There is no specific schedule as to when sexual intercourse can be resumed. If the bright-red bleeding has stopped and the perineum (area between the vagina and rectum) is comfortable for the woman, sexual intercourse is acceptable. Generally, relations can be resumed by the third week postpartum. Women who have had an episiotomy or a tear should wait at least 3 weeks.

A woman may not necessarily feel a readiness, even though sexual intercourse can be resumed. Many women report a low or absent sexual desire during the first few weeks to several months postpartum. In one study of postpartum women, 20 percent had little or no desire for sex three months after delivery, and another 21 percent had a complete loss of desire or aversion to sexual activity. A number of factors contribute to these feelings. A change in the woman's libido is a common concern and complaint for new mothers and their partners. The good news is that most women find that the decrease in libido is temporary. With patience and time, you and your partner can rebuild a satisfying sexual relationship.

• Reasons may involve fatigue or weakness that results from taking care of a newborn and other responsibilities in her life. This is an overwhelming exhaustion that can drain all energy from her body. New babies are demanding and very time consuming. They need constant attention around-the-clock, day and night, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. This can be both emotionally and physically demanding and draining. When you finally have a moment to yourself, you may need a break from intense physical attachments, making sex low on your priority list.



• Another reasons are the hormonal changes that occur with childbirth. It is normal for women to have a low libido after giving birth because this is nature's way of preventing another pregnancy so soon after the birth. The woman's after-birth / postpartum hormones are making major shifts making her feel off balance or uncentered and thus causing changes in a woman's desire to have sexual intercourse. Sometimes, postpartum depression can be a major factor in a woman's ability to resume sexual relations and take care of her new baby and resume her normal activities.



• The fear of pain with intercourse, vaginal discharge or concern about injury following the labor and birth. A woman may worry about intercourse being painful, especially if she has had any injury, damage or tears, stitches or repair work done on her perineal area following the birth. For many women, the first encounters following childbirth are uncomfortable. Sexual intercourse can cause some discomfort for the woman because of vaginal dryness (especially in breastfeeding women). Using a water-based gel lubricant (such as KY Jelly) will help.



• A new mother may have a concern about her appearance after the birth. Her body is still changing and recovering from the birth and it often takes a little time, dieting and some exercise work to lose the extra weight she put on during the pregnancy and to get her body back to her pre-pregnancy size and tone. When a woman feels unattractive these feelings can have a dramatic impact on her body image and can make her feel less sexy and desirable.



• A woman may consciously or unconsciously fear becoming pregnant again. In nature, mother animals rarely mate when they have their young to raise. This is evolution's way of making sure the mother's body has the energy and capability to take care of her babies. Their bodies simply would not be able to handle the additional burden of another pregnancy at the same time as raising their young. The same may be true of women. When a woman totally breastfeeds her baby on demand can expect to have no menstrual periods for a period of 3 months to 2 years (average is about a year) after giving birth. This is natures way of spacing her pregnancies about 2 years apart or so. To do this, it all goes back to the woman's hormones again - creating and resulting in her low desire to have sexual intercourse. Breastfeeding releases hormones that will delay fertility until her body is ready to support another pregnancy. Of course, women who do not breastfeed can become pregnant as soon as 6 weeks or so after giving birth. The woman's fear of becoming pregnant so soon after a birth can postpone sexual relationships between partners. Consideration, understanding and communication is important between partners during this time. Before resuming intercourse, both partners should consider birth control methods, even if it is simply using male condoms until the woman can be fitted for a diaphragm or cervical cap.

Most couples resume sexual intercourse by 6 to 8 weeks after delivery.

