One mistake many mothers make after delivery is to focus all their energy and attention on their newborns and not take care of themselves. While your baby should definitely be the center of your attention, you need to consider your body and mind too. And what better way to relax than a body massage followed by a warm bath? In this article, we list the top seven massage oils to help you heal post-delivery.

Postnatal massage increases the production of oxytocin that will result in better breast milk flow. Moreover, considering your body just went through a major transformation, oil massage is the right step forward towards regaining your old health and glow. Ideally, you need to continue the massage routine for the first 40 days to get maximum benefits. However, many moms stop well before this due to time constraints.

In This Article

• List of Top 5 Oils For Massages After Delivery
• New Mothers and Precautions During Oil Massages
• FAQ’s

List of Top 7 Oils For Massages After Delivery

Oil massages increase blood circulation, relieve tension in muscles and melt away stress. Postnatal oil massages will soothe your aching body and ease the process of recovery. Find out the top 7 massage oils after delivery.

1. Mustard Oil

Mustard oil (सरसों का तेल) is a warming oil and ‘heat’ is generally considered to speed up the healing process, making it an ideal choice during post-partum. It is known to increase blood circulation and decrease joint pain. Mustard oil is also easily available in your local stores and is not expensive. However, the cons are that it is a very thick oil (which makes it difficult to wash off from clothes) and has a strong smell (which you or the baby might not like).

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2. Sesame Oil

Sesame oil (तिल का तेल) is a cooling oil, because of which some do not recommend it for postpartum massage. However, if the weather conditions are hot in your area, then coolness imparted by a sesame oil massage can be relaxing for you. In addition, the oil is also known to reduce BP and stress.

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3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil (नारियल तेल) is another cooling oil, very popular, especially in south India. It is popular for head massages, but it also can also be used for body massages. Coconut oil is a light oil, smells good, and is easily absorbed by your skin, making it very convenient to use. It is also a very good moisturizer as it has hydrating properties.

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4. Almond Oil

Almond oil (बादाम तेल) is another light, sweet-smelling oil that is easily absorbed by the skin and has moisturizing properties. Although it is slightly more expensive than the rest of the options here, it is known to reduce stretch marks, inflammation, muscle pains, and improve complexion.

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5. Ayurvedic/Herbal Oils

More known and followed in Kerala, Ayurvedic postnatal care is slowly becoming popular in the rest of India as well. Ayurveda details a holistic approach to postpartum care and recommends medicated herbal oil massages for the mother to strengthen ligaments, joints, muscles, and overall body. Ayurvedic oil massages are also known to reduce pain and improve skin tone. There are different types of oil that will suit different body types, so you need to visit an Ayurvedic doctor to get the right prescription.

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6. Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass oil is an excellent natural remedy for soothing sore, tired, cramping muscles. It has warming properties as well, so it not only helps dispel excess fluid but also increases blood circulation. This makes it excellent postnatal massage oil. Additionally, it can help to reduce fluid retention.

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7. Ginger Oil

Ginger oil is a popular postnatal massage oil that can soothe sore muscles, stimulate blood circulation, and reduce pain. Besides its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger oil also comes from the rhizome of the ginger plant, thus making it the ideal oil for a postnatal massage. Quite suitable for topical application due to its warm spicy scent.

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Apart from this, there are many other oils that are popular in different parts of India – like olive oil, sunflower oil, grape seed oil, and wheat germ oil. As we mentioned before, pick an oil that best suits you and validate your choice with your doctor.

[Read: 10 Tips to Hire Maalishwali (Masseuse) After Delivery]

New Mothers and Precautions During Oil Massages

There are many postpartum care workers who specialize in traditional body massages. These nurses are also good with massaging babies. It would be ideal if you identify beforehand someone who can visit you once during the day and bathe both you and the baby. It is important to get help because

(1) You cannot massage your whole body

(2) There are massage techniques that relieve tension points and joint pains – an experienced hand is always better at it.

