by Annie Evett

Everyone's experience is different. Some women find  stitches painful and slow to heal, and others experience much less discomfort. It depends on your physical health. Stitches should have dissolved by three to four weeks after the birth; if they haven't, or you still feel uncomfortable, seek help from your doctor or health professional. Women who do have stitches need to be mindful that the stitches go through the skin, and that pain, especially through movement, is an indication that you need to stop and rest.  The stitches are pulling through tissues that are tender, bruised, swollen and traumatised.

The following remedies may help with pain and bruising you may be feeling.

• Warm water
        either bath, shower or bidet

• Cold water   
        cooled witchhazel or gel pads, or cool water from a showerhead
        (Chinese Traditional medicines advices against application of cold to         this area after birth)

• Anaesthetic gels and sprays
        lignocaine or try lavender oil which has painkilling and antiseptic      
        qualities.

• Over-the-counter painkillers   
           paracetamol or ibuprofen

• Sitting on a cushion or rubber ring   
        try the specially designed Valley Cushion which is more effective      
        than a rubber ring, which can constrict your blood vessels.

• Homeopathic remedies
           arnica, silica and hypericum

• Herbal remedies and creams
           calendula (healing), comfrey(soothing)  or honey (healing).

Minor grazes and tears to the neck of the womb, the vagina, the labia and the perineum usually heal quickly. This can be hastened especially with the use of simple healing methods such as honey, calendula lavender oil. Women who have wounds from an episiotomy or a more serious tear will need more time to heal, especially bed rest in the first two weeks and extra care to assist in the healing process.

Even women who have not suffered physical trauma to their vagina, perineum and labia most women fear the first time they have sex after birthing. This fear may be conscious or unconscious, but will effect the way she reacts and interact with her partner. Fear releases adrenalin which blocks the body's ability to release oxytocin - the hormone of love.  Understanding the physiological effects of fear can assist couples when they return to sex.

If you found this article helpful, considering purchasing our eBook "Reclaim Sex After Birth."