Caring for wounds properly

On the first day after birth, suppositories with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac or ibuprofen have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. After that, 500 to 1000 mg of paracetamol can be taken up to four times a day and are also considered to be well tolerated during breastfeeding. From the group of NSAIDs, breastfeeding women prefer ibuprofen. In the case of perineal tears where the sphincter is also injured, laxatives such as lactulose (for example in Bifiteral®, Lactuflor®) or macrogol, as in Movicol® or Laxatan® M, facilitate defecation. Not having to press so hard, reduces the mechanical stress on sutures and wounds. The PTA can also give tips on nutrition, such as pointing out a high-fibre diet with plenty to drink.

Relaxing hip baths help with scabbed wounds. Suitable additives are camomile (as in Kamillin Extern Robugen, Kamillosan® Wund- und Heilbad), calendula essence, for example in Weleda Calendula Essence, or sea salt, as in Dermasel® Dead Sea Bath Salt Pure. Hip baths containing tannin are also suitable. For an oak bark decoction, simmer a heaped tablespoon of oak bark in a litre of water for 15 minutes. The tannins contained disinfect the wound area and speed up the healing process by having an astringent effect on the skin. It is important to note that the extracts stain and used bowls or the bidet may not become completely clean. As non-staining, synthetic alternatives, the PTA can recommend Tannolact® bath additive or Tannosynt® liquid. The hip baths should not last too long, however, as the healing wound may then soften again.

Intimate douches offer an alternative to hip baths. For this, women fill the solution into a clean PET bottle and let it run between their legs while sitting on the toilet. If urination is painful, it helps to run warm water from a cup over the vagina and perineum while going to the toilet if a bidet is not available. Afterwards, gently pat the skin dry.

In the case of swelling in the intimate area, many women find local cold treatments soothing. Cool packs, chilled cherry stone pillows or cooling pads are suitable, which are never applied directly but always wrapped in a cloth. The PTA can also advise wetting a clean sanitary towel with some vegetable oil, freezing it in the freezer, wrapping it around and then placing it on the scar. However, cooling is controversial because it contracts vessels and thus impedes metabolism in the wound area and can delay wound healing. Therefore, it is best for women not to use cold treatments beyond the second or third day. Important: The bladder must not become too cold.

Ready-to-use pads such as Multi-Mam® Postpartum Pads or Multi-Gyn® Compresses are intended for single use. They cool, soothe, moisturise and promote healing. The patented and plant-based »2QR complex« made from an extract of aloe vera is responsible for the effects. To apply, women place the product with the gel side on the sore or scar. The outer side has an impermeable coating to protect underwear. Application for at least ten minutes two to four times a day is recommended. In addition to closed wounds in the intimate area, the pads also provide relief on caesarean section scars. Many women also have good experiences with arnica (as in WALA® Arnica Wound Cloth) for swellings and haematomas. Its ingredients have a wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effect.