Keep the following in mind to ensure that you reap good benefits out of the massage:

• Pick an oil on your own after consultation with family and doctor. Do not blindly use the oil “prepared” by the maalishwali (मालिशवाली) unless she prepares it in your house with the ingredients you give. How to choose the right here for you after delivery?
• If you have had a C-section, ensure your massage the wound area only lightly, even after the wound is healed. This is because the wound and stitches under your skin might not be fully healed.
• Do not use oil on your breasts and nipples. Some oils – especially herbal ones – can be irritants to the baby’s skin.
• Do a patch test on a small area to ensure you are not allergic to the oil.
• If you have any medical condition, like skin rashes or hernia, an oil massage is not recommended.
• For new mothers with high BP, a soft massage is better than a vigorous massage.
• If you are bleeding heavily, do discontinue the massage and seek your doctor’s advice immediately.
• Postnatal massages should always be done after your doctor gives a go-ahead for the same.
• Some Maalishwalis insist on bringing their own massaging oils. Do exercise caution and only use the oil if you are very sure of the ingredients.
• If you are using herbal or essential oils for your postnatal massages, always dilute them to avoid irritation.

[Read: 10 Simple Tips For A Speedy C-Section Recovery]

FAQ’s

1. Can I Use a Body Lotion Instead of Oil For My Post Natal Massages?

As long as the lotion does not come in contact with the baby and you carefully avoid the nipples and your breasts, using a body lotion instead of the oil should be alright. Choose a lotion that does not contain parabens, retinoids, petroleum or formaldehyde. If you decide to go for a particular lotion, watch your baby’s reaction after using it. Any discomfort on the part of the baby is your cue to discontinue the lotion.

Happy motherhood!

2. What Oils Can I Use For Massage Post-Delivery?

There are many oils that are great for massages. And for new mothers, massages are blessings. We give below five of our top picks. You need to choose an oil that suits you and the baby (since you will be handling the baby and the smell of the oil remains in your body even after a bath).

Also, bear in mind to check for any allergic reactions you might have for certain oils. We recommend you do a patch test if you have never used the oil before. Another factor to consider is the weather conditions in your place of residence. Some oils are warming in nature and some have cooling properties.

3. When Can New Mothers Start Oil Massages?

If you have had a normal delivery, then you can start oil massage as soon as you are back home. Most moms start it within the first 5 days.

If you have had a C-section, then you need to give the wound some time to heal before you start the massage – generally after 1-2 weeks. Please confirm with your doctor before starting the massage.

Read Also: Postpartum Massage Techniques

However, you hardly need to panic about baby care. There are thousands of parents around you who are blessed with preemies, and just like you, their minds are also occupied with “why’s” and “how’s” on different aspects of pregnancy. Perhaps, a quick glance at them might work well for you as a ‘doubt clearing’ session.

In This Article

• Who is a Premature Baby?
• Top 10 Questions Parents of Every Premature Baby Have on Their Mind

Who is a Premature Baby?

Medically, any baby who is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is a premature baby. Premature babies have different levels of prematurity, the risks being higher for an earlier birth. Babies born before 26 weeks of pregnancy are at the highest risk and are also referred to as micro-preemies. Special care, coupled with lots of positivity and attention, is essential to give your baby the best chance of surviving a premature birth easily.

Top 10 Questions Parents of Every Premature Baby Have on Their Mind

A premature baby creates a lot of concerns and doubts in parents’ minds. Find out the top ten questions that plague parents and their answers.

1. What Health Issues Might Our Baby Suffer and Are They Life Long?

There might be some short-term problems if your baby is born before 32 weeks of gestation. Immature organs and a vulnerable immune system can make your baby susceptible to diseases such as sepsis, jaundice, hemorrhaging, anemia, hypoglycemia, and respiratory disorders. In some babies, there might be long-term issues like learning disabilities and partial deafness.

Many parents live the first few days after birthing a preemie in fear of losing the baby. However, keeping a positive attitude and providing medical facilities to her should be your motto. The little soul needs all the love and care you can provide. Understand that your preemie has their own unique needs, and the more care and attention you give to them, the better.

[Read : Common Health Issues Of Premature Babies]

2. Why Did We Have a Premature Child?

The reasons could be many! In fact, it is not yet possible to ascertain why exactly someone had a premature baby. Did you suffer from any type of abnormalities in the uterine structure? Or there might be some infections, imbalances in hormones, or emotional trauma during the gestation period, which led to premature labor. Certain chronic illnesses can also be a potent cause.

