Postpartum Herbal Bath Guide (Benefits, Best Herbs, and Easy Recipe)

Learn all about the benefits of taking a postpartum herbal bath, the best herbs to use in your bath, and a super easy postpartum herbal bath recipe to make your own!

You just welcomed a new baby into the world. As you’re caring for your precious little one, remember to care for yourself, too.

An herbal postpartum bath bath holds many health and healing benefits for a new mom.

One of the best things I did for my postpartum recovery was to take a postnatal herbal bath. The postpartum bath herbs provided a gentle yet effective way for my perineal to heal after giving birth.

Not very many new mothers know about the benefits of postpartum herbal bath or how to take a postpartum herbal sitz bath properly and safely, so I wanted to create this guide for you.

In this article, I’ll go over the therapeutic advantages of taking an herbal bath after birth, explore the top postpartum herbs suited for after birth and postpartum baths, provide you with a soothing herbal postpartum sitz bath recipe, and offer step-by-step instructions for a safe postpartum sitz bath in the comfort of your own home.

Benefits Of A Postpartum Herbal Bath

The postpartum herbal bath is more than just a physical comfort ritual; it’s a soul-soothing practice that promotes holistic healing for new parents.

The warm water infused with herbs offers a ton of benefits. The postpartum herbal bath for mom and baby helps to reduce swelling and inflammation, ease perineal discomfort, promote relaxation, and encourage emotional well-being during a time of heightened emotions.

It’s an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, engage in mindfulness, and honor the incredible strength of your body too.

The postpartum stage can be painful for some, but with the use of an organic postpartum herbal bath made just for after birth recovery, your discomfort can be minimal. It truly helps the postpartum healing process!

With all these postpartum herbal bath benefits, its no wonder so many postpartum doulas highly encourage new moms to take herbal baths as often as they can.

Pin This Post for Later:

Top Herbs For Postpartum Baths

Nature’s bounty provides an array of herbs that can enhance the healing properties of your postpartum bath. Herbal medicine is powerful and so easy to use for new mamas.

Some of my favorite herbs for postpartum sitz bath include the following:

Calendula is an herb renowned for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. This herb offers gentle relief to tender areas, mending stitches and calming irritated skin.

Lavender brings its soothing aroma and relaxant effects, aiding in reducing stress and anxiety. But it is not just for its delightful fragrance but also for its anti-inflammatory properties. Its use will not only diminish inflammation but also promote relaxation during a time that demands immense physical and psychological resilience.

Chamomile offers gentle comfort and anti-irritant properties that make for a great postpartum herb to use in your bath.

Yarrow supports tissue repair and toning. Known for its ability to speed up the repair of damaged tissue, an organic yarrow flower ensures a quicker recovery for new mothers. It acts decisively against bruising and reduces bleeding, making it an indispensable ally in the sitz bath herb arsenal.

Finally, witch hazel has garnered acclaim for its prowess in shrinking hemorrhoids, a common postpartum ailment. Its astringent qualities soothe and cool, offering immediate relief and can help speed perineum healing.

Combining these organic postpartum herbs creates a harmonious blend that pampers both body and soul.

Opting for organic herbs ensures that you’re harnessing the purest forms of their healing powers, free from chemicals that might counteract their beneficial properties.

In this delicate postnatal phase, such a choice underscores a commitment to nurturing not only your body but also the environment from which these healing agents are derived.

Some of these links are affiliate links meaning if you purchase from these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Everything I share is my own opinions and things I personally use and love. You can learn more by reviewing my disclosure. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Recipe For A Safe Postpartum Herbal Bath

Creating your own postpartum herbal bath is a simple, yet nurturing process. Here’s a recipe for the best postpartum herbal bath I’ve made:

Ingredients

1/2 cup dried Calendula petals
1/4 cup dried Lavender flowers
1/4 cup dried Chamomile flowers
1/4 cup dried Yarrow
1/4 cup Witch Hazel leaves

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine all the dried herbs.
Boil about 4 quarts of water and pour it over the herbs.
Let the mixture steep for 20-30 minutes, allowing the herbs to infuse the water.
Strain the liquid into your bath tub filled with warm water.
Immerse yourself and relax for 15-20 minutes, breathing in the soothing aroma.

Notes

If you want to make this a postpartum sitz bath, you can add some Epsom salt. For herbal sitz baths, you will want to have a more shallow bath, especially in the first few weeks. Or you can do it over the toilet bowl too.
For added benefit, consider using a peri bottle filled with the same herbal solution for gentle rinsing of the perineal area. This practice can be particularly helpful for those recovering from stitches after birth.
You can add in some essential oils for postpartum as well if you want. Just be sure to add them to a carrier oil before the hot water.
Comfrey leaves or plantain leaves can also be beneficial in your postpartum bath soak.

If you have had a cesarean birth, do not take an immersive bath without doctor approval.

How To Safely Take A Postpartum Sitz Bath At Home

Taking a postpartum sitz bath at home is a safe and effective way to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.

There are safe and natural ways to take an herbal bath at home. Here’s how to make sure your herbal postpartum bath is done safely:

Ensure your bathtub is clean and sanitized.
Fill the tub with warm water and add your herbal infusion.
Sit in the bath, allowing the warm water to envelop your lower body.
Relax for 15-20 minutes, focusing on deep breathing and gentle self-care.
Gently pat yourself dry after the bath to avoid irritation.

Here are a few more safety precautions to follow:

Always talk to your healthcare provider before trying as every birth is different and your recovery might need different methods.
Ask how long after giving birth you can start this ritual as well. Sometimes you might have to wait until your stitches are gone.
I prefer to use a muslin bag to keep all the herbs contained if you are adding the herbs straight into your bah. It helps with clean up but also makes sure the herbs don’t get on your body or up your vagina.

In embracing these practices, remember that the journey to recovery varies for every mother. Listening to one’s body and consulting with a healthcare provider ensures that this time-honored tradition contributes positively to postpartum healing.

Best Postpartum Herbal Bath to Buy

If you would rather buy a pre-made postpartum herbal bath, there are a few natural and organic choices that would work great.

Among the best on the market is the Earth Mama Organic Herbal Sitz Bath for Pregnancy and Postpartum.

This product stands out for its careful blend of organic calendula flower, organic yarrow, and organic lavender – all herbs renowned for their soothing and healing properties.

The inclusion of organic uva ursi further enhances its antiseptic quality, making it an ideal choice after both vaginal births and cesarean sections.

Postpartum Bath FAQs

Can you take an herbal bath after c-section?

Yes you can, after a certain amount of time. Always talk to your healthcare provider before trying as every birth is different and your recovery might need different methods.

Postpartum Herbal Bath Wrap-Up

The journey into parenthood is amazing and joyous, an adventure deserving immense care and attention to both mom and baby alike.

The postpartum herbal bath encapsulates both the ancient wisdom of herbal remedies and the modern understanding of self-care.

By embracing this practice of using mother nature, you’re not only nurturing your physical recovery but also acknowledging the emotional and spiritual aspects of your journey.

As you embark on this new chapter, remember that you deserve moments of tranquility and rejuvenation – moments that the herbal postpartum bath can beautifully provide.

If you ever find yourself wanting extra support during your pregnancy, birth, or postpartum journey, I’m here to walk alongside you through my virtual doula services — offering encouragement, guidance, and a listening ear whenever you need it.