3 salt baths a day may be over doing it. Take 1 to two salt baths a day and ensure the area is kept clean and dry as possible. If the area is swollen which is normal you can get a drug called voltarn to take, i think i spelt that wrong, and it will help reduce the swelling. make sure if your taking paracetamol, that you are taking it regularly. every 6 hrs, this well helpkeep the pain to a minuim rather than having highs and lows. takes at least a few weeks to be able to move around more comfortably. If your pain doesnt decrease, increases or you notice a greenish discharge, area is hot to touch go see your medical practitioner. good luck.  

I had 2nd degree tears with some of my babies (always in the same spot!!!!) and two 2nd degree grazes with my last (not in the same spot!!!).  I was told, because I refused to have stitches (takes longer to heal), to use a lanolin based product on the wounds as it provides a protective barrier against chaffing and the sting of peeing.  Worked wonders too.  It is actually a product for nursing mothers, but hey, any product that provides multiple uses has to be worth it.

Obviously, if you have stitches, then while they are in, it probably isn't recommended.  Once they come out though, then you can use it.

As for the salt baths, I didn't need them.  I just kept myself as clean as possible.  I also, when it was appropriate, wore a dress or skirt and took my undies off completely.  Obviously, because of the post natal bleeding, I had a towel on hand.  This allowed for better air circulation and help to dry the sore spots out more.  I even managed to lay on the couch with nothing on my bottom half and exposed to the sunlight.  Warning, only do that if you don't have people who are able to see you clearly through the windows.

The sunlight helps with the healing process too.  I was told about the salt baths, but realistically, I just couldn't be bothered.  Oh, and we didn't have a bath either, so that kind of solved it.

 Hey,

I had a "stage 3 tear and several superficial tears" when I had my bub.  It took almost 5 weeks to be able to sit upright and a full 8 before I could wear "normal pants" (ie, not yoga pants) or vacuum without being in horrible, aching pain when I was done.

Hi,

I never tore but i did have an episiotomy. It took me 3weeks to feel comfortable again. My midwife told me not to have salt baths and if i was to have a bth not to use any soaps ect but try and keep the area as clean as possible and make sure its always dry, this way it will heal quicker.

S alt Baths! Ouch! I too had a tear and I never took salt baths. Are you doing this under advice from you r Midwife or Doctor? I was just instructed to have baths without any soap/bubbles in and then a good friend of mine gave me a piece of advice - to direct the shower head there to keep it clean and if it stings when you pee then to pee in the shower while you are doing this. I know this may sound a little gross to some but as long as you wash the bath/ shower tray afterwards then its fine and my tear was alot better in a few weeks.

By the way Congratulations on your new arrival.

Clare xxx

I did not take salt baths, but I did have a little squirt bottle that was a shock to the system every time I used it...

Basically it was a little bottle that when I squeezed it, the water was directed to the tear and cleaned it.. :) I used it every time I went to the loo.  I did that for about two weeks...  Sitting was not to bad, as long as I wore underware that did not ride up if you know what I mean... 

Hope it heals nicely for you....

Hi there, When William was born (my first) i had it in my head that when he was 8 days old i was going to go for my first walk. I got a rude shock when i was still in pain 8 days later; due that tearing and the labour it's self.

It took about 3 weeks for me to feel ok, sit comfortably etc (going to the toilet as per normal took a little bit longer) ... I did as your doing with the baths, it takes a little while to repair the body but it does eventually get ther. Panadol and voltain helped me also

Congratz on the newest adition to your family. Hope that your bouncing back soon! xxxoooxoxox

Hi there! Congrats on your new baby and commiserations on your tear!  I had the same with my 2nd - thanks to an almighty push to get her out before they intervened.  I really can't remember exactly how long it took, but I remember it being weeks rather than days - I remember at about 4 weeks asking someone when it would improve and they assured me it would be soon and I am sure it was.  I found sitting was the hard thing - and getting in & out of the car - not so much as walking.  I have written some advice on making it heal quickly, which I have added as a link.  I hope it heals quickly for you and you can find some relief in some of these tips!  Good luck!

I had 3rd degree tear from outside to cervix. I have a lovely scar from it still. (6 and a half years ago)

I had 3 baths a day for a few weeks until the wound was heald. I dont heal very well.

as for walking well and that it took a few months to heal enough to walk well and i ended up having a cyst there that expolded 2 years later when i gave birth to my daughter.

good luck in healing