The Treatment Of Stitches After Childbirth
Whether you have undergone a caesarean or an episiotomy, the care of the stitches after delivery is very important so that they heal quickly and do not cause infections.
Today we will talk about postpartum stitch care .
The care of the stitches after delivery: cesarean
The recovery of a woman who has undergone a cesarean can be slower than that of a woman who has had a natural birth. To normal aches and pains we must add the care of the applied points. Some tips to tackle this stage in the best possible way are:
1. Take short showers
On days when you have points, you will not be able to bathe in the tub. To clean yourself you will need to take short showers and wash yourself with mild soap and water, in case you are not wearing any bandages. Also, your doctor may advise you to use a special antiseptic soap.
2. Let the wound ‘breathe’
Although the gauze or bandage that is placed in the hospital actually avoids rubbing against clothing and reduces pain, it is equally necessary that the wound be exposed to the air.
That is why it is necessary to take off the bandage and leave the wound uncovered for a while. In these moments, try not to breastfeed or sleep with your partner; minimize contact with any element.
3. Do not use tight clothing
In addition to using cotton undergarments, when you still have the cesarean sections, you shouldn’t use very tight or zippered pants. We also advise you not to move abruptly and not to make any efforts, to prevent the stitches from jumping or getting hurt.
During this time, you may find it difficult to take some actions. To get out of bed, for example, bring your body up to the edge of the bed, lower your feet slowly and place a pillow on your stomach before getting into position.
Stitch care after childbirth: episiotomy
During natural childbirth it is sometimes necessary to make an incision in the perineal area – between the vulva and the anus – so that the baby can pass without problems and avoid lacerations in the area.
This cut is then sutured with stitches using a synthetic material that causes them to ‘fall out’ on their own and are reabsorbed. It is also possible to use a thicker material which must be collected by the doctor after about 10 days. This practice is known as an episiotomy, which creates a wound that needs to be treated after delivery.
In order to recover effectively from the episiotomy, it is important to take care of the wound. When the mother is in the hospital, the health care staff will take care of it personally, but once you are out you will have to think about it for yourself with the help of your partner . Some tips to consider for postpartum stitch care are:
1. Keep the area clean and dry
Whenever you go to the bathroom, you have to clean yourself very well and wash yourself with fresh water. Don’t forget to dry yourself by gently ‘patting’ using a lint-free towel. Some women also use a fan or a hairdryer in cold jet mode to dry.
2. Wash with water and salt
Some doctors recommend it to speed up healing. Obviously the water must be lukewarm and don’t use too much salt – a handful will be enough. In the end, remember to dry very well.
3. Use special gauze
First of all, the underwear must be cotton and not tight. During the night, to sleep, it is advisable to remove clothing to avoid retaining moisture. In addition, in pharmacies they sell special gauze that allow the area to breathe and prevent the stitches from sticking together.
So whether you have had a caesarean delivery or have needed an episiotomy, it is very important to avoid infections in the stitches. The midwife will indicate the treatment to accelerate healing and minimize possible complications; try to follow it to the letter and everything will be for the best.