SEX AFTER PREGNANCY Wikipedia: Sex After Pregnancy BIRTH METHOD & INJURIES Women with damage or tears to their perineum resume sex later than women with an intact perineum. Women who needed perineal sutures report poorer sexual relations. Perineal damage is also associated with painful sex. Women who have had an anal tear are less likely to have resumed sex after six months and one year, but they have normal sexual function 18 years later. Women having assisted vaginal delivery using suction or forceps report increases in painful sex, a delay in resuming sex, and an increase in sexual problems. Cesarean section may result in less painful sex during the first 3 months or there may be no difference and there is no difference in sexual function or symptoms by six months, although women who delivered by cesarean report greater sexual satisfaction relating to vaginal tone six years on. DELAY BEFORE RESUMING SEX Most health care providers recommend waiting four to six weeks before resuming sex. This is to allow the cervix to close, bleeding (known as lochia) to stop, and tears or incisions to heal. A study of women in Turkey found that 42 percent resumed sexual intercourse within six weeks of giving birth. American and British studies found that at six weeks, 57 percent of women had resumed sexual intercourse within six weeks, 82 to 85 percent had by three months, and 89 to 90 percent had resumed sexual intercouse by six months. Sexual intercourse was resumed by two-thirds of Ugandan women within six months of childbirth, and among Chinese women 52 percent had resumed sex by two months and 95 percent had by six months. SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION About half the men and women questioned eight months after childbirth in one British study described their sex life as ‘poor’ or ‘not very good’, though another found that 70 percent of British women and 89 percent of Taiwanese women were satisfied with their sex life during the postnatal period. Six months after giving birth, one quarter of American women said they had lower sexual sensation, satisfaction, and ability to reach orgasm, and 22 percent said that sex was painful. More than 80 percent of British women experienced sexual problems three months after giving birth, and nearly two-thirds at six months, compared to pre-pregnancy levels of 38 percent. Of Ugandan women who had resumed sex within six months of giving birth, nearly two-thirds experienced vaginal pain and about a third had discharge or bleeding. Vaginal dryness may occur following giving birth for about three months due to hormonal changes. Women who breast-feed are much more likely to report painful sex as well as reduced libido, both due to hormonal changes such as a reduction in levels of estrogen. Women with major trauma reported less desire to be held, touched, or stroked by their partner. RISKS A fatal air embolism, when air enters the bloodstream, can occur due to sex shortly after childbirth before the placental bed has healed, particularly if the woman's knees are pressed against her chest, but this is rare. More common complications of having sex early after pregnancy are tears to incisions and infection of the uterus. REDUCED LIBIDO Having given birth within the previous year is associated with persistent low sexual desire. More than a third of first-time mothers report a loss of libido at eight months, though only 1 in 7 of experienced mothers have a loss of libido. Women often have a poor body image after giving birth. Women are often uncomfortable with their physical changes after birth, and often want sleep or to have time for themselves, which leads to a changed sexual pattern. Discordance of sexual desire with their partner is frequent. Another potential cause of low libido is postpartum depression; depressed women are less likely to have resumed sex at six months and more likely to report more sexual health problems. Dissatisfaction with the sexual relationship a year after childbirth is associated with a lack of sex early in pregnancy as well as older ages of women, but not with factors relating to pregnancy or birth. TREATMENT Only 15 percent of London women who had a postnatal sexual problem reported discussing it with a health professional, whereas 59.4 percent of Ugandan women who had resumed sex and had a sexual problem sought medical assistance. Performing pelvic floor muscle exercise appears to improve sexual function, and painful sex and vaginal dryness can be reduced using different sexual positions and lubricants. 83 percent of British and 60 percent of Taiwanese women thought they had sufficient information about sex during the postnatal period. Sexual activity during pregnancy Postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction REFERENCES Pastore, L; Owens A, Raymond C (2007). Postpartum sexuality concerns among first-time parents from one U.S. academic hospital. J Sex Med (Wiley-Blackwell/International Society for Sexual Medicine) 4 (1): 115–23. Olsson, Ann; Martina Lundqvist, Elisabeth Faxelid, and Eva Nissen (2005). Women's thoughts about sexual life after childbirth: focus group discussions with women after childbirth. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences (Wiley-Blackwell/Nordic College of Caring Science) 19 (4): 381–7. Williams, A; Herron-Marx S, Carolyn H (2007). The prevalence of enduring postnatal perineal morbidity and its relationship to perineal trauma. Midwifery (Elsevier) 23 (4): 392–403. Rogers, RG; Borders N, Leeman LM, Albers LL (2009). Does spontaneous genital tract trauma impact postpartum sexual function?. J Midwifery Women's Health (Elsevier) 54 (2): 98–103. Signorello, LB; Harlow BL, Chekos AK, Repke JT (2001). Postpartum sexual functioning and its relationship to perineal trauma: a retrospective cohort study of primiparous women. Am J Obstet Gynecol 184 (5): 881–8. Brubaker, L; Handa VL, Bradley CS, Connolly A, Moalli P, Brown MB, Weber A; Pelvic Floor Disorders Network (2008). Sexual Function 6 Months After First Delivery. Obstet Gynecol 11 (5): 1040–4. Van Brummen, HJ; Bruinse HW, van de Pol G, Heintz AP, van der Vaart CH (2006). Which factors determine the sexual function 1 year after childbirth?. BJOG (Wiley-Blackwell/Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) 113 (8): 914–8. Otero, M; Boulvain M, Bianchi-Demicheli F, Floris LA, Sangalli MR, Weil A, Irion O, Faltin DL. (2006). Women's health 18 years after rupture of the anal sphincter during childbirth: II. Urinary incontinence, sexual function, and physical and mental health. Am J Obstet Gynecol (Elsevier) 194 (5): 1260–5. Hicks, TL; Goodall SF, Quattrone EM, Lydon-Rochelle MT (2004). Postpartum sexual functioning and method of delivery: summary of the evidence. J Midwifery Women's Health (Elsevier/American College of Nurse-Midwives) 49 (5): 430–6. Barrett, G; Peacock J, Victor CR, Manyonda I (2005). Cesarean section and postnatal sexual health. Birth (Wiley Periodicals, Inc.) 32 (4): 306–11. Barrett, G; Pendry E, Peacock J, Victor C, Thakar R, Manyonda I (2000). Women's sexual health after childbirth. BJOG (Wiley-Blackwell/Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) 107 (2): 186–95. Wang, Huan-ying; Xiao-yang Xu, Zhen-wei Yao, Qin Zhou (2003). Impact of Delivery Types on Women's Postpartum Sexual Health. Reproduction & Contraception 14 (4): 237–242 Dean, N; Wilson D, Herbison P, Glazener C, Aung T, Macarthur C (2008). Sexual function, delivery mode history, pelvic floor muscle exercises and incontinence: a cross-sectional study six years post-partum. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol (Wiley-Blackwell/The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) 48 (3): 302–11. Sex after pregnancy: Let your body set the pace. Mayo Clinic. 30 May 2008 Geçkil, E; Sahin T, Ege E (2009). Traditional postpartum practices of women and infants and the factors influencing such practices in South Eastern Turkey. Midwifery (Elsevier) 25 (1): 62–71. Connolly, AnnaMarie; John Thorp and Laurie Pahel (2005). Effects of pregnancy and childbirth on postpartum sexual function: a longitudinal prospective study. International Urogynecology Journal (Springer London) 16 (4): 263–7. Odar, E; Wandabwa J, Kiondo P (2003). Sexual practices of women within six months of childbirth in Mulago hospital, Uganda. Afr Health Sci 3 (3): 117–23. Dixon, M; Booth N, Powell R (2000). Sex and relationships following childbirth: a first report from general practice of 131 couples. British Journal of General Practice 50 (452): 223–4. Huang, Y.C.; Mathers, N. J. (2006). A comparison of sexual satisfaction and post-natal depression in the UK and Taiwan. International Nursing Review (Blackwell Publishing Ltd.) 53 (3): 197–204. LaMarre, Amanda K.; Laurel Q. Paterson, Boris B. Gorzalka (2003). Breastfeeding and postpartum maternal sexual functioning: A review. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality 12 (3–4): 151–168 Batman, PA; Thomlinson J, Moore VC, Sykes R (1998). Death due to air embolism during sexual intercourse in the puerperium. Postgrad Med J 74 (876): 612–3. Gilbert, Susan (6 October 1998). Deaths Linked to Sex After Childbirth. New York Times. Mitchell, KR; Mercer CH, Wellings K, Johnson AM (2009). Prevalence of Low Sexual Desire among Women in Britain: Associated Factors. J Sex Med (Wiley-Blackwell/International Society for Sexual Medicine) 6 (9): 2434–44. Pauls, RN; Occhino JA, Dryfhout VL (2008). Effects of pregnancy on female sexual function and body image: a prospective study. J Sex Med (Wiley-Blackwell/International Society for Sexual Medicine) 5 (8): 1915–22. Morof, D; Barrett G, Peacock J, Victor CR, Manyonda I (2003). Postnatal depression and sexual health after childbirth. Obstet Gynecol (Elsevier) 102 (6): 1318–25. EXTERNAL RELATED LINKS Delvin, David; Christine Webber (18 November 2008). Sex after giving birth. Info Centre - Sex after pregnancy. National Childbirth Trust. 2008 Hodges, Felicia. Sex after baby. PregnancyToday Video: What men think about sex after birth. askamum.co.uk Video: Sex problems after child birth. askamum.co.uk Williams, Sally (30 September 1996). Why different sex might mean better sex. The Independent.

