Assessment of non-pharmacological methods for puerperal women: A narrative review

During the postpartum period, many women experience perineal pain, often caused by perineal trauma such as tears or episiotomies. While pharmacological treatments like NSAIDs and analgesics are commonly used, their use requires caution, especially in breastfeeding mothers. Non-pharmacological methods, such as herbal remedies, cold therapy, sitz baths, and heat therapy, are considered safer and are generally well accepted by mothers because they have fewer side effects. The aim of this narrative review is to examine the effectiveness of non-pharmacological methods in reducing perineal pain and promoting wound healing. A search was conducted in electronic databases, including CINAHL and PubMed, to identify relevant studies. After screening the results, twelve studies were selected. These included mostly randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, and experimental studies conducted in various countries between 2021 and 2025. This review emphasizes the potential benefits of including non-pharmacological therapies in postpartum care to support recovery and reduce reliance on medications. The findings offer useful evidence on the safety and effectiveness of these methods in managing perineal pain.