Perineal Care After Birth: How to Heal and Recover Postpartum

The perineum, the area between your vaginal opening (vulva) and your back passage (anus) plays a vital role during vaginal birth. This tissue stretches significantly as your baby is born, and sometimes it tears or requires a surgical cut (episiotomy) to assist delivery, especially if your baby is in distress or if instruments (forceps or vacuum) are used.

Perineal care after childbirth is an essential part of postpartum recovery. With the right steps, you can help reduce swelling, manage pain, and support your body’s natural healing process.

Types of Perineal Tears

During vaginal delivery, tearing is common, and the degree can vary:

• First-degree tear: Involves only the skin around the vaginal opening.
• Second-degree tear: Extends into the perineal muscles.
• Third-degree tear: Involves the anal sphincter.
• Fourth-degree tear: Extends through the anal sphincter into the rectal lining.
  (See diagram below for a visual guide.)

How to Promote Healing and Recovery After Birth

Here are evidence-based postpartum recovery tips to help care for your perineum:

1. Reduce swelling and discomfort

• Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the perineal area every time you change your maternity pad for the first 24-48 hours.
• Wear breathable cotton underwear to allow airflow and reduce the risk of infection.

2. Support pain relief safely

• Opt for paracetamol (Panadol) or ibuprofen (Nurofen) before using opioid-based medication (Endone, Targin, OxyContin), as these can cause constipation.
• If opioids are necessary (e.g., after a caesarean), ask your healthcare provider about laxatives to prevent discomfort.

3. Maintain hygiene

• Change your postpartum pads regularly to reduce infection risk.
• Use warm water in a peri bottle to rinse after going to the toilet.
• Avoid fragranced soaps - choose a mild, unscented cleanser 2-3 days post-birth.

• Wipe front to back to prevent spreading bacteria from the anus to the vagina.

4. Prevent strain on pelvic muscles

• Use a squatty stool when using the toilet to improve pelvic floor alignment and reduce pressure.
• Drink at least 2 litres of water daily to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and dilute urine, reducing stinging.

5. Support tissue repair from within

• Consider supplementing with hydrolysed collagen to support wound healing and tissue repair.
• Collagen is rich in glycine, an amino acid that plays a key role in skin regeneration and connective tissue strength.
  (Research suggests collagen may even reduce the severity of tearing during childbirth.)

When to Seek Medical Advice

While recovering in hospital or at home, alert your midwife or obstetrician if you notice:

• Heavy or increased bleeding
• Large blood clots
• Signs of infection (fever, foul-smelling discharge)
• Urinary or bowel incontinence

Extra Support for Postpartum Healing

If you’d like to give your body an extra boost during recovery, our Collagen Supplements are formulated to support tissue repair, wound healing, and skin regeneration - perfect for helping your perineum heal after birth.