THE LOW LIBIDO PROBLEM


The desire for sex is very similar to a desire for food, in that both can be defined as a type of appetite. Just as we can have a loss of appetite for food, so can we lose our desire for sex. A low libido refers to a lack of sexual desire or interest in having sexual intercourse. While low libido can affect both sexes, it is more commonly reported in women than in men. Sexual desire varies from person to person and desire, in most instances, depends on a range of circumstances. Sometimes a low libido is a result of underlying physical conditions, while at other times it may be linked to psychological issues or a combination of the two. Low libido can cause a range of relationship difficulties and may also affect self esteem. For men, especially, this type of sexual dysfunction is often hard to come to terms with and is a subject not easily discussed. Because men are usually portrayed as highly sexual individuals, lack of libido may bring about feelings of guilt, depression, anger, stress shame and low self–esteem.

LOW LIBIDO DIAGNOSIS

The symptoms and signs of low libido include reduced sexual desire, less frequent sexual thoughts and fantasies, and a reluctance to initiate sex. In addition, less frequent masturbation takes place and a lack of desire for sex still occurs even when there have been no sexual encounters for days, weeks, or even months.

LOW LIBIDO CAUSES

Low libido can result from physical or psychological factors or a combination of the two in both men and women. Other factors such as fatigue, sexual incompatibility, lack of time and privacy can also contribute to low male libido and low female libido. Since male and female sexual desire is experienced differently - here are a few of the possible underlying causes for low libido in each gender.

POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR LACK OF MALE SEXUAL DESIRE
PHYSICAL FACTORS	PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS
Prescription Drugs Obesity Anemia Constipation Low Levels of Dopamine Fibromyalgia Lyme Disease Diabetes Heart Disease Kidney Disease Hypothyroidism Alcoholism Obesity Drug abuse Impotence Male Menopause Nutritional Deficiencies Premature Ejaculation	Depression Stress Anorexia Anxiety Sexual Abuse & Trauma Sexual Identity Crisis Relationship Issues with Partner
POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR LACK OF FEMALE SEXUAL DESIRE
PHYSICAL FACTORS	PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Medications such as Antidepressants & Contraceptives Postpartum Depression Anemia Constipation Low Levels of Dopamine Fibromyalgia Lyme Disease Thrush Urinary Tract Infection Diabetes Heart & Vascular Disease Hypothyroidism Menopause Vaginismus Dyspareunia Alcoholism & Drug Abuse	Depression Stress Anorexia Anxiety Poor Self Image Sexual Abuse & Trauma Sexual Identity Crisis Relationship Issues with Partner

REMEDIES FOR LOW LIBIDO

It is advisable that people with low libido thoroughly research their options before agreeing to prescription drugs with their risk of side effects and potential for addiction. While medication may be appropriate when there are physical causes for male low libido, or female low libido, there are many safer and effective options which have been recommended by herbalists for thousands of years in traditional medicine.

