Postpartum Sitz Bath (the benefits of having one!)
In your search for postpartum care, you may have come across the idea of sitz baths. Giving birth can leave you pretty uncomfortable in certain areas, and you may be looking for some much-needed relief. Postpartum sitz baths may just do the trick. So if you’d like to know everything about why you might use a postpartum sitz bath as part of your post-birth recovery, read on.
What Is A Sitz Bath?
It is a shallow bath designed to treat postpartum perineal pain and promote faster healing. The term originated from the German word sitzbad – meaning to sit in a bath. Quite apt, really.
They are used to treat a number of issues that may arise in this region, but they have become very common in treating postpartum pain and discomfort. Perineal pain is common after delivery.
You can easily do this at home using the bathtub at home or you can use a sitz bath bowl (a specialised bowl that can fit onto the toilet seat).
What are the benefits of using a sitz bath postpartum?
Using a sitz bath during the postpartum period offers numerous advantages for new mothers, especially after a vaginal delivery. It aids in healing by reducing swelling and inflammation in the perineal area, and provides comfort to those who have experienced perineal tears or episiotomies. A sitz bath can also alleviate the general soreness and itching associated with childbirth, stitches, and hormonal changes. This simple, noninvasive treatment helps keep the area clean, thereby lowering the risk of infection.
Hygiene
After childbirth, it’s common for women to have stitches to repair some of the damage that delivery can do. Stitches can be on and around the vagina and can cause a lot of perineal pain.
Even if stitches aren’t involved, stretching and abrasions will most likely be present.
It’s important to keep things clean while the area is healing. Taking a postpartum bath is a noninvasive way to cleanse the area, keep it clean and reduce the risk of infection.
Antibacterial Properties
Following on from hygiene, taking a sitz bath is antibacterial. The salt that is used in a postpartum bath can help prevent any infection setting into any postpartum wounds, such as abrasions and stitches around the vagina.
Reduces Swelling
Postpartum swelling in the perineum area is a very common occurrence and can cause significant discomfort. Sitz baths are helpful in reducing postpartum swelling. Coldwater is especially useful for this purpose.
Soothing To The Area
Sitting in a postpartum bath can be really, really soothing to the perineum area after childbirth. It helps reduce the pain and possible itching (especially after stitches). You can use essential oils and salts to aid in this process (which we will discuss later in the article).
Promotes Relaxation
Any type of relaxing activity is usually welcomed after labour. A therapeutic bath is just plain relaxing.
Relieves The Discomfort Of Haemorrhoids (a possible side effect of childbirth)
Sadly, a possible side effect of giving birth is haemorrhoids. However, if this does happen to you, sitz baths will really help with the discomfort.
Promotes Healing And Postpartum Recovery
Having a warm sitz bath helps to increase the blood flow to the area, thus promoting postpartum healing.
How To Take A Sitz Bath
Ingredients : The main ingredient in a basic sitz bath is salt. Add two tablespoons to your therapeutic bath.
In Your Own Bath : This tends to be the easiest DIY sitz bath method. It’s uncomplicated and you don’t have to purchase anything.
Make sure you start with a clean bathtub.
Fill your bath up to about 3 inches of water. The bath only needs to cover your genital area and is not intended as a deep full-body bath. Mix in the bath salt until dissolved in the water.
You can choose to fill the bath with either warm or cold water, whichever feels the most soothing to you.
Do not add traditional soap, as this can cause further irritation in the area.
If you are feeling a little cold in the bath due to the shallow water, you could keep your upper body warm by wearing an old t-shirt.
Take your sitz bath and enjoy.
Gently pat yourself dry with a clean bath towel.
(top tip: It’s best to only use old towels that can get ruined, as you will still be bleeding significantly so soon after giving birth).
Using a Sitz Bowl
If you’re not one for sitting in a bath, then you may prefer this option.
Start by placing the sitz bowl on the toilet seat. Make sure it’s secure.
Add enough warm or cool water to make sure the water covers your genital area. Add the bath salts.
Sit down on the sitz bath bowl and let it do its job.
Gently pat dry with a clean towel when finished.
Sitz Bath Additions
To really make your sitz baths extra special, there are a few additions you can add. These can increase the effectiveness of the healing process. These additions can also create a more soothing effect.
Using Essential Oils In Your Sitz Bath
You can use essential oils to enhance the effect of your therapeutic bath. They can both aid healing and soothing as well as being very relaxing, depending on the oils you use. They can be especially helpful if you develop hemorrhoids after childbirth.
Read on to see which essential oils are the best to use in your postpartum bath.
How To Use Essential Oils In Your Sitz Bath
The best practice for using essential oils in your sitz bath is to blend them with the salts you will be using. You can use several essential oils at once. It just depends on how you would like to take your therapeutic bath.
It’s important though to only one 5-6 drops in your bath. Essential oils are quite strong, so a little goes a long way.
Best Sitz Bath Essential Oils
- Lavender oil is a great essential oil to use. It’s both antibacterial and extremely relaxing. Use this essential oil if you’d like to truly relax while you are taking your bath. Using this before bed will help promote good sleep. Very beneficial after childbirth and needed as a new mom.
- Frankincense is an excellent choice to relieve the swelling associated with childbirth. It is also reported to help with pain relief. Plus, it has a very pleasant scent, so aids in relaxation too.