Some other factors that enhance the chances of delivering premature babies include the poor eating habits of the mother or her unhealthy lifestyle. You have been ‘unhealthy’ if you have continued taking drugs, consuming alcohol, or smoking during the gestation period.

Insufficient antenatal care can also be responsible. Whatever the reason, mothers should not blame themselves as the subject is more complicated than you think, and several factors can be the reason behind a premature delivery. Click here to read why feeling guilty about having a premature child is actually detrimental.

3. How Would My Preemie Gain Weight?

Premature babies are born earlier, and so they weigh less than full-term infants. A preemie can weigh as little as 2 pounds. Also, there might be feeding issues with preemies. However, a preemie must gain some weight every day, even if it is 5gm after a few days of being born.

NICU will weigh your baby daily and would have arrived at an ideal weight for your baby before discharge. Proper nourishment and feeding are the keys to making your preemie gain appropriate weight.

[Read : Know About Premature Baby Weight Gain And Weight Chart]

4. How Do I Measure My Preemie’s Age to Monitor Developmental Milestones?

A premature infant’s age can be confusing because a preemies’ age and development can be defined in different ways. The below points should help.

a) Gestational Age

This refers to the time you have been pregnant – if your baby was delivered at 33 weeks, then the baby’s gestational age is also 33 weeks.

b) Chronological Age

The day and date of birth refer to the chronological age of your baby. The yearly birthdays are a reflection of that.

c)Corrected Age

Corrected age refers to your baby’s chronological age minus the gestational age. A one-year-old who is born three months earlier will have the developmental attributes of a 9-month-old.

5. Is it Necessary to Take My Child to The NICU?

At NICU, or the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, your preemie will get all the care and medical attention that are indispensable for survival and easy revival. For example, at NICU, you can get your child to an isolate, which is a special bed devised for preemies.

The care providers will also use neonatal incubators, which will help maintain the right body temperature, humidity, and levels of oxygen. Plus, there will be respiratory support, IV lines, and NG/OG Tubes, which will help feed the baby, and other monitoring equipment. Their vitals we be regularly monitored so that any health issue can quickly be taken care of.

6. How Can We Bond With My Premature Baby at NICU?

The first instinct of every parent is to gently stroke the baby. Well, if you have a preemie, you will have to hold this urge. First and foremost, you must wash your hands and sanitize before touching a baby. Second, premature babies can be sensitive to touch – they are still meant to be in the womb.

However, you can initiate the bonding by visiting the NICU regularly, touching them (you cannot stroke a preemie, however; but can lay hands tenderly on their back for comfort or gently hold their arms and legs), and practicing Kangaroo Care (which is a method of holding the child skin-to-skin) and involving in baby care activities (such as diaper change and temperature checks).

You can just put your finger in the baby’s palm and feel your angel. Talking to the baby, if allowed, can also help you bond with the baby as the baby does recognize the voices of the parents. In fact, these familiar voices make the baby feel safe and secure. Plus, mommas can also pump their breast milk for the babies to feed.

[Read : Kangaroo Mother Care For Newborn Babies]

7. When Can Our Premature Baby Come Home?

Contrary to the notion, your preemie can go home even before he has reached the due date. The care providers will, however, consider certain things before discharging your baby. Your baby should be able to breathe without the support, maintain a constant body temperature, and gain weight steadily.

[Read : Taking Your Premature Baby Home]

8. Can I Wash My Premature Baby?

Talk to your baby’s specialist about when you can start giving your baby a bath and how to do it. The frequency of washing your baby will depend on their level of maturity. Also, washing and cleaning a preemie can seem like a Herculean task. The best way would be to get involved in this process is to let the midwife does this for you for some time, and slowly take over.

It is fine to wash them with plain water. Just use clear water and soft cotton wool to clean the baby. Start using baby skincare products like moisturizer and baby soap only if the health care provider gives the green signal. And after washing, make sure to dry them with a soft, clean towel.

Some parents find preemies very fragile and get scared at the prospect of lifting or holding the baby. You have to trust your gut, be very cautious and sensitive, and seek advice from the doctor

9. Do We Need to Cut on Noises and Lights at Home

Your baby, ideally, should have been in the womb if they are premature. For optimum care, make sure that the lights and sounds are kept to a minimum, and not a lot of people visit the baby. Apart from creating noise, the presence of too many people also poses the risk of transferring germs to your baby.

