Post-Episiotomy Self-Care Practice among Primiparous Women attending Maternity Teaching Hospital in Sulaimani/ Iraq

Background and Objectives: Episiotomy care is very essential, if neglected it can lead to serious complications such as infections, open wounds, etc. Therefore, it is very important to pay special attention to maintaining perineal hygiene and caring for episiotomy. The present study aimed to determine the effect of perineal self-care instructions on pain and healing of episiotomy in women after childbirth. Method: descriptive-analytic (Cross-sectional) study of 260 Primiparous Womenin Maternity Teaching Hospital/Sulaimani City. Datahave beencollected usinga questionnairebydirect interview lasted 4 consecutive months from June 2021 to October 2021. The questionnaire consists of: Maternal Demographic Characteristics, Episiotomy History, Post episiotomy Self-care practice. Results there is a statistically significant association between age and level of education with Post episiotomy Self-care practice, moreover, primiparous women in the current study reported a poor level of Self-Care Practice with Perineal Hygiene, Reducing Perianal discomfort and pain, Positioning and movement, and Pelvic floor muscle exercises, but thankfully, they have a good level of self-care practice concerning dealing with episiotomy complications or risks and eat healthy nutrition. Conclusion According to the study's findings, only a tenth percent of the puerperal women has good practice regarding post-episiotomy Self-care, while the rest of the participant have fair practice and poor practice. Recommendation Women must be informed and guided during their prenatal care concerning the episiotomy procedure.