Top tip: Soak the area by sitting in a bowl/bath with Soak for Bits or place a warm/cold compress previously sprayed with Spritz for Bits. As midwives we know it is common for women to experience discomfort after giving birth. Midwives are always trying to find ways to help people to relieve the feelings of soreness after a vaginal or caesarean section birth. Feeling more comfortable helps to improve experiences in the postnatal period and makes the transition for the whole family with a newborn less stressful and more enjoyable. Witch hazel compound- This helps to reduce skin irritations and has anti-inflammatory properties which can help soothe and reduce soreness, haemorrhoid pain and itchiness. GENTLE ON DELICATE AREAS: Designed to clean, soothe and help maintain the condition of the perineum to promote recovery. Our soothing perineal soak can be used straight after birth.

MIDWIFE DEVELOPED, MUM APPROVED: Part of the midwife developed range for pregnancy, birth and new mums, including the multi-award winning perineal spray Spritz for Bits Spritz for Bits provides a solution to this problem, making sure the correct amount of these ingredients are delivered to the right place, for the instant soothing relief women need after birth. Tender, bruised, swollen bits and recovering from tears and episiotomy – your vulva and perineum are likely to feel sore and uncomfortable after the birth of your baby, more so if you’ve sustained a tear or a cut (episiotomy). Top tip: Go to the toilet as soon as you get the urge and empty your bladder fully. If you don’t get the urge until it’s almost too late, put an alarm on your phone and sit on the toilet every 1-2 hours to ‘retrain’ your bladder.

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Top tip: Promote circulation by raising your feet above the level of your heart - you can rest them on the wall. Place a pillow under your right hip to tilt you slightly left (prevents you from feeling dizzy and ensures good circulation to the placenta is maintained). After about 5 minutes, lower your legs onto the bed/couch and turn on your left side for a few minutes before sitting up. Also, follow the top tip for piles. Understanding the different changes and possible ailments that may happen to your “bits” during your pregnancy, your birth and your recovery will help you feel informed and able to distinguish what is ‘normal’ and when you may need to seek advice from a health professional.

Midwife developed, mum approved, the My Expert Midwife's award winning range provides effective solutions to common pregnancy, birth, new mum and newborn issues, to help you feel like you again. My Expert Midwife Midwife developed, mum approved, the My Expert Midwife's award winning range provides effective solutions to common pregnancy, birth, new mum and newborn issues, to help you feel like you again. After childbirth, bruising, swelling and soreness of the perineum and the surrounding area are common. This Midwife developed soak is made with premium Epsom salts, which instantly disperses in warm bath water. These salts are made up of two naturally occurring minerals, magnesium and sulphate, known for their ability to help a tired, aching body to relax and soothe. Blended with essential oils - tea tree and calendula, bergamot aids relaxation, and added arnica. Top tip: Go pant-free as much as possible and keep the area well ‘ventilated’ by choosing loose-fitting clothing. Wash with plain water and use Spritz For Bits to relieve the irritation. Bleeding– can have a variety of causes and may be nothing to worry about. ‘Spotting’ during the first trimester can be quite common and some bleeding can still happen after 12 weeks of pregnancy. Sometimes there is no obvious reason for this, but causes could include: ectropion, infection, having the ‘show’, placenta praevia, early labour or placental abruption.Apart from regular paracetamol and keeping the area clean, midwives often recommend a soak in a warm bath infused with lavender essential oil as it is known for its soothing, healing and relaxing properties. The problem is that oil and water don’t mix well, which means that the essential oils won’t necessarily reach the parts they need to when taking a bath. Some midwives also recommended putting witch hazel onto a maternity pad to ease swelling and discomfort, but women are often unsure as to the quantity to use.