A preemie needs extra care as the baby’s immune system is not as strong as a full-term baby. This is the reason why it is recommended to keep a premature newborn baby away from too many people and from going out and about.

10. How Do We Improve  Sleeping Habits of Premature Baby?

Make sure that you keep your newborn on his back while he is sleeping. This will help you to avoid Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, which is, as you might know, extremely common with preemies. Also, take care that your baby sleeps a lot, but at small intervals. To grow properly, they need ample sleeping time.

Raising a premature baby requires a lot of patience, care, and confidence. Remember, when it comes to preemies, every day counts.

Read Also: Breastfeeding A Premature Baby

The process of labor is a complicated one as a number of events happen simultaneously and are responsible for the delivery of the baby. The passage, the passenger (baby) and the mother all are actively involved in this great natural phenomenon.

• What Is Meant By Pushing Or Bearing Down The Baby?
• How Does Pushing During Delivery Happen?
• What Are The Types Of Pushing?
• What Factors Influence The Pushing Stage During Delivery?
• How Can I Select An Appropriate Birth Position?
• Breathing Methods During Labor
• How Can I Breathe Properly During Pushing?
• When Does The Second Stage Of Labor Begin?
• Perineal Aiding Measures

What Is Meant By Pushing Or Bearing Down The Baby?

Pushing or bearing down is an important stage of labor. With the onset of uterine contractions, the cervical canal begins to dilate and the process of cervical effacement commences and the baby starts to descend down in the birth canal. Pushing or bearing down can be described as the attempt or effort by the mother in trying to push the baby out of the uterus. The mother actively bears down or pushes when she gets the uterine contractions which are intermittent. Of the three stages of labor (contraction, giving birth, afterbirth) the most significant and most alarming phase is the pushing stage.
There will be lots of images and imagination regarding this stage as most of us have viewed this scene (though partially) in most of the family movies from our childhood. In most of them, commonly the women seem to scream wildly, hold their breath, turn pale or purple during and are out of their wits. This is not so all true.

How Does Pushing During Delivery Happen?

The first thing you should do when you are getting ready for a vaginal birth is to wipe off these frightening images. Giving birth is not such a complicated process of “life or death”. Do you know that a mother in a coma stage can also give birth to a healthy baby vaginally? This is because the body and uterus know how to do their work without much contribution from the mother’s part.
When the cervical opening is fully dilated the mother might not experience any uterine contractions- this is termed as thankful or rest phase. This helps the mother to calm down and also provides time to the baby to rotate to a preferable position. Some caregivers encourage the mother to bear down during this phase too, but it is of no help either to the baby or the mother. If you are aware how to push out the baby, it will make your delivery much easier and minimize the injuries that happen during vaginal birth.
First, let’s go through some steps that you are supposed NOT to do even if you have the urge to do so. They are:

• Never hold your breath
• Never start pushing if you are not feeling the urge to push
• Never lie on the back
• Never take notice of or calculate the duration of a push
• Never let someone or something to hold back the legs

What Are The Types Of Pushing?

The types of pushing are enlisted as below:

• Laboring Down: In this type of pushing the mother allows her body to push down on its own without any efforts to accentuate the pushing down of her uterus
• Spontaneous Bearing Down: In this the mother ‘allows her body to tell when to actively push’. The mother cannot hold her breath for more than 5-6 seconds
• Purple Pushing: When the mother is asked to push down and hold breath for a count of ten, it is called purple pushing. In purple pushing the mother turns purple with bulging eyes and everybody around her shouts “PUSH”! It is done in women who do not experience any urge to bear down

What Factors Influence The Pushing Stage During Delivery?

There are three important factors which help fast and safe pushing stage. That are:

Birth Position

The selection of birth, position plays a significant role in determining the comfort level of the mother during the process of delivery. It also influences how fast and efficiently the labor progress (or does not progress). A perfect birth position can speed up the labor and diminish uneasiness as it places the child in correct position. Also, unnecessary muscular exertion is reduced when the birth position is perfect. During pushing upright position of the mother is preferred as this allows the gravity to favor the process of pushing. However a number of positions are available in nowadays birth beds such as foot pedals, squat bar, etc.

How Can I Select An Appropriate Birth Position?

