Avoid using harsh toilet paper after going to the bathroom.Keep the area clean with water in a peri-wash bottle.Apply a cooling compress to help with pain and swelling.Be sure to change your pads often to help reduce the likelihood of infection.'Basic medication such as paracetamol can work wonders for discomfort', suggests Beth Ryan, Registered Midwife and founder of Powerbirth childbirth education (check in with your practitioner, first, before taking any meds). Most minor vaginal tears will heal on their own in a few weeks, but some may require stitches or in more severe cases, surgical repair - both of which will be done by your Doctor.If you do have stitches, these will likely dissolve on their own.Learn more about vaginal tearing, and labour, HERE: