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Now that I am pregnant again with my fourth baby, I will have to be following all these steps when the baby arrives this fall. I am so happy I’ve learned what works in healing quickly after a vaginal birth because I will have a newborn and three wild boys to care for.
Immediately after vaginal birth, there is a lot of care for your lady bits that may not be expected if this is your first time having a baby. I was clueless about the aftermath, and I wish I researched some proper care techniques before being completely reliant on the nurses to advise me. Three babies later, I’ve had some experience healing and caring for that area. It isn’t fun, but there are some ways you can make things feel better and heal faster.
First, Take All The Things From The Hospital:
Sure, you can grab some extra squirt bottles, Witch Hazel pads and Dermoplast prior to giving birth, because you will need lots of it, but you can get most of it from the hospital, or birthing centre. Most hospitals are more than happy to send you home with some of their supplies, including hospital undies. I took a couple of cans of Dermoplast, two squirt bottles, extra hospital undies (don’t wear real underwear, it will most likely get ruined), witch hazel pads, nipple cream and pads. They were happy to send me home with a good stash, and you need all of this! By taking some home, you will have lots of extra, which in postpartum life, having to go to the store with a new baby because you are out of something like pads is just not fun. If you are in your last trimester, this is a great time to grab a few extras, so you don’t have to make a run to the store. You also need some good, heavy-flow pads for the bleeding. Think big Costco size, so you don’t run out and can change your pad frequently.
I changed my pad and washed and sprayed it every time I went to the bathroom. I kept everything as clean as possible, which is really important to a fast recovery.
How To Make Vag Pads:
That’s what I call them. These are your first step in care. You want to make these little miracle pads and change them often. Especially in the beginning, when you will be bleeding more. I changed mine every time I went to the bathroom, which is quite a lot for me because I drink a lot of water.
First, get your heavy-flow pad:
These are the super heavy pads you can find anywhere. They are nice and thick and will help prevent any leaking. You can find them in a diaper-like form as well, which is sometimes even easier to keep in place.
Second, line your pad with the Witch Hazel soothing pads:
These little pads are soaked in Witch Hazel. They come in circles, and I line at least three circles on the bottom of the pad, then stack two more on top.
Spray with warm water:
Sit over the toilet and spray your lady area with warm water. The warm water felt good to me, so hopefully, it will you. Depending if you have stitches or not, it can be painful. I found the spray to be very comfortable and refreshing.
Air-dry for a minute or two:
I’ve had plenty of air-drying moments with the baby on the floor on a blanket or towel, while I am sitting on the toilet waiting to dry. Very glamorous.
Spray with Dermoplast:
The reason Dermoplast is so fabulous is that it cools the area, numbs it a bit and also reduces any itching. Make sure to spray all over, and let that sit for just a minute. If you prefer a herbal spray, this one is supposed to be good!
Place your fresh pad in your hospital undies and keep on moving!
These postpartum, disposal undies are fabulous.
Wellness Mama has an awesome recipe for a Postpartum Soothing spray that involves Frankincense Essential oil. I personally have very happy with my Dermoplast, but this recipe is far more natural, and I’ve heard wonderful things about using essential oils for healing.
How To Take a Postpartum Sitz Bath:
I did this a few times with my first and second recoveries. By the third baby, there was and is no time for baths. I am also not a bath person, so it wasn’t in my nature to soak, but it is wonderful for healing, and if you need some extra care because of a large baby, or some heaving tearing and stitches, this is great. You want to make sure that your doctor or midwife okay the sitz bath before you embark.
First, make sure your bathtub is super clean. Have someone wipe it down for you, or have it cleaned when you are super close to your due date, or while you are in labour, so it is ready to go.
Second, fill it with warm water. I found warm water to be soothing, you could do cool if that is better for you. Either way, it needs to be filled with enough water to soak down there.
Third, pour in some Epsom salts and lavender essential oil. I found this one that had both combined in one. You can get it at Target or Amazon. Lavender can have an antibacterial and anti-fungal effect, the Epsom salts are soothing, promote healing and clean the area. They can also help dissolve stitches. Tea Tree oil is also antibacterial, so you could try that one too.
By taking the extra step of the bath, you can promote your healing and aid your body in doing its job. The other way to promote faster healing postpartum is through nutrition and diet.
Eating The Right Foods To Encourage Healing:
I have a post on the 5 most healing foods for postpartum recovery. These foods have specific nutrients, vitamins and minerals in them to help your body repair itself and recover. I also do protein shakes or healing smoothies with this protein powder, which is specifically formulated for postpartum mamas to have the energy and nutrients the body needs to heel.
Nourishing the body is so important to healing, milk supply and weight loss, and in my program, I go over the 20 most healing foods, so you can fully infuse your body with the right nourishment to thrive and heal.
Nourishing the body, so it has the building blocks of what it needs to function properly and optimally is super helpful to healing faster, producing a healthy milk supply and putting your body back together postpartum. If you need help losing the baby weight, putting your core back together, finding your pelvic floor and figuring out what the heck to do after having a baby, this is the program for you!
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