There is no one best birth position that fits all. In fact, a good midwife will ask the mother to change the birth position frequently during the labor to ease the pain. The most significant point is whatever position you opt, never opt for a position that requires you to stay flat on your back. The position that may have clicked for one woman may not be a success in another one. Also, the position helped you a lot on your first pregnancy may not help you during your second pregnancy.
Here we explain some positions which could help you in different situations.

• Side-lying position:
  • Mother rests on one side of her body slightly curled. Sliding a pillow between the knees can increase the comfort level
  • Suitable for slow and controlled birth
  • This position reduces unnecessary muscular exertion thereby lessening the fatigue in a long labor
  • This position will avoid the compression of major blood vessels(which may occur when you stay flat on your back)
  • However, during the early labor, this position is not found to the best choice
• Hands and knees:
  • Mother gets on all four on the bed
  • This position is apt when the baby is big or during a posterior presentation
  • Being on the hand and knees will provide relief from back pain prior to and during the labor
• Rocking:
  • Rocking back and forth in rhythm with the breathing (with or without playing the music in the back ground) can be soothing during the labor
  • This can also emotionally support the mother if she puts her arms around the birth companion’s (most of the time husbands) neck during rocking
• Walking:
  • Walking during the early stage of the labor can provide some distraction for the mother especially during slowly progressing labor
  • Just remember to seek some extra support when you get into the active labor
• Crawling position:
  • This position is carried out as absolutely as it sounds
  • This position favors when umbilical cord prolapse is an issue
  • If the amniotic sac breaks and the cord fell into the birth canal, this position will prevent the cord from falling further
• Full moon position:
  • In this position, you rest your shoulders and forearms on the level surface, keeping your front part lower than the rear
  • This position suits to turn a posterior baby
  • All the upright positions will utilize gravity to stimulate the progression of the labor

Breathing Methods During Labor

Breathing correctly while pushing will allow the baby move slowly down in a controlled fashion. Holding the breath will worsen the pain. As holding breath hinders with your oxygen intake, it can also make your child deprive of the oxygen. The patterned breathing will:

• Allow the tissues to stretch slowly minimizing the risk of tearing
• “The ring of fire” which often occurs when the baby crowns, can be avoided if you breath properly
• Makes the contraction more productive

How Can I Breathe Properly During Pushing?

• At the beginning and end of each contraction take a deep relaxing breath. This will provide more oxygen for your baby
• Variable breathing can be tried in the first stage when you are unable to relax. This breathing is also referred as “hee-hee-hoo” breathing. It consists of two or three light shallow breaths followed by a longer exhalation (like the name)
• Start to breathe slow when the contractions are intense
• Keep the mouth open. Keeping the throat and jaw relaxed is important as the jaw is tense, so is your perineum (sphincter law)
• Slowly breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth, allowing the air flow out with a sigh
• During the active labor, breathe in and breathe out rapidly through the mouth at about one breath per second
• As the contraction reaches the peak level, lightly breathe in and breathe out through your mouth
• As the contraction decreases, slow down the breathing rate and switch back to breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth

When Does The Second Stage Of Labor Begin?

When the cervix is fully dilated, the second stage of labor begins:

• Focus on the baby’s movement. Breathe slowly. You can speed up or slow down your breathe according to your comfort. When you have an irresistible urge to push, lean forward, tucking your chin to your chest slightly holding and slowly releasing breath by moaning
• After 4-5 seconds, release your breath and start to breath in and breath out
• Repeat this whenever you feel the urge to push (pushing urge comes and goes in waves). Utilize the breaks to breathe deeply which provides enough oxygen for the mother and child

Another tip is to wait for the body signal to start pushing rather than starting to push before the real urge begins. The fact that you are dilated 10 cm alone does not mean that you should start pushing.

Perineal Aiding Measures

A good perineal support can eliminate or diminish the chances of tearing. Perineal massages during the early stage of pregnancy will help to prepare the perineal tissues for the delivery. Your bystander or mid wife can:

• Apply warm compressors directly to perineum as the vagina starts to bulge when the baby starts descending
• Supporting the perennial tissue and emerging head of the baby will help with a slow and controlled delivery minimizing the tearing
• Avoid episiotomy as long as possible. Discuss this wish with your practitioner during prenatal appointments. Tearing, even the worst one, heals better than an episiotomy. This is because tearing effect only the soft tissue, whereas an episiotomy slice through the skin and muscle layer

Even after keeping all the above points in mind, if you feel an overwhelming urge to push, it is your body’s way to tell you that the baby is coming. If there are no other complications (like cord compression and fetal distress), go ahead with your urge.

