How to Take Sitz Baths for Postpartum Recovery
Have you had it suggested to you that you try a sitz bath for your postpartum recovery? A sitz bath is a wonderful way to relax and speed recovery postpartum. They are typically suggested to ease the pain of vaginal childbirth but can also be used if you had a c-section. Get ready to learn everything you want to know about how to take sitz baths for postpartum recovery.
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What are sitz baths and how can they help relieve postpartum discomfort?
A sitz bath is a shallow basin or tub of water used to relieve discomfort in your nether regions. The tub is filled with warm water and you sit in the tub for 20-30 minutes. The warmth of the water helps to soothe discomfort and speed healing while the ingredients added to the bath can do the same.
Sitz baths are often recommended to women who have given birth vaginally, as they can help to ease swelling and pain in the perineum (the area between the anus and vagina).
However, sitz baths can also be beneficial for women who have had C-sections or any other type of surgery. You can even incorporate them into your regular self-care routine.
In addition to helping with pain and swelling, sitz baths can also promote healing by increasing blood flow to the area. For best results, sitz baths should be done 2-3 times per day for the first week after childbirth or surgery for 10-20 minutes.
After that, they can be reduced to once or twice a day as needed.
The benefits of using a sitz bath after giving birth
You may expect childbirth to hurt, but you might not realize how painful postpartum recovery can be. A sitz bath can help with many of childbirth’s aches, pains, and injuries.
A sitz bath and soothe and aid heal:
- The perineum
- Anal fissures
- Hemorrhoids
- Stitches and scars
It can also help to clean yourself and disinfect the area. You can even use your sitz baths to replace your showers if you don’t have the time and energy to take them at first after giving birth.
Some women find relief with just a few sessions, while others may need to continue treatments for several days or even weeks. In any case, sitz baths are a safe and effective way to speed healing and promote comfort after childbirth.
How to do a sitz bath postpartum safely and effectively
A sitz bath is a simple and effective way to soothe the discomfort of hemorrhoids, an anal fissure, or postpartum soreness, but how do you take one?
It is not difficult at all to take healing and effective sitz baths after baby comes.
To take a sitz bath, either fill a small special sitz bath basin that attaches to your toilet seat or fill a bathtub with about 4 inches of warm water and add any additional ingredients as desired. Then, carefully lower yourself into the bath, ensuring that only your hips and buttocks are submerged.
If the water is too hot, add more cold water until it reaches a comfortable temperature. Remain in the sitz bath for 10-20 minutes (it’s easier to stay in the bathtub sitz bath longer as it stays warm longer), then gently pat the area dry with a clean towel.
Taking a sitz bath two to three times per day can help to reduce swelling and promote healing. When used as directed, sitz baths are safe for most people; however, those with open wounds should check with their trusted doctor or midwife before using this treatment.
If that sounds tough to fit in with a new baby in tow realize you can set a bouncer right next to the bath to keep baby happy. I often would hold or even breastfeed by new baby to get my sitz baths in.
Healing ingredients to add to your sitz bath:
- Epsom salts
- Baking soda
- Lavender essential oil
- Geranium essential oil
- Sitz bath herb packs (This is kind of like a huge tea bag of ready-made ingredients for postpartum sitz baths. Super handy.)
- Sitz bath soak with epsom salts, healing essential oils, and sea salt.
Here are a ton of sitz bath recipes as well as ingredients that you can pick and choose from and how they will help you in your postpartum recovery.
Tips for making the most of your postpartum sitz bath experience
- For many new mothers, the postpartum period is a time of healing and bonding with their new baby. One way to promote healing and relaxation during this time is to take regular sitz baths. You can even use this time to bond with your baby if you decide to use the bathtub for your sitz baths. Hold or nurse your baby while you rest in the water.
- Be sure to add soothing ingredients: You can add a variety of soothing ingredients to your sitz bath, such as lavender essential oil, chamomile tea, or Epsom salt. Adding healing and soothing ingredients helps you heal even faster.
- Set the mood: Create a relaxing atmosphere by dimming the lights and playing calming music.
- Take your time: Don’t rush your sitz bath experience. Allow yourself to relax and soak for up to 20 minutes at a time.
Wrapping up sitz baths for postpartum recovery
Taking a sitz bath is one of the best ways to relieve postpartum discomfort and promote healing along with padsicles and perineum healing spray. Postpartum recovery is tough. It is uncomfortable, trying, and can be just downright painful.
However, by following these tips, you can make the most of your exhausting and rewarding postnatal experience and heal so much faster. Just be sure to be consistent and use some great ingredients in it like those I mentioned above.
Have you tried postpartum sitz baths before? Did you find them to be beneficial? I would love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
