Witch hazel – safe and natural postpartum vaginal care

Witch hazel is an excellent and safe remedy for plenty of what ails new mamas. The bark and leaves themselves are cleansing and have astringent qualities. Witch hazel is added to facial and body care products, aftershaves, dandruff shampoos and many other commercial products.

As a new mama helper, witch hazel is your best friend! Witch hazel can be used on swollen body parts (birth gives your body quite the beating), varicose veins and makes a wonderful treatment for two obnoxious new mama problems – a sore perineum and hemorrhoids.

Perineum problems after birth: After you give birth you’ll most likely experience uncomfortable swelling, pain, and itching in the perineum area. It’s very important you care for your perineal area to avoid infection (and general crankiness).

Witch hazel perineum care: Witch hazel is an inexpensive and safe choice for proper perineal care.

Midwifery Today notes that witch hazel can be safely applied directly to the perineum or you can try soaking a cloth in cold water, wringing it out thoroughly and putting witch hazel on it before applying to the perineum.

After you use the bathroom grab that postpartum vaginal perineal bottle the hospital or your midwife gave you. Fill the bottle with warm water and a dash of witch hazel – squirt onto your perineal area to cleanse and help reduce swelling.