A sitz bath is a therapeutic technique where the hips and buttocks are immersed in warm water. It is commonly used to alleviate discomfort and promote healing in the genital or anal areas. The warm water soothes irritated tissues, reduces swelling, and improves blood flow, providing relief from conditions like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, postpartum discomfort, and vaginal infections.

Sitz baths also have a relaxing effect, easing muscle tension and promoting overall comfort. They can be performed at home and are often recommended in combination with other treatments. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

In This Article

• What Is A Sitz Bath?
• When Is A Sitz Bath Recommended?
• What Precautions Should I Take While Taking A Sitz Bath After Delivery?
• What Are The Benefits Of Sitz Bath?
• How To Take A Sitz Bath In The Bath Tub?
• How To Take A Sitz Bath Using A Kit?
• How Often Can I Take A Sitz Bath?
• FAQ’s

What Is A Sitz Bath?

A sitz bath, also called a hip bath is a warm water bath used for cleansing or healing purposes in the pelvic and genital region. The name ‘sitz’ is derived from the German word ‘sitzen’ which means ‘to sit’.

A sitz bath is a therapeutic technique that involves immersing the hips and buttocks in warm water. It is commonly used to alleviate discomfort or promote healing in the genital or anal areas. The term “sitz” is derived from the German word “sitzen,” which means “to sit.”

During a sitz bath, a person sits in a specially designed basin or tub filled with warm water. The water level is typically deep enough to cover the hips and buttocks while allowing the legs to remain outside the bath. Sometimes, additional ingredients like Epsom salt, baking soda, or herbal infusions are added to the water to enhance its therapeutic effects.

When Is A Sitz Bath Recommended?

Sitz baths are typically recommended by healthcare professionals and can be performed at home. They are often used in combination with other treatments, such as medications or topical creams, to provide comprehensive relief and promote healing. A sitz bath can be helpful in relieving pain from your private parts and does not need a doctor’s prescription.

You can take a sitz bath for any or all of the below reasons:

1. Personal hygiene

While sitz baths are primarily known for their therapeutic benefits, they can also contribute to personal hygiene. Taking a sitz bath can help cleanse the genital or anal area, especially in situations where regular bathing or cleaning may be challenging, such as postpartum recovery or certain medical conditions. The warm water can aid in gently removing debris, promoting cleanliness, and reducing the risk of infections. However, it’s important to note that sitz baths should not replace regular daily hygiene practices, but rather serve as a complementary measure when necessary

2. After A Natural Birth

A Sitz bath is recommended if you have recently given birth through the vagina. In many vaginal birth cases, an incision is made between the vaginal opening and anus (episiotomy) during the delivery procedure. This cut will heal in a few weeks, but pain and irritation in the perineal area may persist creating discomfort. It may also cause infection if not properly taken care of. A sitz bath will provide relief from itching and pain and speed up the healing process. It will also reduce the swelling due to the episiotomy. Read more about episiotomy here.

3. Vaginal Infection

Vaginal yeast infection can be effectively treated with a warm saline sitz bath. For this add table salt enough to make the water salty and add some vinegar. Vinegar will help to bring the vaginal pH back to 4.5 and salt will help to decrease the itching and burning sensations. Now sit in the bath till the water gets cold

4. To Ease The Pain Of Hemorrhoids

Studies have shown that many pregnant women, especially those who are constipated, develop hemorrhoids mostly during their third trimester. They are often itchy and painful. A sitz bath will help them to relieve the pain and irritation to a certain extent. You can add baking soda to warm water to raise the soothing effect

If you have undergone surgery in your perineal area: Taking a sitz bath in warm water will help to increase the blood flow to the perineal area. This will boost the healing process. You can also add povidone-iodine, which has antibacterial properties, to the warm water to treat the infections

What Precautions Should I Take While Taking A Sitz Bath After Delivery?

