Sitz Bath How-To

This easy trick not only relieves the annoyance of hemorrhoids, it also eases vaginal pain post-birth. Here's how to do it.

 

  1. Fill the tub with enough warm water to cover your bottom and hips. Or, go to the drugstore and pick up a sitz bath that fits over your toilet. They're fairly inexpensive and will come in pretty handy over the next months.

  2. Make sure your water is the right temp: warm almost to the point of discomfort, but not hot enough to burn. Your doctor might recommend adding baking soda or another soothing element to the water.

  3. Have a seat, and stay there for the next 20 minutes or so. When you're done, gently pat the area dry.

  4. Repeat as needed.

Source: Pregnancy & Newborn, page 60, March 2010