How Soon After Giving Birth Can You Take A Bath?

Since childbirth is a strenuous, taxing event, wanting to take a bath when you're no longer pregnant makes perfect sense. Especially in the early days of motherhood, leaning on tried-and-true ways to provide your body (and mind) some relaxation and immediate pain relief is extremely important. However, the type of birth you have plays a significant role in the timing of your first postpartum bath. Whether you've had a vaginal or cesarean delivery, coupled with any recommendations from your healthcare provider, the timing of your first full-body soak can range from as little as 24 hours to six weeks.

While certain healthcare practitioners may give you the green light to bathe immediately, others may advise you to wait longer — up to a few weeks – to avoid infection risks or until your cervix has returned to its undilated state. However, a recent study found taking a bath early in the postpartum period did not increase participants' risk for infection — and actually benefited mothers' mental health during this important recovery period. Bathing can help soothe postpartum soreness and alleviate pain. That being said, every situation is different, and you should always follow the recommended protocol of your healthcare provider. 

If you've had a cesarean section, most doctors insist on waiting between four and six weeks before submerging yourself in water. Given the incision on the lower part of your abdomen, healthcare professionals generally recommend avoiding baths to prevent any risk of infection. No matter when you choose to bathe postpartum, it's recommended to use gentle soap and avoid products with heavy scents that could irritate your skin and disrupt healing.

If you're sad you can't fully submerge yourself in a tub full of water following delivery, you may be able to get some gratification with a sitz bath. Sitz baths involve sitting in approximately 2 to 3 inches of warm water for up to 20 minutes to soothe any sore areas following childbirth. These makeshift baths can be done in a full-sized tub or by using a basin that fits directly over your toilet seat, like the RuGuo Sitz Bath from Amazon. While plain warm water is most recommended, you can also add Epsom salts or a small amount of witch hazel to help reduce any inflammation.

Because sitz baths don't involve submerging your entire body in water, they're generally safe to practice regardless of the type of birth you have. While many women who have cesarean sections don't see the benefit of sitz baths because they didn't undergo a vaginal delivery, these "baths" can still provide relief for certain pregnancy-related issues like hemorrhoids. Just make sure your abdominal incision doesn't fall below the surface of the water in the process.

Sitz baths aside, the best and most reliable way to get clean right in the immediate days after childbirth is to take a shower. Whether you've had a vaginal delivery or C-section, using warm water and mild soap under running water is the safest and most trustworthy method to get clean and soothe your body after having a baby.