Sitz bath is a hydrotherapy that comes under home remedies with a risk factor equaling zero. That means it is not essential to consult a doctor before taking a sitz bath. At the same time there are some factors that you should take care of before taking a sitz bath after delivery as follows:

• Don’t add any type of soap, whether it be a bubble bath or even shower gel, to the water.
• The temperature of the water should be lukewarm. Test the temperature before proceeding.
• After a natural delivery wait for 24 hours before going for a sitz bath.
• Before adding salt and herbs for a sitz bath after delivery, get the opinion of your doctor because salt may increase your pain and some herbs may not suit you. Only your doctor can guide you to the correct dosage and safe herbs.
• Use a soft towel to pat dry your bottom part. Don’t rub the perineum and bottom area with the towel because it will postpone your curing time.
• Thoroughly clean the tub or basin before and after taking a sitz bath.

What Are The Benefits Of Sitz Bath?

Sitz baths offer several benefits for individuals dealing with specific conditions or discomfort in the genital or anal areas.  There are three types of sitz baths.

1. Hot Sitz Bath

A hot sitz bath is taken in warm water and is beneficial for:

• Painful ovaries
• Uterine cramps
• Hemorrhoids

2. Cold Sitz Bath

The Cold sitz bath is taken in cold water. Sometimes people prefer a cold sitz bath. Those who prefer a cold sitz bath in ice water should note that such a bath should not be longer than 60 seconds. The cold sitz bath is beneficial for:

• Vaginal discharge
• Constipation
• Inflammation

3. Alternating Cold And Hot Sitz Bath

Alternating cold sitz bath and hot sitz bath are taking five minutes hot sitz bath followed by a one-minute cold sitz bath. You should always remember to finish the procedure with a cold sitz bath. Taking cold and hot sitz baths alternatively is seen beneficial for:

• Vaginal infection
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Abdominal disorders
• Pelvic congestion

How To Take A Sitz Bath In The Bath Tub?

For taking a sitz bath in the bathtub you should first ensure that the bathtub is thoroughly clean.

1. Fill the tub with about three to four inches of warm water
2. Sit in the tub. Make sure that your perineum is completely soaked in the water
3. Add any medicine/ herb or substance that the doctor might have prescribed
4. Sit for fifteen to twenty minutes. Stand up carefully and pat dry your bottom area
5. Rinse and clean the bathtub thoroughly

How To Take A Sitz Bath Using A Kit?

Using a basin that fits on your toilet seat will be easier for women during their postpartum period than taking a sitz bath in a tub. Sitz bath kits are available in most medical stores, pharmacies, and even supermarkets.

• Place the basin in the toilet seat carefully so that will stay in place and won’t shift
• Follow the instruction that you get with the kit
• Sit for fifteen to twenty minutes. When you are finished, stand up carefully and pat dry your bottom area with a soft towel
• Wash the basin with a disinfectant-based cleaning product

How Often Can I Take A Sitz Bath?

You can do a sitz bath up to three times a day, preferably morning, afternoon, and before going to bed. If you are having a sitz bath because your doctor recommended it, he will decide the duration and times based on your physical requirement.

Depending entirely on a sitz bath for curing your condition is not recommended. Sitz bath is supposed to be a hydrotherapy aid in reducing your pain and irritation. You should also take proper medication as prescribed by your doctor for fast recovery.

FAQ’s

1. Is A sitz Bath Just Hot Water?

Sitz bath is more than just hot water.  It typically involves the use of warm water, but it can also incorporate additional ingredients such as Epsom salt, baking soda, or herbal infusions to enhance its therapeutic effects. The specific temperature and additives used can vary based on the individual’s condition and doctor’s recommendations.

2. Can I Use Dettol For Sitz Bath?

It is generally not recommended to use Dettol or other harsh antiseptic solutions for a sitz bath. These products can be too strong and may irritate or dry out sensitive genital or anal areas.

3. Can I Take Sitz Bath Daily?

The frequency of taking a sitz bath depends on the individual’s specific condition and the guidance provided by a healthcare professional. In some cases, a sitz bath may be recommended daily as part of a treatment plan to promote healing and relieve discomfort.

