Perineum Healing

Of course the best way to quickly heal a sore perineum is to have avoided any tears or episiotomy in the birthing process. Some suggestions to try and avoid tears during birth are to:
- apply warm compresses to the tissue before and during crowning, 
- carefully apply counter-pressure while crowning, 
- be submersed in warm water in a tub so tissues are soft and stretchy,
- and/or allowing the tissues time to fan out and take on the new shape of your baby's head by gently pausing in the crowning stage. 

However, torn or not, your perineum may still be tender for a few days. Here are a few suggestions to help aid the healing of your perineum: (NOTE: Please do your own personal research before using any of these alternatives, as these are only suggestions.)

Pads
Place a dozen or so pads, face up, on a cookie sheet. Next, fill a spray bottle with water and add some Calendula tincture to it until the water is slightly coloured from the herb. Spray the pads with the mixture until they are damp, but not sopping. Place the sheet of wet pads into the freezer. When they are all frozen, store them in a bag in the freezer. After you have had your baby, pull them out one by one, as needed. The pads become a combination of a soothing cold pack, a lochia absorbing pad, and a healing herbal compress.

Perio-Bottle Rinse
When filling your perio-bottle with water to rinse your bottom after using the bathroom, add a dropper or two full of Calendula tincture to the bottle. That way, when you gently rinse your perineum, it is receiving the benefits of healing properties as well.