Recommended lubrication products for postpartum recovery

Yibeisi repair lubricant (applicable to all stages, has mucosal repair effect), Honglilai combined estrogen cream (only used according to the doctor's advice, for severe dryness/atrophic vaginitis), Durex hyaluronic acid lubricant (can be used daily when the wound is completely healed and there is no gynecological inflammation 6 months after delivery).

I had a cesarean section after giving birth to my eldest son. I originally thought that a cesarean section would not cause problems related to private parts. However, the first time I had sex 5 months after giving birth, the pain was so painful that I kicked my husband out of bed. At that time, I thought there was something wrong with my physical recovery. I called the postpartum rehabilitation department to find out whether it was a normal birth or a cesarean section. As long as you have been pregnant, high progesterone during pregnancy will inhibit estrogen secretion. If you breastfeed after delivery, estrogen will rise more slowly. 90% of mothers will have varying degrees of dryness in their private parts within six months after delivery. It is not a problem of "poor recovery" at all, and there is no need to be mentally burdened.

Before I went to the hospital, I followed the trend and bought a lubricating gel from a popular private part care brand. When I squeezed it out, it was fragrant and had a cool touch. I thought it was a good experience. However, the next day after using it, my vulva was itchy and my leucorrhea became like tofu. I went to check for leucorrhea. Only then did I find out that menthol and essence were added to it. My vaginal mucosa had not fully recovered at that time, and it was directly stimulated to cause inflammation. It took almost two weeks to get rid of it. From then on, when I chose this kind of product, I only looked at the ingredient list and ignored all the bells and whistles.

In fact, there has always been a lot of controversy about hormonal lubrication. The Western medicine doctor I saw at the time said that if the dryness is particularly severe, friction pain occurs even when walking, and atrophic vaginitis is detected, Honglilai’s combined estrogen cream can be prescribed. Topical application has very little absorption, and it is relatively safe even during breastfeeding. But when I went to repair my pelvic floor muscles later, the maternal and child traditional Chinese medicine teacher had a different view. She believed that it was exogenous estrogen after all. If you were particularly worried about affecting the baby, you should first use water-based physical lubrication. Drink more black soy milk and supplement with soy isoflavones. Slowly adjusting it can make things better. Both statements have clinical basis, and you can choose based on your own acceptance. I was afraid that hormones would affect breastfeeding, so I chose the mechanical lubrication prescribed by the doctor. It is on the same level as the Medical Beauty Cold Compress. It does not sting at all when used, and it contains sodium hyaluronate of large and small molecules. It not only lubricates but also helps repair mucous membranes. After I used it three or four times, I no longer need to apply it during sex, and there is no so-called dependence problem.

If you have been weaned and are still dry more than 1 year after giving birth, it is best to have your hormones checked first to see if it is an endocrine problem. Don’t just rely on lubrication.

There was a mother in my postpartum group who thought the brand was expensive and bought a large bottle of silicone-based lubrication that cost tens of dollars. After using it, she always felt that her private parts were sticky and could not be washed off. She developed bacterial vaginosis within half a month. Later I learned that silicone-based lubrication has too strong adhesion and can easily remain in the vaginal folds and destroy the bacterial flora. The mucosal barrier is weak in the first half of the postpartum period, so it is best not to touch it. Another mother tried to use baby oil at home as lubricant, but she got fungal vaginitis, which took more than a month to heal. Do not use oil-based products indiscriminately, as they will not only destroy the acid-base environment, but also dissolve condoms, which is not worth the loss.

I have seen some parenting bloggers say before that you should not use lubrication, as it will lead to dependence. In fact, that is not the case at all. Postpartum dryness is a temporary problem caused by fluctuations in hormone levels. Mild lubrication can only help you relieve the current discomfort and avoid resisting sexual intercourse due to pain, which will affect the relationship between the couple. When your hormone levels recover, you will naturally no longer need to use it. Of course, some people think that if you can rely on food supplements for conditioning, you should try not to use external substances. This is not wrong. There is no conflict between the two options. It just depends on your own needs.

Really, there are too many things to worry about after giving birth, such as breastfeeding, staying up late, and getting back in shape. These are small things that can make you suffer less. There is really no need to search or feel ashamed. Choose the right one that suits you. Your comfort is more important than anything else.