- Chamomile is another essential oil that promotes relaxation and soothes the area after childbirth. This is a good one to use before bed as it aids sleepiness.
- Myrtle is very good for haemorrhoids if you developed these from childbirth. It could potentially help relieve pain and bleeding associated with them.
- Clove is great if you have developed Haemorrhoids after childbirth. Clove is especially good at easing pressure from the fissures associated with haemorrhoids.
How To Make Herbal Sitz Baths
Using is another relaxing and soothing option. This tends to be a slightly less strong alternative to using oils.
The best herbs to use in a herbal sitz bath include:
- Lavender flowers– mood relaxer and anti-bacterial
- Chamomile flowers – calming and soothing
- Calendula flowers – anti-inflammatory
- Comfrey leaves – Relieves itching
You can use any combination of these herbs to make your own healing herbal bath.
The best way to incorporate these herbs into your sits bath is by making a herbal tea with them.
In a large bowl or teapot, steep the leaves in boiling water for about 10-15 minutes. Do this before you have run your bath, so it’s ready beforehand. Strain the leaves away so you are just left with the tea and add it to your bath water along with the salt.
Alternatively, you can just add the herbs directly to your bath as you bathe. While this may not be as effective as using a ‘herbal tea’ it certainly feels and looks very relaxing.
Alternatively, you can pop the herbal mixture instead of a muslin bag and pop that in water if you don’t like the idea of bits floating around!
Sitz Bath Tub FAQ’s
If you need any extra guidance on taking your sitz bath, then these FAQs should be useful.
1. How often should I take a sitz bath?
You can take one as often as you like. However, it’s generally good to take one twice per day for as long as it helps. Healthcare providers may give specific instructions on the duration and frequency of sitz baths, usually starting in the first week postpartum.
2. How long do I take sitz bath for?
For it to be effective, then you need to sit in it for at least 15-20 minutes, preferably up to half an hour.
3. Are sitz baths safe after childbirth?
Yes, they are safe, but please check with your medical practitioners such as your doctor or midwife. There are some cases where it may not be appropriate. Even if you think it’s fine, it’s always better to be completely sure.
4. How soon postpartum can I use a sitz bath?
You should be able to have one as soon as you’re able to go home (or when you feel up to it if you’ve had a home birth). Again, though, make sure you have cleared it with your doctor or midwife before you jump in a sitz bath.
5. What are the best salts for a postpartum sitz bath?
While you can easily make products with regular salt from your kitchen, there are better options.
Himalayan rock salt, sea salt, general rock salt, and Celtic salt are all suitable products to use in your tub.
Epsom salts is highly recommended to use in your postpartum sitz bath. Epsom salts technically isn’t the same as salt you use on your food. It’s a mineral made from magnesium sulfate.
Magnesium flakes are made from magnesium citrate and are another type of salt that is recommended.
Both are great to use as they are known to reduce swelling, promote healing and help the muscles in the area relax. They are also very good at preventing infection.
6. Will the salt used in my sitz bath sting?
While salt usually sings wounded areas of skin, the concentrations you will be using will not cause stinging. You are only using enough salt to give your bath slight anti-bacterial properties for cleansing.
7. Is there anything else I can put in my sitz bath to help soothe the area?
Yes, there are other additions to your bath water that can help. Both cider vinegar and witch hazel are great to use for postpartum healing. They are both antibacterial and soothing.
8. How can I make a quick DIY sitz bath?
If you aren’t able to get lots of ingredients, basic DIY one will work just fine. Using 1-2 tablespoons salt or bicarbonate of soda from your kitchen along with 1-2 tablespoon cider vinegar (optional) will do the trick just fine.
9. Should I use warm or cold water?
It’s entirely up to you. Cold sitz baths can feel very nice (like an ice pack) to cool the area down and help to reduce perineal swelling. Warm sitz baths in a sitz tub can increase blood circulation to the area, which will promote and potentially quicken healing.
10. Should I use anything down there after the sitz bath?
Again, this is entirely up to you. Sometimes using coconut oil can be very soothing after and reduce any irritation in the area from rubbing.
11. What do I do with my baby while I’m taking a sitz bath?
Hopefully, you have someone that can leave your newborn with while you are taking your sitz bath. When you have a newborn baby, it’s a great excuse to have some alone time.
However, this isn’t always possible. A way to get around this is to time it for when your baby is napping.
If you like to have your baby with you or they’re not great nappers, you can always use a sitz bath bowl and have your baby in a bouncer.
Whatever you choose to do, you will find a way to take your soothing sitz bath.
12. Is there anything else I can do to help?
After using the toilet, clean the area with . You can use a for this. It will help keep everything nice and clean. Make sure to use a stool softener and take your pain medications too. These are postpartum must haves!
The Takeaway Message
In summary, the sitz bath kit provides a simple and effective solution for new mothers to ease postpartum discomfort. This soothing warm bath, often recommended by healthcare providers, is readily available at drug stores. Using a shallow basin with warm water, organic herbs, or sitz salts can provide a gentle and comforting experience for tender areas. It’s a practical and convenient way to care for oneself during the postpartum period, aiding in healing and helping new moms return to their regular activities with ease.
