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Following a vaginal delivery, there is one thing on which most new moms can agree—post-partum perineal discomfort is no laughing matter. Yet, experiencing post-partum pain is quite common—in a recent case study, 75% of women who came through a vaginal delivery reported experiencing pain the day after delivery and 38% were still uncomfortable a week later. For those who experienced trauma to the perineal area (due to tearing of the skin and muscles of the vagina), those numbers jumped to 95% experiencing pain the day after delivery and 60% one week later.
Here's the good news—there are things you can do at home that can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain, and one of the best treatments for post-birth pain is a sitz bath.
The sitz bath originated in Europe and involved soaking only the pelvic area while reclining in a seated position. In fact, the name “sitz bath” comes from the German word sitzbad which means to “sit” in a “bath”.
A sitz bath is nothing new. In fact, the practice of soaking in salt and herb-infused waters has been around for centuries. While the sitz bath can be used to treat a variety of conditions, it is particularly soothing to women who are recovering from childbirth.
Today, many mamas benefit from soaking for 10 – 15 minutes at a time in a shallow bath of water infused with healing herbs. But how, exactly, does this benefit the post-partum body?
Delivering a baby does a number on the human body. If you had a vaginal delivery, you’re likely dealing with swelling and inflamed tissue. If you had an episiotomy or tearing during delivery that’s just one more layer of discomfort to deal with. And many women who delivered via C-section experience discomfort in the perineal area thanks to the time they spent pushing or from hemorrhoids that often develop during pregnancy.
No matter how you delivered, odds are your body can benefit from a sitz bath.
These deliciously warm and dreamy baths help the post-partum body by:
It couldn’t be easier! While specialty sitz basins are available (and handy if you live in a home without a tub), most women opt to use the bath if they have one. Simply fill your sitz basin or bathtub with 2 – 3 inches of warm (not hot!) water…enough to come up to your hips when you are seated. Soak daily for up to 20 minutes.
If you want to kick your sitz bath experience up a notch, try adding our Healing Herbal Sitz Bath Blend to your water. Made with 9 powerful and organic dried herbs and flowers along with Epsom and dead sea salts, this beautiful blend will nourish your delicate skin while promoting recovery.
The recovery season following birth is a sacred time during which we thank and honor our body for all she has endured to bring new life into the world. So be gentle with yourself. Take good care of the body that has served you so well. What a marvel she is…what a marvel you are!
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