Postpartum baths, including sitz baths, can aid in healing and soothing for new mothers. Adding herbs such as yarrow and comfrey leaves can speed up healing and reduce swelling. A relaxing bath can also help with postpartum depression, and using a screen can prevent hair loss from clogging pipes.
A postpartum bath can be soothing and healing for a new mother, and there are many things a woman can do to maximize its benefits. A shallow bath known as a sitz bath is a popular postpartum bathing method that helps a woman keep stitches or abrasions clean and can be taken several times a day. Adding different herbs to your tub or sitz bath helps speed healing, prevent infection, and ease discomfort. Similarly, using warm water can help ease the pain of bruised and swollen tissue in the vulva, as well as ease the stress of caring for a brand new baby. A woman who has just given birth can talk to her doctor to determine what type of postpartum bath is best for her situation.
Childbirth can be a difficult process, causing trauma to the delicate tissues of the vulva and vagina. Tears, episiotomies, stitches, and bruises are all injuries that can be improved with a regular postpartum bath. Both sitz baths and tub soaks are vital in keeping injured areas clean and free of debris or leaks. A good tip for those who can’t sit in a tub of water is to wet the vaginal area with the help of a perineal cleansing bottle. Bathing damaged tissue in clean, warm water improves hygiene and promotes healing.
A woman recovering from childbirth can choose from a variety of herbs to use in conjunction with her postpartum warm water bath. Herbs like yarrow and comfrey leaves help restore tissue health, while astringent additions like sea salt and witch hazel reduce swelling. Lavender and rosemary are often used to prevent infection. A postpartum herbal bath can be prepared by simmering your choice of additions in hot water, then straining and adding the liquid to a clean bath. Cold or lukewarm water should be added until the herbal mixture reaches the desired temperature.
A revitalizing tub soak can also be a key in supporting postpartum depression. Hormonal changes after birth combined with the stress of caring for a newborn can leave a new mother grappling with difficult emotions. A woman who takes the time to indulge in stress-relieving activities like a relaxing bath is taking an important step toward healing her body and improving her mental state.
A new mother may notice an increased amount of hair loss when bathing or showering after giving birth. Whether you decide to take a therapeutic bath to speed your recovery, or take a break from the constant demands of a newborn, normal postpartum hair loss can have an adverse effect on your tub drain and plumbing. It can be a good idea to use a screen to prevent hair lost during bathing from entering your home’s pipes.
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