How are you preparing for your postpartum?
If you’re pregnant, and doing your homework, you’ve likely been doing lots of prep for the big day: packing your birth bag, attending prenatal yoga classes, practicing for the intensity of labour and birth. If you’re really diligent, you’re taking a great prenatal class, and preparing for postpartum too: learning how to change diapers and swaddle your baby, installing the car seat, writing your to-be list. You know you’ll need as much rest as possible, and lots of nourishing food and drink. And note to self: don’t drop the baby on her head.
Don’t forget your perineum!
But have you thought much about your vagina and perineum (RTC Founder Sylvia Otvos’ favourite word – she even has a trending video on the RTC YouTube Channel on the subject), and how you’re actually going to feel down there after you push out a small human? I’d be willing to bet you have…maybe with a grimace on your face.
Tearing
While swelling of the perineum is very normal after birth, you might be afraid of tearing, or having an episiotomy, and the effects it will have on your vagina afterward. While the stitches dissolve within 7-10 days, you may feel some discomfort due to the swelling, and you may feel a tugging sensation while you walk or even while you sit to breastfeed. (Side-lying feeding positions are a saving grace!)
Hemorrhoids
Some women also suffer from hemorrhoids. You may get them throughout your pregnancy, especially towards the end when baby is very heavy and sitting low in your belly, or you may get them while pushing your baby out. In either case, they can be painful and take a while to heal depending on how bad they are. But they do go away with time along with some tender loving care!
How to heal your perineum
The good news is that you may not be as sore as you imagine. And even if you are, there are a few marvellous tools you can get ahead of time to keep in your arsenal for afterward. A sitz bath is one. A peri bottle is another (please, please don’t use toilet paper on your nether regions, at least for the first several days!). You can even stick some maxi pads in the freezer .
But probably the easiest—and prettiest—little trick you can tuck into your birth bag is a bottle of Rock the Cradle’s Perineum Spray: Cooling Bottom Mist.
What is a perineum spray?
Created with love by RTC Doula Yvonne Pelling, who also happens to be a certified aromatherapist, this holistic little potion is a major multi-tasker. Witch hazel, lavender, and chamomile combine to reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and help heal not only your lady parts, but just about anything else you lavish it on. (I mean, I wouldn’t spray it in my eyes. But pretty much anywhere else, yes please.) And did I mention it smells divine? Lavender in particular is known to calm the nervous system and help reduce anxiety, and even fatigue.
How to use a perineum spray
The Rock the Cradle Cooling Bottom Mist can be used as often and as much as feels good. (If in doubt, check with your medical caregiver first.) And definitely keep it in the fridge for added coolness. Spray on your perineum and bottom area when needed.
And it’s not limited to the first six or eight weeks postpartum. If you happen to have some Cooling Bottom Mist left over, use it as a facial toner, a room spray, or to soothe scrapes or bug bites. I’m six YEARS postpartum and use it all the time: mainly because it smells incredibly good.
Purchase a bottle now and be prepared!
Heather
p.s. We want you to #LoveYourBirthStory! Join our growing community of parents who birth and parent with confidence! You can find us on YouTube, Facebook, in our private Facebook group ‘This Motherhood Journey’, on Pinterest and Instagram.
