I have always thought that women should be able to look forward to a nice, peaceful holiday and recovery period after giving birth. Instead, we get a precious baby and the lack of sleep that often comes with it. This DIY sitz bath recipe is at least a little healing and pampering to look forward to during your postpartum recovery.
Postpartum seat Bath
Herbs are great for after birth and help speed up recovery time. I have used my healing ointment on both a c-section scar and a small tear (after the second day) to speed healing and they worked great. This sitz bath recipe uses an herbal infusion in a relaxing bath to relieve pain and speed recovery. You can also use it in a peri-bottle or a chilled sanitary napkin for extra comfort.
I’ve used quite a few different spices here, but you don’t need them all. Here’s what a sitz bath is and why they’re so great for new moms!
What is a sitz bath?
Sitz comes from the German word sitzen, which means to sit. It’s a little treat for your bottom that provides targeted relief to the genital area. They can help relieve pain, improve blood flow to the area and speed healing. Sitz baths are recommended for:
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissures
- Episiotomy stitches
- Sore or damaged vulva and perineum area
- Sore rectum or anal area
Ideal for after childbirth! Even if you didn’t tear during labor, the warm water and soothing herbs will help reduce discomfort and swelling.
Taking a sitz bath (two ways)
Drugstores sell sitz bath sets that fit in your toilet bowl. These consist of a shallow basin and sometimes a bag that feeds warm water into the sitz bath basin. You can also find a simple plastic sitz bath bowl without any bags or fittings. These are nice because they concentrate the soothing water where you need it.
If you don’t have a sitz bath bowl, the tub works too. However, it must be cleaned before each use. You don’t want germs or old soap residue on your still healing bottom!
Here’s how to make a sitz bath step by step:
- If you are using a sitz bath, place the clean container under the toilet seat. Fill about half full with warm water or herbal tea and Epsom salt. Make sure the water temperature is not too high to avoid scalding.
- If you are using a bathtub, make sure the tub has just been cleaned and fill it with several inches of warm water. You want the water to cover your thighs when you’re in it. You add your herbal tea and/or Epsom salt to the shallow bath.
- Soak your buttocks in the warm water for 10-20 minutes, 1-4 times a day.
- Pat the area dry with a clean towel or allow it to air dry. Do not scrub the area.
What to use in a sitz bath
Now that you know what a sitz bath is and how it works, what should you put in it? There are several herbs that are gentle and help heal the sensitive area (more on that below). You can also add a little baking soda and Epsom salts to your sitz bath to speed up the healing process.
If you have hemorrhoids, dab a little witch hazel on the rectum after bathing. There are also a few things that are not allowed in a sitz bath!
While I love essential oils, they don’t diffuse on their own in water and are too harsh for the sensitive perineal area. Scented bath salts, bubble baths and similar products should also be avoided.
The herbs I used
Herbs can be a great option for a DIY sitz bath, and you’ll notice that I’ve used quite a few of them. You don’t have to use all of these to still be effective, so just use what you have.
- Comfrey leaf – This herb is an emollient to soothe dry, irritated tissues. It also reduces swelling and bruising and is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It stimulates tissue repair and strengthens loose tissues.
- Lavender flowers – The scent helps relieve tension and stress. Lavender is also antimicrobial, helps fight infections, soothes itching and pain, speeds wound healing and reduces swelling.
- Plantain leaf – Soothes inflammation and fights infections, mildly emollient to soothe irritated tissues, soothes pain, burning and itching, and stimulates collagen for faster wound healing.
- Red Raspberry Leaf – Tightens loose tissues and reduces inflammation. Also very rich in many nutrients.
- Yarrow flower – Relieves inflammation, pain and swelling. Diagnoses excessive bleeding, accelerates wound healing, helps modulate blood flow and is used specifically for hemorrhoids
- Calendula flowers – Soothes irritated tissues and is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. Soothes cuts, bruises and abrasions. It is astringent and hemorrhoidal to help with hemorrhoids.
- Shepherd’s purse – Useful to reduce bruising and heavy bleeding. Used for wound healing and is anti-inflammatory.
- Uva Ursi sheet – An astringent used for infections and inflammations in the lower urinary tract. Antibacterial and helps prevent urinary tract infections.
Herbal sitz bath
This DIY sitz bath helps soothe sensitive, sore areas after childbirth. Also ideal for hemorrhoids and other uncomfortable areas!
Yield: 3 cups
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Mix herbs in a glass container or silicone bag. I used a large mason jar. The proportions do not have to be exact.
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Add 1 cup of herbs to 2 liters of boiling water.
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Remove the water from the heat and let it sit covered for 20 minutes.
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Strain and add to a sitz bath and soak for 20 minutes. Both mother and baby can lie in the bathtub to speed up the healing of the umbilical cord and perineum.
You can use this mix in a small sitz bath or in the bathtub. If using a small sitz bath container, use half a cup of herbs and 1 quart of water.
More ways to use:
- Brew using the above proportions and add to a Peri bottle for use after going to the toilet.
- Pour some pre-brewed herbal mixture onto the pads and freeze for a pain-relieving ice pack.
- Use a diluted mixture around the baby’s umbilical cord stump for healing.
This also makes a wonderful addition to a gift basket for new mom, along with homemade natural baby care items And lotion bars for mom.
Have you ever used herbs after birth? Did they help you? Share below!