Three ways to use an herbal sitz bath after vaginal or c-section birth.

HERBAL SITZ BATH 101: 3 Ways to Use an Herbal Sitz Bath for Vaginal or Cesarean Birth Recovery

However you give birth, an herbal sitz bath is a natural and gentle way to soothe the tender bits in Lady Land. If you’re a C-section mama, you can also use the infusion from an herbal sitz bath to soothe your incision.

If you give birth vaginally, your perineum (the tissue between the bottom of the vaginal opening and the anus) will be swollen and very tender for the first couple of weeks postpartum. You may also experience tearing or an episiotomy during childbirth, adding another layer of “ouch!”

All of these things N-O-R-M-A-L. Yep! No more “I wish someone had told me…”

Being prepared is the best thing you can do for yourself postpartum and using an herbal sitz bath is an easy and effective way to soothe new-mama discomforts and encourage gentle healing.

If you have a C-section birth, there’s a good chance you may have spent some time pushing and your perineum might be sore. An herbal sitz bath is also perfect for soothing hemorrhoids and vaginal varicose veins – not uncommon postpartum, however you might give birth.

Each day will get a little bit better. (Promise.) Stay off your feet and rest as much as possible. You’ve got this, mama.

What’s an Herbal Sitz Bath, Anyway?

Good question! An herbal sitz bath is a combination of dried herbs that you prepare in a similar way to making a pot of tea. (Easy-peasy!) Tenth Moon Herbal Sitz Bath contains eight herbs with wound-healing, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, such as calendula, comfrey and marshmallow root.

An herbal sitz bath is perfect for postpartum recovery.

An herbal sitz bath is perfect for postpartum recovery.

How Do I Prepare an Herbal Sitz Bath?

Preparing an herbal sitz bath is a cinch, really. Ideally, someone will prepare it for you while you rest. Here’s how:

Place 1 – 1 ½ cups of herbs into a cotton, drawstring pouch and pull snug.

Place pouch in a large pot of water (about 12 cups) and simmer on low for 20 minutes.

And, ta-da! Now you’ve prepared your herbal infusion. Here are three ways you can use it for ultimate postpartum soothing of all the tender bits. Your body will thank you!

BATH

Pour the herbal infusion into a warm shallow bath; a few inches of water in the tub will do – just enough to sit into. Check the temperature to make sure it’s not too hot before you get in and have someone assist you if you’re feeling unsteady.

Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Allow the perineum area to air dry. Repeat daily for the first week or so post-birth.

SOOTHING PADS

Gift of the Goddesses!! Reserve some of the herbal infusion and apply to a maternity pad. (You can add witch hazel to the pad as well.) Place pad in your underwear for continued soothing beyond the bath if you’ve given birth vaginally.

If you’re a c-section mama, you can lay a pad across your tummy to help soothe your incision.

Pads can be used at room temp or cooled in the fridge or freezer for added relief. (FYI: Some moms find the cold sensation too intense.) If you make a bunch of pads in advance (and we suggest that you do!) store in the freezer to keep fresh.

SPRITZ / PERI BOTTLE

Put some of the herbal infusion into a spritz bottle or peri bottle (you’ll likely get one of these at the hospital or from your midwife) and keep handy to relieve stinging and discomfort when using the toilet.


Disclaimer: Information provided by Tenth Moon Mother Care is not medical advice. Always speak to your midwife, doctor or other healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about pregnancy, birth or postnatal health, including products and practices that are safe for use during those times. Every individual and every birth is different.

Share this Post

About the Author

Lindsay Forsey

Lindsay is the founder of Tenth Moon Mother Care, a mom of two and a postpartum wellness activist. When she's not busy bundling up Tenth Moon care packages for new mamas, you might spot her on TV talking about the fourth trimester, blogging about maternal health or perfecting her "padsicle" recipe.

Up Next

Mama's Heart Care Package

Created to help soothe the hearts of women who experience miscarriage and later pregnancy or infant loss.

Only $38 plus shipping. A portion of the proceeds support the Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) Network.

  • Original Mama’s Heart water colour keepsake card by Toronto artist Amy Wetton
  • Tenth Moon Lavender Mineral Soak
  • The Honest Leaf Serene Tea
  • Crown Point Candles Feel Better Blend Eco-Soy Candle
  • Pregnancy + Infant Loss (PAIL) Network info

Leave a Reply