Natural treatments such as herbs have a long history of effectively increasing libido naturally along with sexual performance. Selected herbs can enhance sexual arousal without the negative side effects of prescription medication.

Some examples of natural aphrodisiacs that increase libido include Smilax ornata (Sarsaparilla), Eleutherococcus senticosis (Siberian Ginseng) and Sabal serrulata. Herbal treatments for decreased sex drive not only help to increase libido, but also have the added benefit of improving overall health and body functioning without the side effects of prescription drugs.

If your interest in sex has decreased, consult your health care provider for a thorough mental and physical examination. Treatment for low libido usually depends on the underlying cause. When low libido is accompanied by other symptoms it may be easier to determine the underlying condition and therefore to prescribe adequate treatment. Medications such as stimulants like Viagra, Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or antidepressants may be prescribed. If lack of libido is due to psychological issues, seek help from a therapist or counselor.

LIBIDO PRODUCTS NativeRemedies: Ikawe for Improved Male Sexual Performance Ikawe for Men: Promotes strong erections, sexual arousal and energy, plus systemic balance in the reproductive system. NativeRemedies: Thanda Passion Booster for Improved Female Libido & Pleasure Thanda Passion Booster: Promotes a healthy libido and sexual pleasure. NativeRemedies: Dong Quai for Hormone Balancing, Menopause and PMS Dong Quai: Promotes hormonal balance and helps keep estrogen and progesterone levels within the normal range. NativeRemedies: Fertile XX For Enhanced Female Fertility FertileXX: Promotes effective female reproductive system support for fertility. Fertile XY For Enhanced Male Fertility Fertile XY: Supports male reproductive system health and normal testosterone levels. Kalyx: Female Libido Tonic, Herb Pharm, 1 fl. oz. Promotes healthy libido in women. Kalyx: Maxdesire For Women, M.D. Science Lab, 60 Tabs Max Desire female enhancement formula is intended to enhance sexual arousal, magnify sensation, and unleash the passion and increase sex drive (libido) in women. Max Desire is a revolutionary and unique proprietary blend of 17 herbs and amino acids charged with potential sexual energy. Max Desire is bioavailability enhanced and can contribute to an overwhelming sense of personal well-being and sexual desire. Unique and hormone free, Max Desire contains a provocative, well researched blend of adaptogenic herbs to help maximize the delicate hormonal balance that causes arousal. The supplied nutrients are the building blocks that contribute to natural stress relief and increased orgasmic response. Max Desire works best when taken daily over a period of time and can also be taken as an erotic boost for intimate occasions. With very few products on the market that propperly address the multi-factional needs of women, Max Desire can help deliver the fullfilled enjoyment you are searching for. Kalyx: Libido Formula, Emerita, 30 Caplets Both physiological and psychological factors can affect libido and sexual arousal in women of all ages. Emerita's unique formula is designed to support a woman's sexual desire. It specifically addresses a multitude of physiological influences on libido, including energy level, hormone balance, blood flow, and vascular and nervous system function. A unique product developed by women, for women. While emotions certainly have a lot to do with a woman's desire, there is a physical side to it as well. And our Libido Formula is designed to give your body extra support by promoting energy level, hormone balance, blood flow, and vascular and nervous system function. Kalyx: Libido Formula, Emerita, 30 Caps Libido Formula contains concentrated herbal extracts that have been shown to increase a woman’s sexual desire. Libido Formula is a natural supplement that promotes energy level, blood flow, as well as vascular and nervous system function. For instance, Panax Ginseng can be helpful in addressing fatigue, sleep disturbances and depressed moods that can play a role in decreasing sexual drive. Muira Puama has been linked in one study to improved sexual satisfaction, including intensity of sexual desire and ability to reach orgasm. Damiana has a long history of use as an herbal aphrodisiac. Kalyx: Libido For Men & Women, FoodScience Labs, 90 VCaps A dietary supplement for men and women to support healthy sexual drive, pleasure and function. Libido is designed to address those factors that may contribute to sexual dysfunction in men and women such as energy level, hormone balance, circulation, and nervous system function. It provides a full complement of natural herbs with our patented DMG to help revitalize sexual arousal, satisfaction and drive. Kalyx: Libido Booster, Herbal Extracts Plus, 90 VCaps The all-natural, medicinal extracts in Libido Booster specifically target the stimulation of sensory nerves in the genitals and heighten sexual arousal and desire in men and women. The formula is a healthy way to help boost energy, endurance and performance for safe, natural and satisfying sex. Kalyx: Enhance Natural Libido Stimulating Gel Pump, 0.75 fl. oz. Enhance stimulating gel is carefully formulated to help women regain and maintain sexual satisfaction and pleasure as a part of a healthy active lifestyle. This all natural topical gel helps increase and lengthen a woman's natural arousal state. Formulated specifically for a women's needs, Enhance promotes blood vessel dilation leading to increased sensation in the clitoral region. Promoting sexual well-being for all women, Enhance provides the natural solution women have been searching for and can be used with condoms and other barrrier methods. HerbsPro: Heal Herbal Libido, Dr. Christophers Formulas, 100 VCaps This formula provides nourishment to the gential organs by increasing blood ciruculation in the needed areas for both male and females. In an all natural vegetarian capsule. HerbsPro: Libido For Men & Women, FoodScience of Vermont, 90 Caps A dietary supplement for men and women to support healthy sexual drive, pleasure and function. Libido is designed to address those factors that may contribute to sexual dysfunction in men and women such as energy level, hormone balance, circulation, and nervous system function. It provides a full complement of natural herbs with our patented DMG to help revitalize sexual arousal, satisfaction and drive. HerbsPro: Libido Formula, Emerita (Pro-Gest), 30 Caps Emerita Libido formula is our newest formula, designed to support a woman’s sexual desire. . Both physiological and psychological factors can affect libido and sexual arousal in women of all ages. Emerita’s unique formula is designed to support a woman’s sexual desire. It addresses a multitude of specific physiological influences on libido, including energy level, hormone balance, blood flow, and vascular and nervous system function. Now you can promote your own sexual vitality with this unique product developed by women, for women.