Knowing you have a twin pregnancy may come as a surprise, shock or a phase of extreme happiness for you. Carrying two babies in the belly could cause some to gulp in disbelief, while some may already start figuring out the commercials and planograms. Some mothers get anxious worrying about the complications of a twin pregnancy and how they will take care of two or more babies at a time. There are couples who feel happy and blessed with the prospect of having multiple babies at a time. With the mixed feeling of joy, shock and excitement, many other questions throng the mind. Do I need to see the doctor frequently? Does a twin pregnancy require some special care or treatment? Would I be giving birth to healthy babies? And the list goes on and on.

Below are the common queries that you may want to know in case you have a twin or multiple pregnancy:

1. Antenatal Care: Of course with twin pregnancy you need to go for various checkups, scans and tests more frequently than if you were carrying a single baby. All this is essential to monitor the growth and development of babies and to avoid any complications. The number and type of medical tests depend on individual cases and many other factors like whether your babies share a placenta or if you have had complications during a previous pregnancy.
2. Weight Gain: Yes, you will gain extra weight while carrying twins than carrying single baby. Due to this you might feel down and tired soon. Gaining recommended weight is necessary to keep your babies healthy. Generally the recommended weight gain for a woman (who has healthy weight prior pregnancy) with twin pregnancy is 17-25kg.You will be required to eat a good deal of healthy foods which has all essential nutrients to promote a better health of your babies.
3. A Worse Case Of Morning Sickness – Though morning sickness is pretty sickening even when you are pregnant with a singleton, a twin pregnancy brings a even more worse first trimester with frequent nausea and vomiting episodes.
4. Early Delivery: Labor and delivery may come early with twin pregnancy, with chances of you going into labor by week 36 -38. Twins are always at a risk of a preterm and as a result they may be of low birth weights and with some health problems.
5. Precautions: You need to take plenty of rest which does not translate into bed rest unless your doctor advises you for it. With the progressive months you may have to limit your traveling or physical activities. The idea is to keep your calm along with peace of mind like in normal pregnancy (single baby).

You should not get worried whether it will be caesarean or vaginal birth if you are carrying twins. Many women with twin pregnancy deliver babies by vaginal route. Depression and anxiety is common with twin pregnancy and after the birth of twins. It may due to concern about their health or how you are going to handle two babies at a time. Twin pregnancy symptoms are almost similar to single pregnancy except that they are magnified (after all, they are two!). For taking care of two babies after birth, seek support from friends or family. Ask your partner to support you and enjoy nurturing two babies at a time!

Active labor is that stage of labor when the actual process of childbirth begins. The painful intense uterine contractions set in and the cervical opening dilates to about 10 cms. The stage of active labor commences when cervix is 3-4 cm dilated and lasts till the cervix becomes fully dilated and effaced.

The contractions become longer, stronger and come at shorter regular intervals. The mother might feel cramps in legs and even experience nausea.

Your back is painful and you feel like massaging your lower back. There could be a deep feeling of water bag bursting which eventually bursts due to increasing pressure, known as water breaking. By this time you should have reached the hospital of the birth centre, if you haven’t then without much delay, go there immediately. The pain will intensify and you are the only judge how much you can bear. Trust your instincts and decide when you require pain relief.

Active labor usually lasts between 4-5 hours. The stage is longer for first-time mothers and relatively short for moms who’ve had past vaginal deliveries.

Your caregiver and delivery team is of tremendous help while you are experiencing intense pain. Their encouragement helps you tackle the labor pains and their words keep you motivated throughout the painful period. You can try breathing exercise and relaxation techniques taught during childbirth classes. They will ease your discomfort and will enable you combat the labor pains.

In order to minimize labor discomfort you can try these:

• Roll on rubber ball (birthing ball
• Change positions
• Walk a while and breathe during contractions
• Get a gentle back massage during contractions
• Take warm shower

When your contractions become intense, you will feel:

• Excited or restless
• Difficulty in standing up
• Difficulty to drink and eat anything
• The desire to change position
• The need to take pain relief medicines

Transition phase is noted towards the end of the active labor. With the descent of baby the uterine contractions become intense and longer. The interval between contractions shortens.

Suddenly you might feel an urge to push down but your cervix is not fully dilated. The doctor will ask you to hold back and avoid pushing as it may cause the cervix to swell. This will retard the process of delivery. You can blow your way while getting intense uterine contractions.