Your body and vagina go through a lot during pregnancy and childbirth. And if you had a vaginal birth, your vagina, perineum, and anus will need a lot of care and attention to heal and feel better. 

During labor, the vagina can stretch and tear; this is uncomfortable and painful and can lead to infections if the area is not cared for properly. As a new mom, it is crucial to take care of your vagina so it can heal and prevent infections.

(6) ways you can take care of your vagina after birth

Practice good hygiene

Clean your vulva, anus, and perineum regularly with a gentle, pH-balanced foaming wash that will not disrupt your vaginal flora. After giving birth, avoid using soaps and scented hygiene products, as they can irritate your vagina, delay healing, or even cause infections. 

Take a sitz bath 

Take a 20-minute sitz bath a few times daily to help reduce swelling, keep your perineum clean, and soothe any discomfort you have 'down there.' Fill your bathtub with lukewarm water - enough to cover your butt - chill there for 20 minutes while you read a book, watch TV, or meditate.

Do your Kegels

After giving birth, practicing Kegels or pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen your vaginal muscles, uterus, bladder, and rectum. 

How to do Kegel exercises

  • Start with an empty bladder. You can do this while lying down or sitting, whatever is most comfortable for you. 
  • Tighten your muscles and hold tight for up to 5 seconds; then relax the muscles for up to 5 seconds.
  • You can practice your Kegels in the morning, afternoon, and night and do up to 15 repetitions.

Wear loose or comfortable clothing

Avoid wearing clothing or underwear that will rub or cause friction or moisture buildup to your vagina. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or linen instead of wearing synthetic materials like polyester or nylon that trap moisture and irritate your vagina.

Wait until you have sex

Most women who gave birth vaginally might mostly recover after 6-8 weeks; however, healing might look different from person to person. Only you will know when you have fully recovered and when to start having sex. Regardless of when you decide to resume having sex, make sure to give your vagina time to heal, as engaging in sexual intercourse before your vagina has completely healed can lead to vaginal and perineum pain and discomfort and can even lead to infections. If you are worried about when you should start having sex, talk to your doctor, and they will help you figure out when it is safe for you to do so.

Use a skin balm to ease perineum discomfort

You can use a skin balm like the Kushae Protective Skin Balm to soothe and heal perineum discomfort. The Kushae skin balm helps soothe and heal sore and cracked nipples and relieve postpartum perineal discomfort and itching. It also works as a daily moisturizer between the thighs, cheeks, and under the breasts to protect the skin from chafing and irritation. 

 

Confused on which Kushae product to try first? Take the Kushae quiz to find personalized product selection.

Bonus

Give yourself a much-needed trim or shave with the Kushae 3-N-1 Razor Kit now that you can see your vulva again. 

Shave! Trim! Cleanse! Legs, body, bikini, underarms, face & eyebrows never had it so good. Our dermatologist-approved waterproof 3-N-1 device works dry… or wet! So you can cleanse your face or shave in the shower. And the comfort grip means it won’t slip out of your hands in the bathtub. Safety first! 

Creating a baby is a miracle that takes strength and courage. And it is necessary to properly take care of your vagina after giving birth to avoid infections and improve your vaginal healing and overall well-being. Make sure to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your postpartum recovery or notice unusual changes in your vagina. 

If you want to take better care of your vulva after giving birth, check out our natural, non-toxic pregnancy and postpartum vaginal care products, made to moisturize, soothe, and nourish your sacred 'Kushae' for you and your baby.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.