MoonDragon's Postpartum Care Contraception

MoonDragon's Postpartum Holistic & Herbal Recommendations

MoonDragon's Postpartum Care Index

MoonDragon's Contraception Index - Methods & Comparisons



TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash the incision gently with mild unscented soap.

Take warm baths several times a day as long as you experience discomfort. A warm sitz bath may help relieve discomfort. Comfrey leaf may be added to the sitz bath to help in healing. See Rules For Wound Care below for more information and recommendations.

Use ice packs made of gauze soaked in ice-cold Witch Hazel to ease discomfort during the 24 hours after delivery will ease the discomfort and prevent or reduce swelling.

WITCH HAZEL PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Witch Hazel, Bulk Organic Herbs Kalyx: Witch Hazel Astringent, Humphreys, 16 fl. oz. Kalyx: Witch Hazel Astringent, Certified Organic, Humphreys, 8 fl. oz. Kalyx: Witch Hazel Astringent Cleansing Pads, Humphreys, 60 Count Kalyx: Witch Hazel Extract, Starwest Botanicals, 16 fl. oz.. Kalyx: Witch Hazel Extract , Health & Herbs, 2 fl. oz. Kalyx: Witch Hazel Salve, WiseWays Herbals, 1 oz. Kalyx: Witch Hazel With Aloe Vera Astringent Pads, Thayers, Medicated, 60 Count HerbsPro: Witch Hazel Astringent, Humphreys Homeopathic Remedies, 16 oz. HerbsPro: Witch Hazel Astringent, Original, Thayers, 11.5 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Hazelet Witch Hazel Pads, Dickinson Brands, 60 Count HerbsPro: Witch Hazel Pads, Medicated, Thayers, 60 Pads TakeHerb: Witch Hazel Extract, Health Herbs, Stop External & Internal Bleeding, 2 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Witch Hazel Leaf Powder, Wildcrafted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb TakeHerb: Witch Hazel Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Wildcrafted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb TakeHerb: Witch Hazel Extract, Starwest Botanicals, 16 oz.

COMFREY PRODUCTS Mountain Rose Herbs: Comfrey, Bulk Organic Herbs Kalyx: Herbal Savvy Comfrey-Aloe Salve, Country Comfort, 1 oz. Kalyx: Herbal Savvy Comfrey-Aloe Salve, Country Comfort, 2 oz. Kalyx: Comfrey Oil, Organic, WiseWays Herbals, 4 oz. Kalyx: Comfrey Leaf Powder, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. House of Nutrition: Comfrey Salve, Gaia, 4 oz. House of Nutrition: Comfrey Ointment, Dr. Christopher, 2 oz. House of Nutrition: Herbal Savvy Comfrey Aloe Vera, Country Comfort, 2 oz. TakeHerb: Comfrey Care Herbal Salve, Planetary Herbals, 2 oz. TakeHerb: Comfrey Ointment, Dr. Christopher's Original Formulas, 2 oz. TakeHerb: Comfrey Leaf Powder, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb TakeHerb: Comfrey Leaf, Cut & Sifted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb TakeHerb: Comfrey Oil, Organic, For Sprains, Bruises & Swellings, WiseWays Herbals, 4 oz.

RULES FOR WOUND CARE WITH OR WITHOUT SUTURES

If a woman does not get sutures and has torn, she needs to follow the same rules that someone who has had sutures does. These rules are as follows:

Stay in bed with legs together as much as possible for 2 weeks.

Keep legs together at all times.

Sit very gently when urinating or having a bowel movement.

Kegel exercises - 150 daily.

Drink plenty of prune juice, drink lots of water and juices, and avoid constipating foods. Include fiber, such as bran, in the diet. Constipation is not a desired situation while the perineum is healing. I would describe the first bowel movement under the best of conditions as "passing a roll of barbed wire". Keep the stool as loose as possible to prevent straining.

Do not strain on the toilet. Not only is this painful, but it puts undesired pressure on the healing perineum.

Place an ice pack on the perineum for 1 hour to reduce swelling. Make sure you have a barrier between the ice pack and skin tissue. You do not want to freeze the tissue. A wash cloth, hand towel or thick layer of gauze will work.

