What Is a Sitz Bath? (and Why Experts Say It Can Help You Heal Postpartum)
While the fourth trimester is a time of joy and bonding, it’s also an extended period of healing. Whether you delivered your little one vaginally or via c-section, the post-birth recovery process can be challenging, to say the least. Hemorrhoids, vaginal bleeding, perineal tearing and general soreness are all par for the course—but this is where a sitz bath can help.
“I loved the sitz bath. I had one every morning and night when I was in the hospital,” says hayleyw458, a community member on The Bump. Even beyond the hospital, sitz baths are a great way to continue postpartum healing at home. But exactly what is a sitz bath, what can you put in it—and how can you use one at home? Below, learn more about sitz bath benefits, ingredients and more.
- A sitz bath is a small, shallow tub that gets placed over a toilet. This enables you to soak your perineal region in warm water.
- You can add Epsom salts, baking soda and witch hazel to boost the sitz bath’s healing benefits, but always clear this with your provider first.
- A sitz bath is safe to use for as long as is needed—just be sure to thoroughly clean it between uses.
First things first, exactly what is a sitz bath? It’s essentially a dedicated bath for your perineal area after birth. Simply put, it’s a portable bowl that can rest on the toilet seat, says Rebekah Mustaleski, CPM, a certified professional midwife and compression director at Motif Medical. You fill it with warm water and Epsom salt, baking soda, witch hazel or other herbs.
If you give birth at a hospital, you may be given a sitz bath to use there and to take home. But you can also easily buy them at any local pharmacy.
My hospital gave us one and sent us home with it. They said to use it at least three times a day. I used it in the hospital and the first few days at home—it's much easier to find the time to use a sitz bath, compared to getting in a big bath. We were told just to use warm water, and it felt amazing.
Using a sitz bath postpartum can offer an array of soothing benefits to reduce inflammation and speed up the recovery process. It’s particularly helpful if you’ve had an episiotomy; tore during labor or are experiencing hemorrhoids, anal pain or genital discomfort. “It offers relief from pain, soreness and itchiness by creating a warm, shallow bath for the perineum to sit in,” Mustaleski explains.
Sitting in a sitz bath also supports healing by increasing blood flow to the perineal area, notes Susan Rosenberg, a DONA-certified postpartum doula and certified lactation counselor. Gil Weiss, MD, an ob-gyn based in Chicago, adds that using a sitz bath has the added benefit of keeping tears and stitches clean post-delivery.
I was an uncomfortable bloody mess for the first week or two, and the pressure of sitting on the bottom of the tub would have been horrible for me… This was a good way to keep everything clean. I could sit there and nurse my child or just rest. It seems funny now how much I loved that thing—as I prepare to have another baby, it’s on my very short list of ‘must haves.’
Curious as to when you can use a sitz bath postpartum? You should wait at least 24 hours after giving birth to start. In the meantime, Sherry Ross, MD, an ob-gyn and women’s sexual health expert, recommends gently rinsing the perineum and vagina with a peri bottle filled with warm water. If you tore and have sutures, consult with your healthcare provider on when you can start taking sitz baths and how to use them—they may recommend you avoid any additives and stick to just warm water, or limit how much time you spend in the bath. “The water can increase the rate at which the suture material breaks down, which can lead to poor healing of the area,” Mustaleski explains.
Once the recovery process is underway, start soaking for between 15 to 30 minutes, up to twice a day. You can stop using an at-home sitz bath when your perineum is healed or your pain has subsided, advises Weiss. When using a sitz bath after birth, the tender area may feel sore at first. However, if you experience prolonged discomfort during or after a soak, stop using your sitz bath and contact your doctor, especially if you experience any signs of infection, increased bleeding or worsened pain.
At this point you may be wondering how to use a sitz bath—don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. When preparing a soothing postpartum sitz bath, fill it with 3 to 4 inches of water, and make sure it’s properly resting on your toilet seat. Alternatively, you can also use the sitz bath in an empty bath tub if that’s more comfortable and relaxing, Mustaleski says. Water temperature is largely up to personal preference, but Weiss recommends keeping it around the temperature of your body (97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit). To make sure it isn’t too hot or cold, try putting a few drops on your wrist, just as you would when testing baby’s milk. Add whatever ingredients you want (more on that next), and let yourself soak and rest. Last but not least, be sure to clean your sitz bath after each use to avoid infection.
