Find out why taking a sitz bath after birth will help with your postpartum healing and the best way to take one effectively.
What Is A Sitz Bath After Childbirth
A sitz bath is a shallow bath that is used to clean the perineum after giving birth. The perineum is the area between the genitals and the coccyx and includes the anus. Taking a sitz bath after birth can also provide relief from pain and itching in that area. I found it to be an essential part of my postpartum care.
They can be used for pain relief from hemorrhoids, painful bowel movements and after childbirth. They will promote healing and provide effective hygiene, they can also be used to reduce swelling down below.
A sitz bath for postpartum recovery can be taken in your bathtub or more effectively using a small bath that fits over your toilet. It will be securely fixed over the toilet bowl, so you can sit and soak the painful area.
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How Bathing Can Help Postpartum Healing
After a vaginal birth there is probably going to be an awful lot going on down below. You may have tearing, swollen labia, or may have had an episiotomy.
An episiotomy is a surgical cut at the opening of the vagina which is used to aid a difficult birth. I had one of these due to needing forceps and believe me, my postpartum sitz bath was my best friend for a couple of weeks.
Natural tears and episiotomies will both need stitches to heal them which can cause pain and itching. Taking a sitz bath after birth will provide relief from this and also help any swelling to go down. It will aid circulation in the perineal area which promotes healing.
Studies have shown that postpartum sitz baths are more effective if you use cold water rather than warm. Although warm water will be a much more comfortable and enjoyable experience it has been shown that cold water provides more effective pain relief.
It is also better than warm water for reducing any swelling you may have.
I would recommend trying both cold and warm water and then deciding which is best for you.
To aid with pain relief and healing you can add Epsom salts or herbal preparations to your sitz bath. Be careful with this though as salt may sting. Witch hazel, calendula, and aloe vera are considered useful for postpartum healing.
It is advised to wait 24 hours after birth before taking a postpartum sitz bath.
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How To Take A Sitz Bath After Birth
- Use a portable sitz bath that fits securely over your toilet. If you wish you could sit in a bathtub with a couple of inches of water in.
- Test the Sitz Bath to ensure it is fitted securely onto the toilet bowl before you add water and sit on it.
- Fill your portable sitz bath with about 6 inches of water.
- At this point add a herbal preparation should you wish to use one.
- Sit in the bath, submerging your pelvic area. Your perineum must be completely covered with water.
- Try to stay there for around 15 or 20 minutes. A book or magazine may be helpful in passing the time. If you have older children or toddlers this time may well be a welcome peace.
- When you are done dry yourself with a clean towel. Pat the area dry to avoid irritation.
- Disinfect the sitz bath after each use.
- It is recommended to take a sitz bath up to 3 times a day.
There is a very low risk with taking a postpartum sitz bath after birth with only very rare occurrences of infections. This can usually be avoided by ensuring that the bath is properly cleaned after each use. If your pain or itching gets worse, contact your doctor and stop using your sitz bath.
Why You Should Take A Sitz Bath After Birth