Use comfrey tea pericare after urination (washing the perineal area with a comfrey tea and apply comfrey tea soaked 4x4 gauze pad compresses to the perineal area to soothe injury. Urine may cause a stinging sensation in sensitive perineal tissues. Pouring warm water over the perineum while urinating will help prevent stinging and helps to wash away the urine at the same time. Blot dry with gauze pads (do not flush, put in a trash barrel instead). Do not rub or wipe perineal area. This may open tissues that are repairing.

Apply herbal ointment (such as Comfrey - see products below) to the area GENTLY. Warm comfrey infusion sitz baths can ease a sore bottom and promote healing. Drink Comfrey Leaf tea (to promote healing) - This can be added to Red Raspberry leaf tea to help with flavor. Red Raspberry leaf is a good woman's herb for pregnancy and postpartum.

COMFREY LEAF & ROOT SALVES Mountain Rose Herbs: Comfrey Leaf & Root, Certified Organic, 4 oz. to 1 lb. Bulk Herbs Mountain Rose Herbs: Comfrey-St. John's Wort Compound Salve Kalyx: Herbal Savvy Comfrey-Aloe Salve, Country Comfort, 1 oz. Kalyx: Herbal Savvy Comfrey-Aloe Salve, Country Comfort, 2 oz. Kalyx: All Heal Salve, Wise Ways Herbals, 2 oz. Kalyx: Calendula -Comfrey Skin Dressing, Turtle Island, 1 oz. Kalyx: Chickweed Salve (With Comfrey), Satterfield Naturals, 6 Tins, 4 oz. House of Nutrition: Comfrey Salve, Gaia, 4 oz. House of Nutrition: Comfrey Ointment, Dr. Christopher, 2 oz. House of Nutrition: Herbal Savvy Comfrey Aloe Vera, Country Comfort, 2 oz. TakeHerb: Comfrey Care Herbal Salve, Planetary Herbals, 2 oz. TakeHerb: Comfrey Ointment, Dr. Christopher's Original Formulas, 2 oz. MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Herbal Ointments - Healing Wound Salve Recipes

Take the following supplements every day for at least two weeks:

