Help!!! Episiotomy stitches, painful as hell.
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Paracetamol and Ibuprofen every 4 hours - do not let yourself start hurting before taking the next dose. It will feel like you're a walking pharmacy at times but it really helps take the edge off the pain x
You can alternate ibuprofen and paracetimol every 2 hours up to the max dose if necessary. Were you given anything stronger by the hospital? I was given Dihydrocodeine and laxatives. You can breastfeed laying down if you can find a good position for baby. When sitting try rolling a large towel and folding it into a c shape on the sofa so your bum is on that and there isn't pressure in the wound. That really helped me. Use a peri bottle gently to help wash the area in the shower. It will take a bit of time but heals and passes eventually, I'm 7 months pp and don't really remember the pain of that or birth anymore x
I was in the same boat as you on day 5. By two weeks, I felt completely healed. What helped me was sitting/lying on the side that didn’t have stitches. I bought a doughnut cushion from Amazon to sit on. Also, sitting on a normal cushion on top of the sofa or choosing a harder surface to sit on was better. Doughnut cushion was good for the car too. Keep up taking alternative paracetamol and ibuprofen. Spritz for bits and letting it air dry for a bit too. Hope this helps you. I thought it would never end but it does. I’m 3 weeks PP now and have been fine for a week xo
Also I was terrified that every time I got up, I was pulling the stitches out. I wasn’t at all so it’s a normal feeling for it to feel like that. The heavy gravity feeling is good because it shows it’s healing. It’s all tightening 🤍
I hear tucks cooling pads are great for this and above mentioned a sea salt steam, I think a warm (not hot) epsom salt bath/soak could really help a few times a week. I was worried about having an episiotomy so I prepped a ton of “padcicles” where I took maxi pads, poured witch hazel and slathered aloe on them and stuck them in the freezer in preparation. I only used two upon return home from my vaginal birth. But they felt great. It could be worth it for you. I can’t imagine how you are feeling, girl. Stay strong and best of luck healing quick!