How to take care of your vulva after childbirth?

You have just lived through one of the most intense moments of your life. Your body has accomplished a feat worthy of a heroine. And now? You look in the mirror and ask yourself... what is this?

At Puissante, we know that no one really prepares you for seeing your vulva transformed after childbirth. Between the impressive edema, the scary stitches, and that general feeling that "nothing is the same," it’s enough to freak you out.

Good news: it's normal, it's temporary, and there are plenty of things you can do to accelerate healing. We’ll explain how to pamper your vulva with the right actions and the right information. Because taking back control of your body after childbirth starts right here.

How does your vulva change during childbirth?

Distension and tearing: natural (but impressive) phenomena

During childbirth, your vulva and your perineum go through an insane moment. The baby passing through is like forcing a soccer ball through a doorway: it creates massive distension. The tissues stretch, sometimes to their limits.

Perineal tears are extremely common during vaginal delivery. They range from small scratches to deeper tears (we speak of grades 1 to 4). Rest assured: they heal well thanks to stitches, provided you take proper care of them.

This distension also creates a feeling of temporary laxity. Your vulva may seem more "open," less toned. It's the equivalent of an ultra-intense workout for your perineum. And like any muscle that has just been worked to death, it needs rest and rehabilitation to get back into shape.

Edema and inflammation: welcome to the swelling

In the first few days after giving birth, the vulva can be unrecognizable. The edema (swelling) is due to the pushing effort and the influx of blood to the pelvic region. The area may even take on a bluish or purplish color (thanks to bruising).

It's impressive to look at, but rest assured, it will go down. In one or two weeks generally, the edema decreases drastically. The color improves gradually (from purple to yellow, then disappears).

What to expect: the real sensations of the vulva after childbirth

If you had a vaginal birth, it is normal for your labia majora to be a little more spread apart and for your vulva to have a slightly different shape. Don't panic: it gradually returns to its initial shape.

In terms of sensations, you may feel:

• a burning hypersensitivity (yes, it hurts sometimes),

• a temporary loss of sensitivity in certain areas (nerves take time to find their bearings),

• a feeling of heaviness or “emptiness,”

• tugging sensations if you have stitches.

Once again: your body has just provided an extraordinary effort. You have to give it time to recover.

Intimate hygiene after childbirth: the right steps

What to do (the must-haves of intimate hygiene)

Intimate hygiene is your best ally to promote healing and avoid infections. But we are talking about gentle, respectful hygiene, not a chemical bombardment.

The basics to remember:

• Lukewarm water, not hot. Hot water softens tissues and can irritate fragile skin. Lukewarm is perfect.

• A mild, fragrance-free soap. Specifically designed for intimate hygiene, not the supermarket shower gel. Simple and natural is your friend.

• After bowel movements: a portable bidet rather than toilet paper. Fill it with cool water and pour the water from front to back to avoid bringing bacteria from the anus toward the vagina. Bonus: it's ultra-comfortable if you have stitches.

• Drying by patting, never rubbing. Use a clean towel and gently pat the area. Abrupt movements are a no-go.

• During your period (yes, they come back): prefer organic cotton or adapted menstrual underwear. Tampons and cups are for later, until healing is complete.

• You can apply a soothing balm formulated specifically for your intimate area. The intimate balm relieves irritation and gently hydrates your mucous membranes.

What you absolutely MUST NOT do

Here is what to avoid if you have just given birth:

• Vaginal douching: absolutely avoid this, your vagina cleans itself like a big girl!

• Scented wipes and marketed products: the less chemical the formulation, the better. We are looking for natural.

• Tight or synthetic underwear: your vulva needs freedom and softness. Cotton, loose, comfortable. Lace that irritates a wound? No thank you.

• Rubbing or forcing: if you feel specific pain, consult. Don't play the hero in silence; we already know you're a warrior.

Lifestyle habits to speed up healing

Diet and hydration: the fuel for healing

Your body just built a generation. It needs refueling to repair your vulva and perineum. You can eat your way to healing.

Prioritize:

• Protein in quantity: eggs, fish, meat, legumes. It is the basic material to rebuild tissues.

• Vitamins C and E, zinc: fruits, colorful vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains. Your skin and mucous membranes love them.

• Constant hydration: drink regularly throughout the day. Water helps blood circulation and helps your body eliminate toxins.

And clearly: limit tobacco. Smoking slows down tissue oxygenation and hinders healing. Not great when you are trying to heal.

Perineal rehabilitation: it's not just to prevent leaks

We often talk about perineal rehabilitation for urinary leakage (and it is true that it is useful), but it is much more than that. Strengthening your perineum is also protecting your vulva, your healing, and regaining your intimate sensations.

Three simple approaches:

• Kegel exercises at home: contract your perineal muscles as if you were holding in gas (without actually doing it), hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat several times a day, regularly. Kegel balls can help you and allow you to progress gradually.

“Using Kegel balls is first and foremost about taking care of yourself and your body, and reclaiming your intimacy.” Marine C.G, General Practitioner

• Rehabilitation with a physical therapist: prescribed by a doctor, generally 10 sessions are 100% covered by Health Insurance after childbirth. It is a professional who guides your movements and ensures that you are using the right muscles.

• Hypopressive gymnastics: a gentle approach that complements all of this with breathing and posture.