I've always thought that after giving birth, women should be able to look forward to a nice quiet rest and recovery time. Instead, we have a precious child and the sleep deprivation that often accompanies them. This DIY bath recipe is at least a little healing and pampering to look forward to during your postpartum recovery.
Chair after birth Bathroom
Herbs are great for postpartum and help speed up recovery time. I have used my healing salami both on 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 ease pain and speed healing. You can also use it in a peri bottle or on a cooling pillow for extra comfort.
I used a variety of herbs 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 soak for your bottom that brings targeted relief to the genital area. They can help relieve pain, increase blood flow to the area, and speed healing. Sitz baths are recommended for:
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissures
- Episiotomy sutures
- Injured or damaged vulva and perineal area
- Injured rectum or anal area
It's perfect for postpartum! Even if you're not torn during labor, warm water and soothing herbs help reduce discomfort and swelling.
How to Take a Sitz Bath (Two Ways)
Drug stores sell sitz toilet kits that fit over your toilet. These consist of a shallow basin and sometimes a pouch that feeds warm water into the sitz bath basin. You can also find a simple plastic toilet bowl without any bag or accessories. These are nice because they concentrate the soothing water exactly where you need it.
If you don't have a sitz bath bowl, then a bathtub works too. However, it must be cleaned before each use. You don't want germs or old soap scum on your still-healing bottom!
Here's how to make a sitz bath step by step:
- If you use a sitz bath, place the clean container under the toilet seat. Fill about 1/2 full with warm water or herbal tea and Epsom salt. Make sure the water temperature is not too hot to avoid scalding.
- If using a bathtub, make sure the tub has just been cleaned and fill it with a few inches of warm water. You want the water to cover your thighs when you sit in it. You will add your herbal tea and/or Epsom salts to the shallow bath.
- Soak your bottom in warm water for 10-20 minutes, 1-4 times a day.
- Dry the area with a clean towel or let it air dry. Do not clean the area.
What to use in a sitz bath
Now that you know what a sitz bath is and how they work, what should you put in yours? There are a variety of herbs that are gentle and help heal the tender area (more on this below). You can also add some baking soda and Epsom salts to your bath to speed up the healing process.
If you have hemorrhoids, then try applying some witch hazel to the rectum after bathing. There are also some things that should not go in a sitz bath!
While I love essential oils, they don't just dissolve in water and are too harsh on the delicate perineal area. Aromatic bath salts, bubble baths and similar products should also be avoided.
Herbs I used
Plants can be a great option for a DIY bathroom, and you'll notice I used quite a few. 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 and irritated tissues. It also reduces swelling and bruising and is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It stimulates tissue repair and tones loose tissue.
- Lavender flowers – The aroma helps relieve tension and stress. Lavender is also antimicrobial, helps fight infection, soothes itching and pain, speeds wound healing and reduces swelling.
- Plantain leaf – Soothes inflammation and fights infection, soothing to soothe irritated tissues, soothes pain, burning and itching and stimulates collagen for faster wound healing.
- Red raspberry leaf – Tightens loose tissue and reduces inflammation. Also very high in many nutrients.
- Yarrow flower – Relieves inflammation, pain and swelling. Stops excessive bleeding, accelerates wound healing, helps regulate blood flow and is especially used for hemorrhoids
- Calendula flower – Soothes irritated tissues and is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. Soothes cuts, bruises and scratches. It is astringent and blood decongestant to help with hemorrhoids.
- Shepherd's Bag – Useful in reducing bruising and heavy bleeding. It is used for wound healing and is anti-inflammatory.
- Uva Ursi leaf – An astringent used for infections and inflammations in the lower urinary tract. Antibacterial and helps prevent UTIs.
Bath with herbal seat
This DIY bath helps soothe tender and sore postpartum areas. Also great for hemorrhoids and other uncomfortable areas!
Yield: 3 CUPS
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Mix the herbs in a glass container or silicone bag. I used a large mason jar. Dimensions do not have to be exact.
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Add 1 cup of the herb to 2 liters of boiling water.
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Remove the water from the heat and let it stand for 20 minutes covered.
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Drain and add to a bath and leave for 20 minutes. Both mother and baby can soak in the tub to speed healing of the cord and perineum.
You can use this mixture in a small sitz bath or bathtub. Use 1/2 cup of herbs and 1 quart of water if using a small bath tub.
More ways to use:
- Prepare with the above ratios and add to a bottle of Peri for use after going to the toilet.
- Pour some pre-made herbal mixture on the pillows and freeze for a pain-relieving ice pack.
- Use a diluted mixture around the baby's cord stump for healing.
This also makes a great addition to a gift basket for mom along with the homemade one natural baby care items AND lotions for the mother.
Have you ever used herbs after giving birth? Did they help you? Share below!
