Postpartum Sitz Bath ( Why You Need One & How To Do It)

If you’ve just welcomed your little one into the world, congratulations! As a mom myself, I totally get how overwhelming those first days and weeks can be. Your body is recovering from childbirth, and it’s normal to feel a mix of joy, exhaustion, and a whole lot of changes. One thing that truly saved me during this whirlwind was discovering the power of a postpartum sitz bath. It’s not just any bath—it’s a gentle, comforting soak specifically designed to ease the discomfort and promote healing in your intimate areas.

Picture this: a warm bath that targets the soreness and swelling that often comes after giving birth, whether vaginally or via C-section. The warm water helps increase blood flow to your perineal area, which can speed up healing and reduce pain. It’s a few moments of tranquility in the midst of those hectic newborn days, where you can focus on yourself and let your body recover. Trust me, mama, you deserve this little bit of self-care.

Taking a sitz bath isn’t just about physical relief; it’s also about reclaiming a sense of control and comfort during a time of immense change. It’s a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and allow your body the time it needs to heal naturally. Plus, the soothing properties of herbs like witch hazel and chamomile, often added to the bath, can work wonders in calming inflammation and soothing irritated skin. So, if you’re navigating your first few days postpartum, consider adding a sitz bath to your recovery routine—it’s so relaxing and it helps so much especially if you got stitches, like I did.

And, if you don’t have a bath at home, don’t worry I’m going to share other ways to do it!

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What’s a Postpartum Sitz Bath?

A postpartum sitz bath is a warm, comforting bath specifically designed for your lower half. It’s intended to help your body heal faster after childbirth by increasing blood flow to your intimate areas. This boost in circulation promotes healing and reduces discomfort, whether you delivered vaginally or via C-section.

For vaginal births, a sitz bath provides soothing relief. It involves sitting in warm water that may include ingredients like herbs or Epsom salts, known for their healing and anti-inflammatory properties. These can help calm any irritation and aid in the healing process. Even if you had a C-section, a postpartum sitz bath can still offer gentle cleansing and comfort as you recover.

Taking time for a sitz bath isn’t just about physical healing—it’s about giving yourself a moment to relax and feel better during a time of significant change. Whether you’re a first-time mom or expanding your family, incorporating a sitz bath into your postpartum routine can be a simple yet effective way to support your recovery. Your body and well-being will appreciate the care!

6 Reasons Why I Love Taking a Postpartum Sitz Bath

Let’s be real: after giving birth, things down there can feel pretty sore and sensitive. A sitz bath helps relieve pain, reduce swelling, and keep things clean. Plus, it’s a moment of calm in the midst of newborn chaos. You deserve a little self-care, mama!

I experienced a perineal tear when giving birth to my child. It was awful and the healing process took so long because my stitches kept coming out and I had to get stitched back up 3 times. It hurt to walk, it hurt to sit, it hurt to do anything sometimes. But taking sitz baths always helped.

Here’s 6 reasons why I love taking sitz baths postpartum:

1. Helps Relieve Pain

Sitting in a warm sitz bath was incredibly soothing—it relieved the sharp pain and discomfort, allowing me to relax and feel more comfortable. The warmth helped to relax my muscles, which made a big difference in how I felt day to day.

2. To Speed Up Healing

The warm water and gentle soaking helped my stitches heal faster. I noticed a significant improvement in how quickly the area healed and how much less sore it felt after just a few days of regularly taking sitz baths. I started taking sitz baths after the third time my stitches came out and I just wish I would have started them sooner.

3. It’s Relaxing

Taking a sitz bath became a peaceful ritual for me during those early weeks postpartum. It was a time when I could step away from the demands of caring for a newborn and focus on myself for a bit. The quiet moments in the warm water helped me recharge and when I would come out the water I’d just be ready to get back to my baby.

4. Reduces Swelling

I experienced some swelling around the perineal area after childbirth, which is very common. The sitz baths helped to reduce this swelling, making movement and sitting more comfortable. It was a relief to feel less pressure and tightness in that area as I continued to recover.

5. Cleansing

Keeping the perineal area clean and hygienic is crucial after childbirth. The sitz bath provided gentle cleansing without the need for harsh soaps, which could irritate sensitive skin. It helped me feel fresh and clean, which was especially comforting during those early days of recovery.

6. Treats Hemorrhoids

Many women experience hemorrhoids after childbirth, and a sitz bath is an effective way to alleviate the discomfort associated with them. The warm water and gentle soaking help reduce swelling and irritation, providing much-needed relief.

