The Fourth Trimester: Prioritising Recovery and Rest

Warm Baths: Soothe a sore perineum or healing Csection wound with a gentle soak in Soak for Bits and Body, infused with Epsom salts, arnica, calendula, and bergamot offers physical relief and emotional calm. 

Targeted Care: Relief sprays with Spritz for Bits can ease soreness, while Nipple Balm can protect and soothe feeding discomfort.  

Pelvic Floor Exercises: Begin as soon as you feel able, simple routines help rebuild core strength and improve bladder control. 

Set Aside “You Time”: Even 30 quiet minutes, whether it’s a walk, nap, or warm shower, it can create a reset moment in the chaos. 

Understand Tears: About 90% of first-time mums and 70% of those with subsequent babies, experience perineal tears or require an episiotomy.  

Perineal Care: 

Stick to prescribed or over the counter (OTC) pain relief. 

Choose comfortable feeding positions (like side-lying) to ease pressure on stitches. 

Soak or shower twice daily to keep the area clean and reduce infection risk. 

Change maternity pads every four hours and wash hands thoroughly before and after.  

Watch for Warning Signs: If there’s increasing pain, unusual smell, discharge, or swelling, reach out to your midwife or GP. 

Recovery Timeline: 

First few days: Expect soreness, tiredness, and limited mobility. Gentle movement, restful sleep, and nourishment are crucial.  

1–2 weeks postnatal: A community midwife usually removes your wound dressing after 48 hours, but this can vary depending on the type of dressing and your wound. Your wound may appear bruised or raised, but sutures (stitches) are dissolvable.  

By 6 weeks: Your wound is usually healed, but full cellular recovery may take up to 2 years.  

Do’s and Don’ts: 

Do: Rest deeply, take prescribed pain relief, wear loose clothing, use gentle breastfeeding positions (like side-lying or football hold), create a healing "wound station" with essentials like Spritz for Bits, pillows, water, and snacks within reach.  

Don’t: Lift anything heavier than your baby, compare your recovery to others, ignore signs of infection, skip hydration, avoid nutritious meals, delay bowel movements, or feel pressured to entertain visitors early on.  

Emotional Support: Csections, especially if unexpected, can stir complex emotions. Lean on loved ones and remind yourself: healing is not linear.  

Long-Term Scar Care: After 6 weeks, gentle massage with a nourishing serum can support tissue mobility and appearance.  

Prioritise Daily “Me Time”: Whether it's a short walk, warm soak, or restful pause daily rituals help restore balance.  

Gentle Movement & Nourishment: From pelvic exercises to mindful nutrition and hydration these are healing essentials. 

Grounding Self-Care Products: Midwife-developed tools like Spritz for Bits, Soak for Bits, and Nipple Balm bring comfort while aiding recovery.  

Rest Without Guilt: Healing takes time. Allow yourself to do less and be patient with your body’s pace.