Vaginal Delivery

To reduce the risk of infection, you should shower every day using soap and water on your perineum. Between showers, keep the area clean and dry. Washing your perineum helps to prevent infection and aid healing after birth. Use a bottle filled with warm water to wash the perineum area after you urinate or have a bowel movement. Blot dry with toilet tissue. Always blot dry from front to back (never from back to front) to avoid introducing bacteria from the rectum into the urethra. Use an anesthetic spray, such as Dermoplast ^®  or Epifoam ^® , if prescribed by your healthcare provider. Change your pads frequently so that a dry surface is next to the healing skin.