How to Take Care of Stitches After C-Section or Normal Delivery
Healing After Birth — One Gentle Step at a Time
Whether you had a C-section or a normal delivery with stitches, proper postnatal care is essential for healing, comfort, and preventing infection. It’s common to feel nervous about caring for stitches, especially while adjusting to life with a newborn. But with the right guidance, you can heal smoothly and confidently.
At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s clinic in Lucknow, we help new mothers recover safely with personalized postnatal care that includes wound care, diet, and emotional support. Here’s everything you need to know about taking care of stitches after childbirth.
Types of Stitches After Delivery
🔹 C-Section Stitches
These are usually on the lower abdomen and may be:
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Absorbable (dissolve on their own)
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Non-absorbable (require removal after 7–10 days)
🔹 Perineal Stitches (After Normal Delivery)
These are given if there is:
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An episiotomy (a small cut made to ease the baby’s exit)
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A natural tear during delivery
They are usually internal and dissolvable.
How to Take Care of C-Section Stitches
✅ 1. Keep the Area Clean and Dry
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Gently clean with mild soap and water once daily (unless advised otherwise)
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Pat dry with a soft, clean towel — do not rub
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Wear loose cotton clothes to allow airflow and prevent friction
✅ 2. Avoid Lifting and Straining
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Do not lift heavy objects for at least 6–8 weeks
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Support your abdomen with a pillow while coughing or sneezing
✅ 3. Watch for Signs of Infection
Call your doctor if you notice:
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Redness, swelling, or pus at the incision
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Foul-smelling discharge
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Fever or chills
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Persistent pain beyond the expected healing period
✅ 4. Dressing and Stitch Removal (if needed)
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Some women may need daily dressing changes (our clinic handles this gently)
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If your stitches are non-absorbable, you’ll be advised on when to come in for removal
✅ 5. Avoid Tight Waistbands
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Tight clothes may irritate the incision site
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Choose high-waisted underwear or maternity pants
How to Take Care of Stitches After a Normal Delivery
✅ 1. Use Warm Water Sitz Baths
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Sit in a tub of lukewarm water for 10–15 minutes, 1–2 times a day
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It soothes pain, reduces swelling, and speeds healing
✅ 2. Practice Gentle Hygiene
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Wash the area with plain water or a doctor-approved solution after passing urine or stool
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Always wipe front to back to prevent infection
✅ 3. Use a Perineal Spray or Ice Packs
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A soothing perineal spray (available at the clinic) or ice wrapped in cloth helps reduce pain and inflammation
✅ 4. Change Sanitary Pads Frequently
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Every 4–6 hours, even if the flow is light
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Keeps the area clean and reduces infection risk
✅ 5. Don’t Use Harsh Soaps or Creams
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Avoid scented products or powders near the stitch area
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Use only what your doctor recommends
Healing Timeline for Stitches
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C-Section stitches: Surface healing in 7–10 days, complete healing by 6–8 weeks
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Perineal stitches: Discomfort usually eases within 7–10 days, full healing in 3–4 weeks
Everyone heals at a different pace — listen to your body and ask for help when needed.
Diet for Faster Stitch Healing
What you eat supports how well you heal. Include:
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Protein-rich foods: Dals, eggs, paneer, lean meats
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Iron-rich foods: Leafy greens, jaggery, dates
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Vitamin C: Oranges, amla, lemon — helps in tissue repair
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Fluids and fiber: Prevent constipation and ease bowel movements
Avoid spicy, fried, or constipating foods during the initial days.
Emotional Recovery Matters Too
It’s normal to feel emotional, vulnerable, or even anxious after delivery — especially when healing from stitches. At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s clinic, we support new mothers not just with physical healing but with:
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Postpartum checkups
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Mental wellness support
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Gentle, non-judgmental care
You’re not alone — we are here every step of the way.
