Which perineal care statement is not recommended for a client who is 24 hours postpartum?

• A. Use cool water to decrease swelling.
• B. Spray warm water from front to back using a squeeze bottle.
• C. Perineal care should be done at least twice per day.
• D. Reapply ice packs after voiding.

Answer: (C)

Postpartum perineal care centers on keeping the area clean to prevent infection and soothe healing, with cleansing done routinely after bathroom use and swelling managed with cold therapy. Cleaning the perineal area after every void or bowel movement is the standard practice because it minimizes bacteria exposure and irritation as tissues recover. Cleaning only twice a day would leave the area unclean after soiling and isn’t sufficient for healing.

Spraying warm water from front to back with a squeeze bottle is the typical technique for perineal hygiene, promoting cleanliness while reducing contamination risk. Reapplying ice packs after voiding aligns with swelling control in the immediate postpartum period, providing ongoing comfort and reducing edema. Using cool water to decrease swelling is not the primary or most effective method in the first 24 hours, where cold therapy such as ice packs is preferred.