ZINC (300 mg) Kalyx: Zinc, TwinLab, 30 mg, 100 Caps Kalyx: Zinc, TwinLab, 50 mg, 180 Caps Kalyx: Zinc & Echinacea, Quantum, 48 Cherry Flavored Lozenges HerbsPro: Zinc Orotate, NCI (Dr. Hans Nieper), 60 mg, 200 Tabs HerbsPro: Zinc High Potency, Thompson Nutritional Products, 50 mg, 60 Tabs HerbsPro: Zinc Plus, Olympian Labs, 30 mg, 100 Caps HerbsPro: Opti L-Zinc, Now Foods, 30 mg, 100 Caps HerbsPro: Zinc Lozenges, FoodScience of Vermont, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges HerbsPro: Ultimate Zinc - C, NOW Foods, 100 Lozenges HerbsPro: Zinc Gluconate, NOW Foods, 50 mg, 100 Tabs TakeHerb: Wellness Zinc Lozenges With Vitamin C (Zinc Ascorbate), Source Naturals, 23 mg / 30 mg, 120 Tabs TakeHerb: Wellness Zinc Throat Spray, Source Naturals, 2 oz. TakeHerb: Zinc Plus, Olympian Labs, 30 mg, 100 Caps TakeHerb: OptiZinc, Zinc Monomethionine Complex, Source Naturals, 240 Tabs VITAMIN B-COMPLEX Kalyx: Super Vitamin B-Complex With B-12, Schiff, 120 Caps Kalyx: Vitamin B-Complex, Schiff, 50 mg, 100 Tabs Kalyx: Vitamin B-Complex, Schiff, From Whole Rice, 50 mg, 100 Softgels Kalyx: Complete B-Complex, Rainbow Light, 180 Tabs Kalyx: Stress B-Complex, TwinLab, 100 Caps Kalyx: Vitamin B-100 Complex, Thompson, 60 Tabs HerbsPro: Liquid B-Complex With Vitamin B-12, NOW Foods, 8 oz. HerbsPro: Platinum Vitamin-B Complex, Nature's Answer, 16 oz. HerbsPro: Liquid Yeast B Complex, TwinLab, 16 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Coenzymate B Complex, Sublingual Orange, Source Naturals, 120 Tabs HerbsPro: Coenzymate B Complex, Sublingual Peppermint, Source Naturals, 120 Tabs HerbsPro: Stress B-Complex, TwinLab, 250 Caps HerbsPro: Super B Complex, Herbal Liquid, TwinLab, 8 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Super B Complex, Regular Liquid Formula, 8 fl. oz. HerbsPro: B Complex Liquid, World Organics, 16 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Maxi B-50 Complex, Maxi-Health Research, 100 Caps HerbsPro: Coenzymate B Complex, Sublingual Orange, Source Naturals, 60 Tabs Kalyx: B-Complex Gummy Vitamins, Be Calm Strawberry For Adults, Nutrition Now, 70 Gummy Chewables TakeHerb: Liquid B Complex, B Vitamins With Energy Herbs, Tropical Oasis, 16 oz. TakeHerb: Super B-Complex Regular Liquid, TwinLab, 8 oz. TakeHerb: Liquid Yeast B-Complex, TwinLab, 16 oz. TakeHerb: Ultra B Liquid, World Organics, In Raisin Juice, 16 oz. TakeHerb: Liquid B-Complex, With Vitamin C, Strawberry Flavor, Lifetime, 16 oz. VITAMIN B-6 PRODUCTS Kalyx: Vitamin B-6, Thompson, 100 mg, 60 Tabs TakeHerb: Vitamin B-6, Nature's Way, 100 mg, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Vitamin B-6, NOW Foods, 100 mg, 250 Caps TakeHerb: Vitamin B-6, NOW Foods, 50 mg, 100 Tabs VITAMIN B-12 PRODUCTS TakeHerb: Vitamin B-Complex B-12 Sublingual Liquid, Good'n Natural, Promotes Energy Metabolism, 2 oz. TakeHerb: Vitamin B-12 Liquid B-Complex, NOW Foods, 2 oz. TakeHerb: Vitamin B-12 Liquid B-Complex, NOW Foods, 8 oz. TakeHerb: Sublingual Liquid B-12 With B-Complex, 2000 mcg, Solgar, 2 oz. TakeHerb: Vegan Sublingual B-12, Deva Nutrition, 90 Tabs TakeHerb: Ultra Vitamin B-12, NOW Foods, 4 fl. oz. VITAMIN E (400 IU) Mountain Rose Herbs: Vitamin E Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, GMO Free, Kosher Certified, 7500 IU per oz., 2 oz. to 1 gallon Kalyx: Vitamin E One Grand, Thompson Nutritional, 1000 IU, 30 Softgels HerbsPro: Vitamin E, Country Life, 100 IU, 100 Softgels HerbsPro: Vitamin E, Country Life, 200 IU, 100 Softgels HerbsPro: Vitamin E, Country Life, 400 IU, 180 Softgels HerbsPro: Vitamin E, Country Life, Dry, 400 IU, 100 Tabs HerbsPro: Vitamin E, Country Life, 1000 IU, 120 Softgels HerbsPro: Vitamin E Complex, Country Life, 1000 IU, 120 Softgels HerbsPro: Natural Vitamin E, Healthy Origins, 1000 IU, 120 Softgels House of Nutrition: Vitamin E, BlueBonnet, 1000 IU, 250 Softgels TakeHerb: Natural Vitamin E Oil, Good'n Natural, 30000 IU, 2.5 oz. TakeHerb: Vitamin E, Good'n Natural, 1000 IU, 100 Softgels TakeHerb: Vitamin E, D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate, NOW Foods, 600 IU, 100 Softgels TakeHerb: Natural Dry Vitamin E, Country Life, 400 IU, 100 Tabs TakeHerb: Vitamin E, Dry, 100% Natural, TwinLab, 400 IU, 100 Caps TakeHerb: Vitamin E, D-Alpha Tocopherol, Source Naturals, 400 IU, 250 Softgels TakeHerb: Vitamin E, Mixed Alpha Tocopherol, Solgar, 400 IU, 100 Softgels TakeHerb: Vitamin E, Natural With Mixed Tocopherols, Enzymatic Therapy, 400 IU, 100 Softgels TakeHerb: Vitamin E, D-Alpha Tocopherol, Source Naturals, 200 IU, 250 Softgels TakeHerb: Vitamin E, Mixed Tocopherols, Solgar, 200 IU, 250 Softgels TakeHerb: Vitamin E, Dry Alpha Tocopherol, Solgar, 200 IU, 100 VCaps TakeHerb: Vitamin E, D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate, Natural, 21st Century, 200 IU, 110 Softgels TakeHerb: Vitamin E, Mixed Tocopherols, Solgar, 100 IU, 250 Softgels CALCIUM (500 mg - To Relieve Pain) Kalyx: Calcium With Vitamin D, TwinLab, 1000 mg / 400 IU, 120 Tabs Kalyx: Calcium Citrate Powder, Frontier Natural, 1 lb. Kalyx: Calcium Complex, Calcium & Magnesium, All One, 1000 mg / 500 mg, 8.5 oz. HerbsPro: Calcium Plus Liquid, French Vanilla, Buried Treasure Products, 16 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Calcium Plus Liquid, Blueberry, Buried Treasure Products, 16 fl. oz. HerbsPro: Calcium with Magnesium Chewable Wafers, Vanilla / Orange, Country Life, 1000 mg / 500 mg, 120 Wafers HerbsPro: Calcium Magnesium Complex Powder, All-One Nutri-Tech, 1000 mg / 500 mg, 8.5 oz. HerbsPro: Calcium Magnesium Liquid, Mint Flavor, Enzymatic Therapy, 16 oz. HerbsPro: Yummi Bears Vegetarian Calcium With Vitamin D, Hero Nutritional Products, 90 Bears HerbsPro: Calcium Soft Chews, Chocolate, Nutrition Now, 500 mg, 75 Chews HerbsPro: Calcium Soft Chews, Fruit Flavor, Nutrition Now, 500 mg, 75 Chews HerbsPro: Just An Ounce Liquid Calcium & Magnesium, Almond Flavor, Trimedica, 16 oz. HerbsPro: Calm Plus Calcium, Raspberry-Lemon, Peter Gillhams Natural Vitality, 8 oz. TakeHerb: Bone Strength Take Care, New Chapter, 120 Tabs TakeHerb: Liquid Coral Calcium Complex, Natural Calcium, Dynamic Health Labs, 32 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Osteo Rx, Bone Health & Density, Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, 120 Tabs TakeHerb: Calcium, Liquid Health, 32 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Calcium Citrate Chew, TwinLab, 1000 mg, 60 Wafers TakeHerb: Total Soy Calcium Shake, Vanilla, Naturade, 1000 mg, 17.3 oz. TakeHerb: Super Calcium-Magnesium With Vitamin D & Boron, Schiff, 1200 mg / 400 mg / 400 IU / 3 mg, 90 Softgels TakeHerb: Super Calcium With Vitamin D, Schiff, 1200 mg / 400 IU, 120 Softgels TakeHerb: Calcium Citrate With Magnesium, TwinLab, 300 mg / 150 mg, 250 Caps TakeHerb: Coral Calcium Complete Liquid, Buried Treasure, 32 fl. oz. TakeHerb: Coral Calcium Powder, Source Naturals, 8 oz.

