to lay low.

If you’re looking for more support on preparing for a new life in your life, you might want to check out our Preparing For Baby mini-series!