What You Need to Know About Postpartum Sitz Baths

Having perineal pain during your postpartum period is common. Tenderness and soreness are the two main descriptor words I hear my postpartum doula clients use. Luckily, there are things that you can do at home to ease this tenderness and soreness as your body begins to recover and heal from birth.

The term “sitz bath” comes from the German word “sitzen”, which means “to sit”. You can make a sitz bath by filling up your tub with just a little bit of water, or buying a specific item used for sitz baths: click here to find it on Amazon! Always check with your care provider before doing a postpartum sitz bath.

Benefits to postpartum sitz baths include:

·        Improved blood flow to perineal area, which reduces swelling and inflammation

·        Relaxed muscles in the perineum which can alleviate pain and promote healing

·        Soothed soreness that comes from perineal stretching

·        Relieved itching that can accompany stitches

·        Cleaned perineal area, reducing the risk of infection

·        Alleviated pain and itching from hemorrhoids

How to do a sitz bath:

·        Clean/disinfect the tub or basin you will be using

·        Fill with 2-5 inches of warm (not hot) water

·        Ask your care provider how long you should sit in a sitz bath

·        Ask your care provider if it is OK to add things like Epsom salts, witch hazel, or lavender oil

·        Allow your perineum to air dry (or pat dry) once you are done so not to irritate the area

If you are looking for a more herbal approach to postpartum healing, Certified Nurse Midwife and owner of Sankofa Birth & Women’s Care, Tina Braimah, makes an herbal bath blend for postpartum healing and perineal care. Check it out on her Etsy shop here!

Risks and When to Call Your Doctor

The main risks that come with postpartum sitz bath are bathing in tubs that are not clean, which can contribute to the likelihood of infection. Use warm water, not hot water, so not to set your vulva ablaze! Mostly everyone is cleared postpartum sitz bath, but double check with your care provider to make sure they are safe for you. Always contact your care provider if your perineal pain gets worse, or if you experience increased redness, swelling, fever, or oozing fluids from your perineal area.

Making a postpartum sitz bath a part of your self-care routine can be beneficial to your postpartum healing and recovery. Making it a ritual and creating that time and space for yourself can give you the mental clarity you need to put your best parenting foot forward!