During the process of natural birth, the vaginal entrance stretches causing tears and abrasion to accommodate the passage of the infant. There are ways to lessen pain experienced in the vagina, which may last from days to weeks after giving birth.
In some cases, the skin between the vagina and anus will tear or be cut by a doctor to help the baby come out, according to NHS. Swelling, tears and abrasion during vaginal birth can make postpartum very unpleasant, especially during the call of nature.
The best way to relieve mothers from postpartum vaginal pain is to buy pain-relieving sprays from the drugstore. A quick aerosol mist can help numb sore private parts especially after going to the bathroom or changing a pad.
Pharmaceutical companies have come up with frothy versions of pain relieving sprays, which include pramoxine, which is a pain relief anesthetic. Some products also include hydrocortisone which calms inflamed, irritated and itchy tissue.
To create your own spray, fill up a container with lukewarm water and spray yourself while peeing to dilute the sting of urine. Spray a little bit more after peeing to rinse off the blood and urine to make the discomfort a lot more manageable.
Adding a drop of tea tree oil to lukewarm water may also help with the pain because the oil has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and analgesic properties to help the wounds heal faster. Experts caution though that tea tree oil should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding moms.
Similarly, black tea may also help soothe the pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Many moms have recommended dumping a black tea bag into half a cup of boiling water and steep until the water cools.
The tea bag should then be placed against the skin while wearing a pad to hold it in place and to prevent from straining fabric. Black tea bags may also help with sore nipples due to breastfeeding, according to the website Parents.
Witch hazel cooling pads may also be used to dab sensitive spots of the vagina to reduce swelling and fight bacteria. Witch hazel also contains a chemical called tannins, which helps prevent infection and eventually decrease pain.
There are maxi pad-shaped disposable ice packs that can also be put in the underwear. Wrap the ice pack with a washcloth and ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as needed to help with swelling and inflammation, according to Dr. Kelly Kasper, M.D., ob-gyne at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis.