What to put in a sitz bath postpartum
If you’d like, you can try adding soothing ingredients, such as Epsom salt or witch hazel to the water to further support healing, suggests Weiss. You might also try herbal mixes to help with swelling and healing, Mustaleski says, but always clear these options with your provider first. Alternatively, you might like to keep it simple with plain warm water.
Sitz baths helped me with immediate pain relief, and I really think they helped me to heal faster from my second-degree tear. You can just prepare a warm bath in the tub, but I actually bought a sitz bath for $15. You just fill it with warm water, and it fits right on the toilet so you can just sit right down in it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I use a sitz bath postpartum?
When using the sitz bath on the toilet, you’ll likely only feel comfortable for 10 to 15 minutes, Mustaleski says. Beyond that, sitting upright may cause more swelling in your perineal area. If you want to do a longer bath, consider reclining in an empty bathtub instead.
Is it okay to use table salt for a sitz bath postpartum?
Table salt is totally okay to use for sitz baths postpartum, Mustaleski says, as they can promote healing. However, it won’t have the magnesium content that Epsom salts have. “You may not notice the same reduction in inflammation as you get with Epsom salts,” she adds.
Is it okay to use baking soda for a sitz bath postpartum?
Baking soda is also okay to use in a postpartum sitz bath—and can actually help soothe any itching you’re experiencing due to the healing process, a pH imbalance or yeast growth, Mustaleski says. But again, you’ll want to clear this with your provider first.
What can I use if I don't have a sitz bath?
If you don’t have a sitz bath, Mustaleski notes you can have the herbs or salts steep in some water on a stove top and use the mixture to soak a washcloth. Ensuring the washcloth is a comfortable temperature, apply it to your perineum and hold it there for as long as you’re comfortable. (Put down a dry towel to catch any drips!) Alternatively, you could also add the cooled mixture to your peri bottle and use it to rinse off after using the bathroom, she adds.
Should you rinse off after a sitz bath?
While you’ll definitely want to clean your sitz bath between uses to avoid infection, you don’t necessarily have to rinse off after, Mustaleski says. However, “you might want to rinse your legs, especially if your skin is prone to feeling dry,” she adds.
What happens if you put too much Epsom salt in a sitz bath?
Putting too much Epsom salt in your sitz bath can actually have the opposite effect and further irritate your skin rather than soothe it, Mustaleski notes. To ensure you’re using the right amount, follow the directions on the packaging and reach out to your provider with questions.
Are warm or cold sitz baths better for postpartum healing?
While both warm and cold can offer benefits, warm is usually better for postpartum healing, Mustaleski notes. If you do want to use something cold on your perineum, consider applying a padsicle instead.
When should you not use a sitz bath?
Generally, sitz baths are okay for most people to use following birth. However, there may be circumstances, such as having dissolvable sutures or signs of infection, when your provider might recommend avoiding or limiting sitz baths. Furthermore, if you gave birth via C-section, you’ll want to ensure your incision doesn’t get submerged, Mustaleski adds.
What should I look for when buying a sitz bath?
If you’re purchasing a sitz bath, look for a straight-forward design that fits right over a standard toilet seat. These options usually have on/off flow control, a 2-quart solution bag for warm water and an outflow area that dispenses used water into the toilet below, Ross says. You’ll also want to make sure it’s easy to clean, Weiss adds, as you’ll want to do this after each use to avoid infection.
When you’re healing from a major physical event, like childbirth, you’re going to want all the help you can get—and using a sitz bath for hemorrhoids, pain and itchiness can promote recovery. Soak as often as you need until your perineal discomfort is a thing of the past.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Rebekah Mustaleski, CPM-TN, IBCLC, is a certified professional midwife specializing in evidence-based maternity care, as well as the compression director at Motif Medical. She co-founded Roots & Wings Midwifery in Knoxville, Tennessee. Mustaleski received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Centre College, and worked as a doula and birth photographer prior to establishing Roots & Wings.
Sherry Ross, MD, is an ob-gyn and women’s sexual health expert. She’s also the author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health. Period. She received her medical degree from New York Medical College.
Susan Rosenberg, is a DONA-certified postpartum doula and certified lactation counselor. Based in Newton, Massachusetts, she works with families throughout Boston and its suburbs.
Gil Weiss, MD, is an ob-gyn working throughout The Loop in Chicago and Northbrook, Illinois. He’s a graduate of the University of Toronto in Canada, and attended medical school at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, Israel. He completed his residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
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