Dear Maurenne:  We used to suggest ice packs for perineal discomfort for 24
hours until we learned at a conference that studies were showing episiotomies
were not healing well, due to prolonged lack of circulation.  Speaker
suggested 6 hours TOPS, to reduce swelling, was all that was necessary.  After
that, sitz baths to bring much needed oxygen to the area to promote healing.
How long do you keep an ice pack on a swollen ankle to reduce swelling?  Guess
any swelling that is going to happen will happen in those first few hours.
Loni Denman, RN, IBCLC, San Ramon Regional Medical Center, Breastfeeding
Resource Center