What are sitz baths? How can they help me postpartum? Sitz baths is a type of treatment that is done by soaking in warm water to help clean and treat problems or wounds in the anus, perineal, and genital areas. “Sitz” comes from the German word “sitzen,” which literally means “to sit.” They are also sometimes called a hip bath, because the water just covers your hips. Sitz baths are of great benefit for women going through postpartum, it can help:
- Ease pain from hemorrhoids, surgery, or anal tears (fissures)
- Promote healing after an episiotomy or other surgery to the vagina or rectum
- Relieve painful period cramps
- Keep the vagina and rectum clean
- Improve blood flow to perineal area, which reduces swelling and inflammation
- Relax muscles in the perineum which can alleviate pain and promote healing
- Soothe soreness that comes from perineal stretching
- Relieve itching that can accompany stitches
- Clean perineal area, reducing the risk of infection
- Alleviate pain and itching from hemorrhoids
Sitz baths can be done either with a store-bought sitz bath you put on a toilet or in your own bathtub. Make sure either bath you use is thoroughly cleaned before you use it, which will help prevent infection. Never share or use a used sitz bath product with anyone else to also prevent infection. After you clean and disinfect the tub or basin:
- Fill it with 2-5 inches of warm (not hot) water, or to your hips
- Ask your care provider how long you should sit in a sitz bath
- Ask your care provider if it is OK to add things like Epsom salts, witch hazel, or lavender oil
- Allow your perineum to air dry (or pat dry) once you are done so not to irritate the area
- Baking soda or Epsom salt are great additions to add to the water. Herbs like yarrow, witch hazel, or comfrey can also benefit your experience, but always check with your midwife or provider before doing so.
You can take these baths as long as you need for healing, but stop taking sitz baths if you start:
- You’re running a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- Your pain or itching gets worse
- Your perineum is red or swollen
- Fluid is leaking from your vagina or perineal area
- Or other concerning symptoms
- Now that you know how to create your sitz bath experience, sit back, and enjoy as you heal yourself from a beautiful miracle!
