A “what” bath?
Why?
How do I use it?
Do I really need to use it?
Your baby is finally here and life is forever changed. You are excited, sleepy and maybe a tad uncomfortable in the “nether regions”. As you are deliriously searching for the copy of the birth certificate you come across this weird plastic bucket looking thing. You have vague memories of someone telling you something about what to do with it but you can’t remember.
The word sitz comes from the German word “sitzen,” which means “to sit.”
When I taught childbirth classes, I always explained a sitz bath as a little jacuzzi for your perineal area. Where is that you ask?? Your perineum is the area between your vagina and rectum. It is the area that can stretch, tear or be cut during delivery. If you’ve already had a vaginal delivery, you can stop doing your kegels right now because you KNOW what area I am talking about.
A sitz bath is used to help heal your perineal area. The warmth from the water boosts blood flow to that area and can speed up the healing. It will NOT cure the discomfort, but it will help soothe the area.
If you were given one from the hospital or birthing center great, but have no fear if you forgot it or weren’t given one, you can buy them over the counter too.
You can use a sitz bath or your bathtub.
If using an actual sitz bath, read ALL the instructions on the plastic bag before you begin. Use warm water only, not too cold or not too hot! Lift the toilet seat, place the sitz bath down and move it side to side to make sure it fits snuggly on the toilet. You can pour warm water in before you sit down, or you can use the plastic bag and tubing to fill the basin with water after you sit down. Make sure to clamp off the tubing if you are bringing it over to the toilet after you fill it up. Most of the plastic tubes have a tiny little hole that will shoot water directly onto your perineum once you unclamp the tubing. If you feel any pulling of your stitches, squeeze your butt cheeks together when you sit down. If your tubing doesn’t have a tiny hole in it, make sure the water is deep enough so that your perineum is completely submerged.
You may have to get creative to keep the plastic bag up (so you don’t have to hold it) but if all else fails put a hanger through the holes at the top of the bag and hang it on the shower curtain or towel rack. Put a pillow behind your back, flip over the trash can to elevate your feet and soak away!
If you are taking a sitz bath in the bathtub, scrub the bathtub with bleach and rinse thoroughly. Fill the tub with 3 to 4 inches of warm water. Check the temperature before sitting down in the tub. Relax and enjoy!
Unless advised by your doctor or midwife, ONLY use water as your cervix is still open and you don’t want to risk getting an infection. If pain or itching worsens or if your perineum becomes red and puffy STOP using it!
A sitz bath can give you 10-20 min of peace and relaxation up to 3 times a day for the first week if you choose to use it. It is NOT mandatory, just suggested if that area is sore and needs some TLC. If you decide you don’t like it, that is ok. Pot a plant in it or let your child wear it as a hat when they get a little older, they will love it!