After delivery, the vaginal area is left inflamed and sore. As a friend would say, as if they had given you a right hand with a boxing glove, an inelegant, but quite accurate comparison. If you have also had an episiotomy and have been given points, the area is also especially sensitive.
By giving birth to his wife, an Australian father has given postpartum advice in Direct Advice for Dads that has gone viral: recommends using frozen condoms to relieve vaginal pain after delivery. But, eye, they should not be introduced into the vagina! A condom has the ideal shape to be placed between the legs, and when frozen helps deflate and soothe the vulvar area.
The vaginal area is painful after birth, especially if the dilation has been very long, due to the pressure exerted by the baby's head. Recall that the vagina is able to dilate up to ten times its size so that the baby can leave, at that moment the "ring of fire" is felt, a burning sensation in the entire circumference of the perineum. After this, it is normal to feel swelling of the lips and vulvar area and notice the swollen and edematous genitals.
Ice is usually the most used remedy when we hit, when there is swelling or edema, So why not also use it to relieve swelling of the vulvar area?.
Frozen condoms
Because of their shape, this father thought they would be perfect to place comfortably between the legs. So, filled a few with water, closed them and placed them inside the freezer until they were solid. And ready!
Just place the ice tube over the vaginal area. Without entering it! Simply supporting him. And very important: do not place the condom directly on the skin To avoid risk of burns or in case of allergy to latex, always place it wrapped in a piece of clean cloth.
I didn't know about condoms, but putting ice or cold packs is nothing new. After my first birth it was a nurse who recommended it to me and it was a great find. I used one of those cold gel bags that are used for muscle tears covered with a rag. But it's true that condoms have a more anatomical shape for the area
Care of the vaginal area after childbirth
It is important to take good care of the area after birth to avoid complications. If you have been given points, you have to be thorough with washing After going to the bathroom to avoid any infection, and especially be with drying (The dryer with cold air is a great ally in these cases).
It is important to change the pads frequently to avoid infections and wash your hands before and after using the bathroom. You should not use tampons or take baths in the bathtub but shower.
Before delivery, you can prepare the area with perineal massages with rosehip oil so that the area is better prepared for dilation and reduce the risk of drainage and episiotomy. Massages that you can resume after delivery when the points have closed.
