The Nu Guide: Pre- and post-partum care for your best bits
Pregnancy and birth are powerful, life-changing experiences. But they can also bring big changes for your best bits. From the stretching and strain of childbirth to the delicate recovery period that follows, your pelvic floor and perineum do a lot of work. Taking time to care for these tissues before and after birth can make a real difference to your comfort, confidence, and long-term intimate health.
This guide explores how to prepare, recover, and care for your most sensitive genital areas through pregnancy and postpartum—with the help of Nu Natural.
1. Preparing your perineum in pregnancy
Antenatal perineal massage, usually recommended from around 35 weeks, involves gently stretching and massaging the perineum (the skin and muscle between the vagina and anus). Research shows this practice can:
Reduce the risk of perineal trauma – helping lower the chances of stitches or episiotomy
Improve awareness of pelvic floor muscles – helping you feel more in tune with your body ahead of birth
Decrease postpartum perineal pain – by reducing the risk of severe tearing
Not all oils and lubricants are safe for such sensitive skin. Many contain fragrances, preservatives, or synthetic additives that can irritate or disrupt your natural balance.
That’s where Nu Balm can help. With its natural formula designed for genital skin, it’s a safe way to support perineal massage and prepare your body for birth with comfort and confidence.
Working with a pelvic health physiotherapist can also provide guidance on techniques and give you greater awareness of your pelvic floor before birth.
Watch our pelvic health physiotherapist Niamh give a demonstration on perineal massage below!
2. Supporting recovery postpartum
Whether you’ve had a vaginal or caesarean birth, the postpartum period can bring tenderness, scar tissue, or changes that affect comfort and intimacy. Around 70% of women who have a vaginal birth experience a perineal tear, and healing takes time—sometimes up to 12 weeks depending on severity.
Common postpartum challenges include:
Pain with intercourse due to scarring, dryness, or sensitivity
Dryness and irritation linked to breastfeeding and hormonal changes
Emotional barriers including fatigue, stress, or anxiety around intimacy
Nu Balm’s oil-based formula provides soothing hydration and gentle nourishment for recovering tissues. It can help:
Ease the return to penetrative sex by reducing friction and restoring comfort
Soothe scars and stitches when used for gentle scar massage after the six-week check (typically from 8–12 weeks postpartum)
Promote confidence knowing you’re caring for your body with a natural, safe product.
Remember… every recovery is unique. Take things at your own pace and seek help if needed from your midwife, GP, or pelvic health physiotherapist.
3. Everyday care for your best bits
Beyond preparation and recovery, your best bits deserve ongoing care—especially during times of change. A few simple habits can help keep intimate skin healthy and comfortable:
Moisturise regularly – Just like the skin on your face or hands, vulval skin benefits from hydration. Applying a natural balm can help prevent dryness, itching, and irritation
Protect during movement – Activities like walking, running, or even sitting for long periods can cause chafing. Using a protective balm helps reduce friction and keeps skin comfortable
Choose breathable fabrics – Cotton underwear and loose clothing allow airflow and reduce the risk of irritation or infection
Keep products simple and natural – Avoid heavily fragranced washes or synthetic lubricants that can disrupt your skin barrier and microbiome
Nu Balm makes it easy to add gentle care into your daily routine—nourishing, soothing, and protecting your most sensitive skin whenever you need it.
Bonus: extra comforts for the postpartum journey
The postpartum period is full of new adjustments—physically and emotionally. Alongside preparation, recovery, and daily care, here are some additional ways Nu Natural can support you:
Returning to sex – It’s common to feel dryness or tightness postpartum, especially while breastfeeding. Using lots of lube is key. Applying Nu Balm externally helps reduce friction, restore comfort, and make intimacy feel gentler and more enjoyable
Haemorrhoid relief – Haemorrhoids are a common side effect of pregnancy and birth. The soothing, hydrating properties of Nu Balm can provide comfort when applied gently to the area
Nipple care – Breastfeeding can leave nipples cracked, sore, or tender. Nu Butter, with its natural protective barrier, can be used as a nourishing nipple balm to help soothe irritation and support healing
Final thoughts
Pregnancy and postpartum bring incredible transformations, but they can also put your pelvic floor and perineum under stress. Preparing with perineal massage, supporting recovery with gentle hydration, and maintaining ongoing daily care can help you feel more comfortable and confident.
With the added support of products like Nu Balm and Nu Butter, you can look after your best bits naturally—through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
