During pregnancy, especially from the third trimester on, massage your perineum with wheatgerm oil to ensure tissue elasticity. This area of your body is going to stretch a LOT!
After birth, providing there are no tears or cuts (see Healing Episiotomies and Tears), apply creams to help soothe the area and reduce swelling.
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Hypericum/St John’s Wort Oil is specific if there is pain.
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Traumeel Cream or Gel is excellent for reducing swelling and inflammation, as well as reducing pain.
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Store creams in the fridge so that they are cool when applied, giving added relief.
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Use a sanitary pad soaked in either distilled witch hazel or calendula/hypericum infusions.
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Sitz baths can be useful to reduce swelling and pain. (see Healing Episiotomies and Tears)