11 Postpartum Care Tips Every New Mother Should Know

7. Managing Pain and Scars (Perineal / C-Section Care)

Caring for stitches, perineal tears, or a cesarean incision is a key part of recovery. Keep surgical dressings clean and dry and follow your hospital’s wound-care instructions. For perineal soreness, sit on a pillow or use a peri-bottle with warm water to rinse the area after toileting. Cold packs can relieve swelling in the first days, while gentle heat and later scar massage may improve comfort as healing progresses. Pain relief should follow clinician guidance; many common options are safe during breastfeeding, but check first. If your incision becomes red, increasingly painful, or drains pus, contact your provider without delay. Scar healing varies—avoid heavy lifting and twisting that stresses the area while tissues knit together. When to see a doctor: high fever, spreading redness, increasing pain, or drainage from a wound are reasons for urgent medical review.