How would you instruct the patient to perform perineal care with an episiotomy?
Use sitz baths (sit in water that covers your vulvar area) a few times a day.
Change your pads every 2 to 4 hours.
Keep the area around the stitches clean and dry. Pat the area dry with a clean towel after you bathe.
After you urinate or have a bowel movement, spray warm water over the area and pat dry with a clean towel or baby wipe. DO NOT use toilet paper.
Take stool softeners and drink lots of water. This will prevent constipation. Eating lots of fiber will also help. Your health care provider can suggest foods with plenty of fiber.
Do Kegel exercises. Squeeze the muscles that you use to hold in urine for 5 minutes. Do this 10 times a day throughout the day.
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