When I first became pregnant with Vienna I read as much as I possibly could about having a healthy pregnancy. Then in my third trimester I was very focused on having a positive birthing experience, which is why I took a hypnobirthing course. I knew NOTHING about recovery of my lady parts post labour and delivery.
It wasn’t until my cousins Kim and Amy and a two of my girlfriends offered me some valuable advice about recovery of the lady parts that I even gave any thought to it. At the time I wondered how on earth did I miss something so important as taking care of my vagina and perineum post birth?!
I think many women are just like me… you are so focused on having a healthy baby when you’re pregnant and then it’s all about how you’re going to care for this miracle baby when she/he arrives that you really don’t even think about how to take care of your own body. Can you relate?
Had I not been prepared with these natural remedies I’m quite certain things would have gone a LOT differently and my recovery would have been slower. Also, it goes without saying… but I will say it anyhow — having a supportive partner to assist you in recovery is absolutely essential. The first 10 days Walker took care of me (making healthy meals, doing errands and helping me get around the condo) and I took care of Vienna by making sure she was well fed 
Now that Vienna is four weeks old and I’ve had a solid amount of healing time I’m feeling pretty good, despite the lack of sleep — more on that in a future post.
There are as many conventional remedies as there are natural and holistic remedies for your lady parts. The best part about these natural remedies is that they that work just as well with no side effects. I truly hope these tips help you because healing of the vag and perineum is super duper important.
Frozen Witch Hazel Pads
You’ll be swollen and sore in the lady parts making it hard to sit and walk around. You can reduce the swelling, bruising and speed healing with icy witch hazel maxi pads. Witch hazel has been used for generations to cleanse, soothe and heal skin. You can find it at any health food store and even some drug stores.
How-to:
- Using large overnight maxi pads* soak with alcohol-free witch hazel
- Freeze overnight
- The brand of witch hazel I recommend is Thayers just be sure to get “alcohol-free”. This brand also has one with Aloe Vera which I used as aloe is very soothing.
- Use these during your waking hours and change once they get soggy because they’ve thawed. You can do this as many times as you like, I recommend two times per day.
- *Unfortunately the all-natural organic pads did not work well for me for the first one to two weeks post-natal. When the bleeding is the heaviest you need something super absorbent to soak up the bleeding. I’m all for using organic, but the first 2 weeks I had to use the conventional ones. Of course I recommend using NatraCare when the bleeding has lessened.
Bottom Spray
This product also has witch hazel in it along with other soothing ingredients for all your lady parts – vag, perineum, butthole (hemorrhoids are pretty common) including cucumber fruit extract, organic lavender and peppermint oil.
How to:
- Spray the lady parts every time you go to the washroom for a #1 or #2.
- This is the brand I recommend: New Mama Bottom Spray by Earth Mama Angel Baby http://earthmamaangelbaby.com/products/new-mama-bottom-spray
Perineum Balm
So much talk of the perineum, I knew nothing about this delicate tissue until getting pregnant. This balm is da bomb! Meaning, it works. When the tissue starts to get dry down there (especially if you’ve had stitches) it can get itchy, dry and uncomfortable. This amazing balm soothes, moisturizes and promotes elasticity of the tissue.
How to:
In the first week or two, the last thing you will want to do is touch anything in the lady parts region because it’s sooooo sore. So you might be wondering how on earth do you apply this balm? My friend Christine gave me the best tip ever – slather the balm on to your pad and then gently press the pad up to your vag and perineum.
- Application: 1 to 2 times per day
- Also helps sooth hemorrhoids
- This is the brand I recommend: Push by Annointment http://www.anointment.ca/shop/push/ Gotta love the name!
Herbal Sitz Bath
Baths are the perfect way to soak and cleanse the lady parts because you likely won’t feel like standing up to shower, at least for the first few days. There may be a lot of pressure on your perineum from the swelling which is another reason it will likely be more comfortable to have a bath instead of a shower. The herbs in this bath also help with the healing and cleansing of those delicate tissues.
How to:
- Boil 8 cups of water and fill a pouch with herbs such as nettle, witch hazel, calendula etc. Let steep for 10 minutes. This is the herbal bath I used from Tenth Moon: http://www.tenthmoonmothercare.com/#!shop/c9pz
- Fill your bathtub up with warm water, just high enough so when you’re sitting in it, the water comes up to your naval. Pour the steeped tea into the bath tub
- Test the water before getting in, don’t burn your vag and perineum!
- Sit in the bathtub for 10 to 20 minutes. Close your eyes and enjoy this quiet time to yourself
- Let your lady parts air dry if possible
Epsom salt baths (magnesium) are also wonderful for recovery and relaxation.
Natural Hemorrhoid Cream
Okay so this might be TMI but I’ve been talking about my vag so I might as well tell you this! And well…you’re likely reading this because you’re either pregnant or in the same position I was just in. So ya… I had a whole team of hemorrhoids the size of grapes – EFFING PAINFUL!! When I first discovered them I honestly thought I had an organ hanging out of my butthole. They are much much better now. All I have to say is water, water, water, prunes, soups and do not eat anything scratchy!! Plus this…
I used this product multiple times per day: TheraWise HMR. Initially, I was going to buy Prep H because I was desperate. Walker went to the drug store to buy it for me and then texted me “Joy, you’re not gonna like the ingredients in this stuff”… he was right, so he bought me this brand instead.
In addition to using this cream, every time you have a #2 soak the toilet paper with witch hazel and hold it up to your butthole for a few minutes. DO NOT WIPE your butthole — be as gentle as possible. Just apply a very gentle pressure with the witch hazel soaked toilet paper.
Donut Ring
No I don’t mean eat donuts But you may benefit from sitting on a blow up donut (it’s actually called an “Invalid Ring — don’t ask me why). If you have a lot of pain and swelling it may be difficult to sit on any surface, even a cushy couch. They sell them at most drug stores.
My last tip is to just be patient with your body and know that you WILL feel better soon. With each passing day you’ll be closer to going for a nice long walk outside with your beautiful new baby. Enjoy this time nesting with your little one. It is truly the most beautiful time for you and your baby. I can’t believe how fast the time flew by …so cherish every special moment.
I truly hope my holistic and natural tips help you heal as quickly as possible. Please pass them along to other mamas so we can share this information and help every mama have a speedy and natural recovery.
If you have more natural and holistic tips, please post them below!
Wishing your lady parts joyous health,
Joy
Joy McCarthy is the vibrant Holistic Nutritionist behind Joyous Health. Author of JOYOUS HEALTH: Eat & Live Well without Dieting, professional speaker, nutrition expert on Global’s Morning Show, Faculty Member at Institute of Holistic Nutrition and co-creator of Eat Well Feel Well. Read more...
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