7 things you should know about your post-baby vagina

You know that fishy smell you get down there when you have your period? Since you’re going to be shedding your uterine lining for a month or so after your delivery, consider the fact that you may be wearing a particular eau de fish scent everywhere.

This is because you’ll be shedding very old blood and tissue, also known as lochia, just after giving birth. This can give off a fishier smell than your usual menstruation. Consider using odor-neutralizing pads and stronger feminine wash.

While "dry” can be too strong a word to describe your post-baby lady bits, what with the lochia and weird smells, your vagina may be less lubricated after giving birth. When the lochia stops, you have to deal with discomfort, itching, and a higher difficulty setting when getting back in the sack with your husband.

Use an appropriate moisturizing wash for your lady parts (that is recommended by your doctor) and a water-based lube when you’re ready to have sex again. If you feel abrasions or if the smell can’t be controlled because it’s particularly rank, go see your doctor.

Are you one of the brave ones who got a good look at yourself down there? Perhaps you had to check if the Brazilian wax you had was thorough or had to take some sexy pics for your hubby. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t recognize your own vagina; doctor’s say it’s normal.

Thanks to our ubiquitous hormonal changes, you may see some darkening of the labia and of other parts of your vagina. Sometimes it goes away, sometimes it doesn’t, but doctors say color changes are quite normal.

Thanks to your dryness and hormonal changes, you’re more susceptible to vaginal infections. You are also at higher risk for urinary tract infection or UTI thanks to the incontinence.

Go to the doctor immediately if you exhibit the following symptoms after delivery:

Does this mean you need to have surgery? Will it be different for your husband? While only time can tell, this is really the inevitable conclusion of your pregnancy. While your uterus gets to go back to normal size, your vagina may not be as lucky.

You can ask your doctor for some restorative surgery. But that still means going under the knife and putting yourself at risk—especially now that you’ve just given birth. Keep doing those Kegels and other exercises as they can help in strengthening the muscles down there and getting back into shape.

For some mommies, the pain of childbirth lasts long after delivery. The uterine contractions and soreness from having your vagina stretched, torn, and stitched may need some time to fade.

Glam-o-mamas co-founder and mother of 3, Amanda Griffin-Jacob, suggests you try boiled guava leaf extract as a rinse for your swollen lady bits. This cleansing and soothing rinse works well even with C-section sutures and other wounds!

While we can always say that your new vagina is a badge of motherhood, we have to remember that no one else is going to see it save our husbands. Consider it your new normal or something to laugh about over tea or brunch with fellow moms. You may be surprised at how common your post-baby vagina concerns actually are.

How are you dealing with post-baby vagina changes? Share with us your experiences in the comment box below!

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