How to Take (an Effective) Sitz Bath (For Those Without a Bathtub)

If you’ve just given birth and are looking for relief, a sitz bath can be a game-changer. A sitz bath is a shallow bath designed to provide therapeutic relief to the perineal area. It’s especially helpful for those who don’t have a bathtub or prefer not to take a full bath during their postpartum recovery. You’ll be using a sitz bath basin that fits over your toilet seat, such as the one below which includes a deeper bowl and wider seating area for comfort.

SHOP ON AMAZON

How to Set Up a Sitz Bath & Materials Needed

To set up your postpartum sitz bath you’re going to a few materials.

Sitz Bath Basin: Look for a sitz bath basin like the one I mentioned above designed for a toilet seat.
Warm Water: Fill the sitz bath basin with warm water. Ensure it’s comfortably warm to soothe the perineal area.
Herbs and Epsom Salt: Add soothing ingredients like herbs (e.g., chamomile, calendula) or Epsom salts to enhance the therapeutic benefits. I recommend the ones below from amazon.

SHOP ON AMAZON

SHOP ON AMAZON

How To Do It

Cleanliness First: Before starting, ensure your sitz bath basin is clean. Use mild soap and warm water to wash it thoroughly.
Prepare the Water: Fill the basin with warm water to a level that covers your perineal area when you sit down.
Add Additives (Optional): If using additives like herbs or Epsom salts, add them to the water as per the product instructions or your preference.
Sit and Soak: Carefully sit in the sitz bath basin, ensuring your perineal area is submerged in the warm water. Relax and soak for about 10-15 minutes.
Aftercare: Gently pat yourself dry with a clean towel after your sitz bath. Avoid rubbing, as this can irritate sensitive skin.
Frequency: You can take a sitz bath several times a day, depending on your comfort and need for relief. Many women find it beneficial to use after bathroom trips or as part of their daily routine.

How to Take (an Effective) Postpartum Bath (For Those With a Bathtub)

If you have access to a bathtub, you won’t need the toilet bowl I mentioned above. You will simply fill the tub and soak. Here’s how to do it:

Clean the Bathtub: Start by cleaning your bathtub with mild soap and water to ensure it’s hygienic.
Prepare the Bath: Fill the bathtub with comfortably warm water. Add these epsom salts and herbs for added relaxation.
Soak Comfortably: Carefully lower yourself into the bathtub and relax. Allow yourself to soak for 15-20 minutes, enjoying the warmth and comfort.
Aftercare: When finished, carefully step out of the tub and pat yourself dry with a clean towel. Take care not to slip, especially if you’re feeling a bit light-headed after the bath.
Frequency: You can take a postpartum bath daily or as needed for relaxation and relief.

Is There Anything Else You Can Do Besides A Sitz Bath After Birth To Speed Up Postpartum Recovery?

Yes, there are other things you can do to speed up recovery besides taking a sitz bath. Whether you take a sitz bath or not, it’s crucial to keep your lady parts moisturized. Dryness can lead to itchiness and discomfort, which is why I recommend using this herb-infused yoni oil from Veenourish. I love it because it’s 100% natural, crafted with amazing oils and a ton of healing herbs and essential oils that promote faster healing.

Personally, I used to experience a lot of dryness, tightness and other discomforts but after applying this oil, things immediately felt better. I loved using it after the sitz bath but you can also just apply it throughout the day or every time you use the bathroom.

This yoni oil has so many benefits for down there it’s made with herbs like chamomile, rose, lavender, arnica, peppermint, rosemary, mother wort and more. So, if you dont get to take a sitz bath with herbs don’t worry this oil will help so much.

Here are some of the benefits of this Veenourish Yoni Oil:

Soothing and Moisturizing: The blend of herbs like calendula, rosemary, and tea tree oil soothes and moisturizes the skin, providing relief from dryness and discomfort.
Promotes Healing: It supports the healing process post-birth, aiding in recovery from tears, stitches, or general soreness in the vaginal area.
Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation and swelling, providing comfort during the healing phase.
Antibacterial and Antifungal: Tea tree oil and other ingredients have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, promoting a healthy vaginal environment.
Balances pH Levels: Maintains the natural pH balance of the vagina, supporting overall vaginal health.
Fights Away Bad Odors: Neutralizes unpleasant odors, keeping you feeling fresh and confident.
Gentle Care: Designed specifically for sensitive skin, it’s gentle and safe to use, ensuring comfort without irritation.
Multi-Purpose: Can be used not only for postpartum care but also for ongoing vaginal health maintenance.