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RELATED LINKS

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Postpartum Care - Perineum

MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Sitz Bath Therapy

MoonDragon's ObGyn Womens Health Information: Hemorrhoids

MoonDragon's ObGyn Womens Health Information: Incontinence, Urge

MoonDragon's ObGyn Womens Health Information: Incontinence, Stress

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MEDICATION

You may use non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for minor pain.

Stool softener laxative (or lots of prune juice! A much safer and tastier remedy) to prevent constipation if needed.

Antibiotics, if required to fight infection.

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ACTIVITY

Follow your midwife's or health care provider's advice on resuming, or beginning, a postpartum exercise program.

Resume driving 10 days after the birth.

Resume sexual relations as directed by your midwife or health care provider or when a follow-up postpartum examination determines that healing is completed (usually 3 to 6 weeks).

SEXUAL ACTIVITY AFTER AN EPISIOTOMY

Your perineum should be completely healed around four to six weeks after delivery, so if your caregiver gives the okay and you are up to it, you can try having sex then. You might feel some initial tenderness and tightness.

Try having a glass of wine, taking a warm bath, and leaving plenty of time for foreplay. You might prefer to be on top so that you can control the degree of penetration, or you may find that lying on your side is most comfortable.

Relaxing as much as possible and using a good water-soluble lubricant will help make sex more comfortable. This may be especially helpful if you're breastfeeding, because lactation lowers your estrogen levels, which reduces the amount of lubrication your vagina can produce. Many women continue to use a lubricant during sex until they stop nursing.

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Postpartum Care - Elimination

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DIET

Eating a high fiber diet will help prevent constipation which is common after childbirth. Increase your fluid intake as you increase your fiber intake.

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Postpartum Care - Elimination

MoonDragon's ObGyn Womens Health Information: Constipation

MoonDragon's Nutrition Information: Fiber Diet

MoonDragon's Nutrition Information: Nutrition Index



NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...

Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

You develop signs of infections: general ill feeling and fever, headache, muscle aches, dizziness.

You experience nausea, vomiting, constipation or abdominal swelling.

New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.

Pass uncontrolled urine through the vagina.

Pass gas (flatus) or stool from the vagina.

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MoonDragon's ObGyn Procedures: Episiotomy

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Episiotomies - What You Should Know



MoonDragon's Client Handouts about nutrition and diet for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are available at the links below. Examples of sample diets and menus are given, including some holistic suggestions. Nutritional analysis for various foods and nutritional therapy information is also available.

MoonDragon's Nutritional Guidelines

MoonDragon's Nutrition Information - Diet Index

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Diet

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POSTPARTUM CARE INFORMATION

Postpartum Care: Index

Postpartum Care: Weight

Postpartum Care: Diet

Postpartum Care: Bowel Movements & Urination

Postpartum Care: Bathing

Postpartum Care: Breasts & Breastfeeding

Postpartum Care: Perineal Care

Postpartum Care: Vaginal Bleeding (Lochia) & Menstruation

Postpartum Care: Exercise & Back Care

Postpartum Care: Sexual Intercourse

Postpartum Care: Contraception

POSTPARTUM VISITS

PostPartum Visit: Day One

PostPartum Visit: Day Three

PostPartum Visit: Day Seven

PostPartum Visit: 4 to 6 Week Visit

POSTPARTUM CONCERNS

Baby Care & Concerns

Fatigue & Exhaustion

Postpartum Depression (The "Baby Blues")

NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...

You or your family member has questions about postpartum care.

You or a family member develops any unexpected and/or unusual symptoms or problems.

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PREGNANCY RELATED LINKS

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information & Survival Tips

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information Index

MoonDragon's Pediatric Information Index

MoonDragon's Parenting Information Index

MoonDragon's Nutrition Information Index

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HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Manufacturers & Distributors

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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements -- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements -- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders -- by Phyllis A. Balch The Complete Guide to Natural Healing This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item. If you see a suggested Amazon product "not there" as indicated by an orange box with the Amazon logo, this only means the specific product link has been changed by Amazon.com. Use the "click here" icon on the orange box and it will bring you to Amazon.com and you can do a search for a specific product using keywords and a new list of available products and prices will show. Their product and resource links are constantly changing and being upgraded. Many times there are more than one link to a specific product. Prices will vary between product distributors so it pays to shop around and do price comparisons. Educational materials and health products are available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.

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MoonDragon's Nutrition Information Index

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Nutrition Basics Index

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