As a midwife, one of the most common topics women ask me about is tearing or an episiotomy during birth. Whilst tearing isn't something that should cause a woman fear, it often does. During the birth, tearing happens when you deliver the baby's head or shoulders. During the pushing phase of labour, there are a lot of other things happening in your body and your mind, including the skin and nerve endings being stretched right out so you don't feel it (massive up to nature, right?!)

I often talk to you lovelies about ways in which to reduce perineal tearing, but today I am discussing something a little different- ways to help afterwards!

The top things I tell women who I care for are:

  1. Apply ice packs from birth, most hospitals will supply these one use ice packs. 
  2. When sitting down to breastfeed, roll up two towels and place them under each butt cheek- this alleviates the pressure in that area. Especially when you are breastfeeding and sitting for long periods of time. 
  3. Listen to your body, if something hurts, don't do it. Respect what your body has just gone through. 
  4. This little bottle of magic I recently came across from Ma mère skincare.

Let me tell you a little more about this little wonder (tip #4). This bottle of magic was created for two reasons, two things women would rather not experience but hey, #realtalk. The first being for perineal trauma after childbirth and the next for haemorrhoids, two things that often go hand-in-hand because let's be real, YOU are incredible and just pushed a human out #superwomen. 

I know I harp on a lot about natural products, avoiding chemicals and using the incredible plants we have from nature and this time is no different. This beautiful brand harnesses all nature has to offer by providing a naturally soothing, healing and calming spray for new mamas for a very sensitive area. Listen to these incredible ingredients, nature really is so powerful! 

  1. Distilled witch hazel: this (alcohol free) witch hazel promotes healing, provides relief with its cool sensation and helps to "tighten" superficial cells

  2. Aloe vera juice: the worlds most soothing plant (in my opinion). It helps to relive the burning and itching feeling of both perineal stitches and haemorrhoids

  3. Willow bark extract: natures "aspirin" helps with the pain and tenderness of tearing, stitches and haemorrhoids as well as promoting rapid healing

  4. Yarrow oil: acts as a powerful antiseptic to prevent risk of infection and further irritation 

  5. Grapefruit Oil: helps to eliminate odour (helpful in the immediate postnatal period) as well as helping to kill off any bad bacteria that could cause infections

  6. Lavender oil: has to be the queen of all things calming (right?!), but it is also an antioxidant that aids in skin health

  7. Tea tree oil: for its strong anti-inflammatory properties which also helps with itching as those stitches begin to heal

If you are pregnant, make sure to grab some of this magic and pack it in your birth bag to help with those first few days / weeks after having baby. If you are suffering from haemorrhoids try this natural and highly effective solution mama's, and let me know how you go! 

Website: https://www.mamereskin.com/   (Only ships to the US at this point)

Amazon purchase: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BLNQWK3

Instagram: @mamereskin 

Please consult with your health professional prior to using. This is a collaboration with Ma MÈRE SKINCARE. 
Tags: Postpartum