These postpartum sitz bath recipes are great for healing and comforting after childbirth. Giving birth can really impact your body, and sitz baths can help by boosting blood flow to inflamed areas. You can buy herb blends, but making your own is quite simple.
A sitz bath is a lovely way to care for yourself after the tough experience of bringing a baby into the world. After birth, it’s common to feel physically and mentally unsettled. Similar to the benefits of castor oil packs, a postpartum sitz bath supports balance, offering you comfort through this self-care ritual.
A sitz bath involves soaking in shallow water that covers your hips. They are easier and safer to use in the early postpartum days. Sitz baths can soothe vaginal inflammation, hemorrhoids, or stitches.
Boosting circulation is key to healing. Sitz baths use hydrotherapy to bring new blood to the pelvic area. The herbs in this recipe are uplifting, astringent, and antiseptic. They can reduce inflammation and help in repairing tissues and overall recovery.
Sitz baths can be part of postpartum care or used more frequently in a self-care or healing routine. They are often done in a special shallow, round basin that fits over the toilet, but a clean bathtub works too.
Comfrey and calendula are great for skin healing, while lavender adds a soothing touch. Lavender essential oil offers relaxation and has antibacterial properties. Baking soda calms irritated skin, eases itching, and reduces burning. Dead Sea salt has 21 minerals known for healing skin issues.
Lavender is a staple in these sitz bath recipes, encouraging healing and soothing. Sage has strong anti-inflammatory properties, while rosemary helps relieve pain and improve circulation.
Witch hazel is a fantastic astringent for the skin with its anti-inflammatory benefits. Essential oils included in these recipes offer healing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial advantages. Plantain has been used for centuries to heal inflammation and speed up recovery. Yarrow has antibacterial and antifungal qualities, while chamomile provides a relaxing aroma and soothes anxiety and inflammation.
When it comes to temperature, studies suggest a cold sitz bath might offer more pain relief, but warm or lukewarm water between 98° to 105° F is more comfortable and aids healing and circulation. Most sitz bath instructions suggest a 10 to 20-minute soak once or twice daily, but your midwife or OB might have specific advice.
If you don’t have a bathtub or enough time for a soak, consider a postpartum sitz spray. Use the recipes to create a spray with a peri bottle. After a shower, spritz a few sprays on your perineum—no soaking needed! Or after each bathroom visit, gently pat dry and apply a few sprays.
If you have tears or stitches, a sitz bath can ease the slight stinging sensation, help with inflammation and itching, and relax the perineal muscles to relieve pain from tears or episiotomy.
Postpartum sitz baths are a great way to keep the perineum clean without pressing on tender, sore areas. Many herbs in these recipes have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that greatly reduce the risk of infection.
Warm water, along with essential oils and herbs, increases circulation. More blood flow to the area speeds up recovery as your body uses the extra oxygen for healing.
Swelling is normal, and many women experience swollen labia post-birth. Better blood flow to the perineal area helps decrease swelling and inflammation.
Childbirth can be hard on your body, so aiding the healing process is essential. Self-care not only helps your body but also lifts your mood. Taking time for yourself, even just a 20-minute sitz bath, can give you more energy and strength to care for your new baby.
