So…What is a sitz bath?
Let’s talk sitz baths. If you’ve just had a baby (or are prepping for the big day), this is one of those simple, comforting rituals that can make a huge difference in how you feel postpartum.
So, what even is a sitz bath?
A sitz bath is a shallow soak for your bottom and perineal area, often using warm water and healing herbs. It's a gentle way to soothe soreness, reduce swelling, and support tissue healing after birth—especially if you had tearing, stitches, or just a really long pushing phase.
Why it works:
Sitz baths help in a few different ways:
Warm water boosts blood flow, which can speed up healing and soothe inflammation.
Herbs like calendula, yarrow, and chamomile bring in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
It can ease muscle tension and swelling after delivery, especially if you had tearing, hemorrhoids, or just general soreness.
And maybe most importantly, it gives you a quiet moment to rest and reconnect with your body after doing something really hard.
When can I start doing them?
Most folks can start as soon as 24 hours after a vaginal birth, or when cleared by their provider. If you had a cesarean, you can still use a sitz bath to help soothe swollen tissue down below—just keep it below your incision site.
How often should I do them?
There’s no magic number, but many new parents find relief doing a sitz bath once or twice a day during those first couple of weeks. Even just 10–15 minutes can be a total game-changer.
A few ways to do it:
Sitz bath basin: You can get one that fits right on your toilet. Super handy.
Bathtub: Fill just a few inches of warm water so you can sit and soak comfortably.
Peri bottle brew: Not exactly a bath, but you can steep herbs, let them cool, and pour the infusion over yourself after bathroom trips. Still soothing and healing!
Herbs that play nice in a sitz bath:
Here are a few of my go-to herbs for postpartum healing:
Calendula: Soothes irritated skin and supports tissue repair
Chamomile: Calming and anti-inflammatory
Plantain: Moisture-balancing and great for skin healing
Yarrow: Can help reduce bleeding and swelling
St. John’s Wort: Soothes nerve endings and promotes regeneration
Lavender: Calming and antimicrobial
Dead Sea minerals or magnesium flakes: Helps ease muscle tension and promote relaxation
Tips for your soak:
Make sure the water is warm but not too hot.
Steep your herbs like tea (you can make a batch and store in the fridge).
Strain before adding to your bath to keep bits from floating around.
Pat dry gently and follow with a balm if needed.
The best part?
It’s not just about healing physically. This is your time to pause, breathe, and reconnect with your body. A sitz bath isn’t just care for your perineum, it’s care for your whole self.
Want to try one but not sure where to start? I make custom herbal sitz blends tailored to your healing needs. Reach out if you’d like help putting something together.
