Sutures, what are they?
Being a new mom is quite an exhilarating and yet such an intricate role in the home which demands us to be the best version of ourselves for ourselves, the baby, and those around us. However, many women can relate to the apprehensions of experiencing tears and lesions which can happen during childbirth and finding the best possible means to manage them. This article takes a glance into the process of suturing and how to manage the sutures for both Normal Vaginal Delivery (NVD) and Cesarean Section (C-section).
Although stitches and sutures are widely regarded as the same, in medical terms, they are actually two distinct aspects. Sutures are the fibers or strands used to close a wound, while “Stitches” (stitching) refer to the actual process of fastening the wound. However, “suturing” is often used to mean stitching.
A suture can be absorbable; “Dissolvable Stitches” is what they’re commonly called, or nonabsorbable - "Removable Stitches". The type of suture a doctor may prescribe is dependent on the type of wound a patient might have.
How does one get sutures?
Normal Vaginal Delivery (NVD)
Naturally, the vagina stretches as the baby maneuvers itself out of the womb during the delivery process. Nonetheless, if the baby is quite big or if the labour process has been lengthy, which may result in an episiotomy (an incision made in the perineum by a professional) or a naturally lacerated or torn perineum i.e. the area that is between your vagina and your anus. Vaginal and perineal cuts or tears require sutures. These tears can vary from first-degree tear which is usually one stitch and comprises exclusively of torn skin, then second-degree tear which involves the tearing of both skin and muscle tissues which requires more sutures.
Whether you tear naturally during birth or the incision has been done by a professional you will still need to take care of the sutures on the incision site.
Can they be managed?
This is perhaps the most common question that buzzes in the mind. Wondering how sutures can be managed? Yes, indeed they can be managed effectively in the comfort of your own home with less effort than anticipated. The most vital issue is to maintain a clean perineum. Beginning as quickly as you get home, use a squirt/spritz bottle filled with mild salty water to cleanse the area every time you use the bathroom. Pat the area dry instead of wiping to prevent tugging the stitches.
Avoid tampons for the first 6 weeks after giving birth.
Buy a shallow mini-tub called a sitz bath that fits over the toilet seat and allows you to soak the stitches for cleansing and pain relief. Just remember that warm water soaks in the tub are not to be started until at least 24 hours after giving birth.
Change your pad every 2 to 4 hours.
Choose cooling medicated pads or whilst wearing surgical gloves pat the area with a little bit of ice.
Get numbing sprays specifically made for new mothers, which can be found at most drugstores/pharmacies.
Prevent constipation by increasing water and fibre intake. Talk to your health care provider about the use of stool softeners.
Also talk to your Health Care about safe pain relievers to help alleviate discomfort and are safe for breastfeeding moms.
Use an antibacterial sanitizer on your hands before cleaning the perineal area (this helps prevent you from infecting the wound with your hand).
Use baby wipes instead of toilet paper to reduce irritation from friction.
Wipe from front to back
Cesarean Delivery
If you have a c-section try as much as you can to manage the incision until it has completely healed.
The good news is that C-section scars are usually small and below the bikini line. Once the scar heals, you may only have a faded line that’s barely conspicuous.
If you have stitches or staples, you’ll have them removed about a week later, usually in the doctor’s office or a local clinic. Another option Surgeons use to close the wound is Surgical Glue. Surgeons apply glue over the incision, which provides a protective covering. The glue gradually peels off as the wound heals.
Wound management
Clean the incision daily with salty water, or surgical spirit or as directed by your Health Care Provider. You’ll be uncomfortable for a while, but you’ll still be required to keep the area clean. Gently wipe the incision with a clean piece of cotton wool, but don’t scrub or rub the incision. Gently pat dry with a towel.
Wear loose-fitting clothing. Tight clothing can irritate your incision, so skip the skinny jeans and opt for pyjamas, baggy shirts, jogging pants, or other loose-fitting clothes. Loose clothes also expose your incision to air, which can help speed the healing process.
Don’t exercise. You might be keen to shed the baby weight, but don’t exercise until your doctor says it’s okay. Too much activity too soon can cause the incision to reopen. Especially, be careful when bending over or lifting objects. As a general rule of thumb, don’t lift anything heavier than your baby.
Observe/keep all doctor’s appointments. You’ll have follow-up meetings in the weeks following a C-section, so your doctor can monitor the recovery progress. It’s essential to keep these appointments. This way, your healthcare provider can detect irregularities/complications early.
Apply heat to your abdomen. Heat therapy can alleviate pain and soreness after a C-section. Apply a hot water bottle to your abdomen in 15-minute intervals.
Talk to your Health Care Provider about pain relievers that can be taken while breastfeeding.
The above tips work very well if religiously observed. However, should you notice any redness or swelling, experience immense pain or have a funny odour and/or a greyish-green looking discharge, get in touch with your doctor immediately.
Just remember the pain and discomfort are for a short while. Stay positive and look forward to developing a wonderful bond with your baby. Happy self-care mommy!
Written by Trish Mururi
Professional Nurse.