Herbal Baths

Taking a bath in your postpartum is a soothing way to heal, in more ways than one! Some methods of herbal baths you can use immediately post birth such as a peri compress & others you may wish to spend more time creating a warm environment and if you choose, include your baby with you. Herbs/medicines are used to aid in swelling, cuts, scrapes, scratches and bruising in your pelvic region. In addition to physical wellness, postpartum baths are a beautiful way to connect spiritually, emotionally and mentally to your birth story and your body in an intimate, safe and culturally appropriate way.

Benefits:

• antimicrobial

• anti-inflammatory

• reduces swelling

• soothing

• can promote tissue regeneration

• calms tense muscles

• relaxing

• spiritually healing

Ways to included herbs/medicine into your bath are:

• Sitz baths/baths- a shallow container you insert in your toilet bowl or a shallow bath filled up to cover your tail bone. Be sure to keep your upper body warm through this process. Soak for 15-20 minutes.
  

• Peri compress ( can be applied directly after birth). Gather a bowl and pour in your choice of herbal tea. Grab a small towel, compress or face cloth and dip your cloth into the tea, apply directly to your tissue. You do not have to wait for the placenta to be born, this can help with any immediate discomfort. Tea should be warm and comfortable (not too hot or too cold)
  

• Peri bottle/wash- to be used when using the bathroom and/or shower when cleansing the area. Pour your choice of herbal tea into the peri bottle. Tea should be warm and comfortable (not too hot or too cold)
  

• Ceremonial/Spiritual bath- a healing way to connect to your body, release fears, tension, and help to create bonding between your body and your baby. You may choose to add your cedar water (or whichever herb/medicine you have chosen) to your bath or, you may put branches of cedar in the bath with you. Remember, keep your upper body warm. This is an intimate time where you may choose to journal, sing, pray or bring your baby in the water with you.
  

Whichever way you choose to use your herbs, you will steep your herbs, strain and apply the steeped tea to your bath, peri bottle, compress etc. In some cases you may wish to apply the herbs directly to the water. Make sure the tea is a warm, comfortable temperature.

Use what you have on hand, or better yet, appoint someone you trust to gather and prepare ( be mindful of harvesting protocols)

Examples of herbs used: yarrow, shepherds purse, calendula, chamomile, urva ursi, plantain leaf, rose petals, lavender and cedar for ceremonial bath. You may also add in Epsom salts for added relief if you wish. Do not use certain herbs where there are contraindications or underlining health conditions.

Interested in a DIY?

https://avivaromm.com/postpartum-herb-baths/