Let’s have a moment of silence for the vagina and perineum, Oh stretchy Birth Queens - we thank you. 

Before I divulge my top tips for navigating perineal pain, I need to make something crystal clear:
Giving birth does not ‘ruin’ your vagina. 
Giving birth does not ‘destroy’ your vagina.  

Your vagina is an elastic muscle designed to stretch and relax, it does this when you are aroused and when the hormones of birth are in full swing (ask me more about how birth and sex are so damn similar!) Many vagina’s will return to their pre-birth ‘tightness’ and others may not, a big factor in this is birth trauma and, there are many ways you can inform yourself to manage this risk. But that is another topic for another time. 

My point stands. YOUR BODY IS NOT RUINED by birth. Can we please fuck off this unhelpful commentary for good?

We do need to show our Perineum some love and care in the weeks following birth. Let me tell you how! 

In the first 48hrs:
Applying a cold compress to the perineum will reduce pain and swelling. Always wrap your compress in a towel or sleeve to protect the skin from extreme temperatures. 20 minutes is effective, you can then remove the compress and allow the skin to return to normal before applying again. Use a perineal irrigation bottle when peeing, this will take the sting away and helps keep any stitches clean - this is super important and will ensure your stitches are best supported to heal. 

Beyond 48hrs:
When the initial swelling has calmed now is your time to jump in that bath! The longer you can soak the better! This is going to improve blood flow and circulation to support your body's natural healing process as well as provide you with some much needed relaxation. Dim the lights, put on your favourite jams and send your bod some deep gratitude and thanks for doing its best to bring your babe earthside. I cannot stress how important this is. The benefits of allowing yourself deep rest and recovery will ripple through your whole day. Can we also fuck off the idea that having a long bath after birth is some kind of special luxury?***

First Poo:
Yep, we’re going there. We’re doing it! Grab yourself a lil’ poo step to rest your feet on at toilet time. Fold some toilet paper into a cushy pad and gently press against your perineum for support. Remember: Hear the call - go to the toilet when you feel the need. Dim the lights, put on your fav tunes, whatever you need to feel relaxed and, importantly, don’t rush. This is a no strain zone.    

Shameless Plug:
Lastly, of course, we were going to tell you about how amazing Spritz My Vajitz is! How she was designed for your perineum. To love and support. To soothe and comfort. We chose cucumber and aloe vera to hydrate and cool. Rosalina and nerolina - the gentle Aussie cousins of lavender and tea tree to fight bacteria and inflammation and threw in some Patchouli to ground and balance. Spritz my Vajitz is a gentle kiss for your perineum. Our fine mist nozzle softly mists the Spritz on your perineum. We recommend Spritzing after a bath, shower or peri bottle rinse. 

Thanks for reading babe, and as always, we’ve got your back. 

*** It’s important to acknowledge that currently not all birthing parents have the ability to rest in this way. There are many factors which prevent this - all of which are solvable! Please support legislation and change which gives us all equal access and opportunity to recover postpartum.