The Sitz Bath: Post-Birth Healing and Comfort for New Moms

After a vaginal birth, a woman is likely to have sore vaginal tissues. This may be aggravated by a swollen perineum, "skid marks", a tear, an episiotomy, and/or hemorrhoids. One of the most helpful ways to assist in healing and lend comfort at the same time, is using a sitz bath.

A sitz bath is a plastic bowl that fits over the toilet seat. If you are unable to get one from your hospital, they may be found at most pharmacies and are carried by some midwifery suppliers. A gravity-fed tube runs water into the bowl and bubbles around the opening of the vagina. Alternatives to a buying a sitz bath are using a large, shallow basin or the bathtub to soak in.

Soaking in the sitz bath has multiple benefits. Warm water relaxes and soothes the sore tissues, keeps the area clean and prevents infection, and helps with circulation. Cool water may prevent or treat perineal swelling, but some practitioners caution the use of cool water on a newly postpartum woman.

To benefit the most, you may begin sitzing 24 hours after birth, when you can be up and about more comfortably. Sit on the bath for 10-20 minutes, 1-3 times a day or as needed, until the soreness is relieved. Most practitioners recommend use of the sitz bath for at least one week after birth.

Although water itself is healing, making an herbal tea to put into the sitz bath may help the vaginal tissues to heal faster. Here are a few recipes that you can try. Most of these herbs can be found at your local health food store, but may also be found from midwifery suppliers. The basic combination is to put 2 handfuls (or 2oz) of herbs in a cooking pot with 2 quarts of water. Cover and bring to a boil, then let simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea very well and then add 2 tablespoons of salt to the tea, dissolving well. Allow it to cool slightly, and then poor into the sitz bath. The water should be on the hotter side, but not uncomfortable.

Recipes:

#1

¼ cup lavender infusion to 1 cup water

Add a drop of tea tree oil or patchouli oil

#2

2oz of these mixed herbs:

rosemary, sage and garlic

2 TBSP sea salt

#3

2oz of these mixed herbs:

yarrow, calendula, lavender and rose petals

2 TBSP sea salt

#4

½ oz uva ursi leaves