Having a bath after birth

[tertle]

I have been told by midwives that I shouldn't have a bath until six weeks after birth due to risk of infection. Very disappointed about this as I love having a relaxing bath!

However I wonder if this is common practice as keep seeing advice about putting lavender oil in baths after birth or bathing with a newborn (which I really like the idea of).

What are your experiences? Thank you!

[ilovepowerhoop]

www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/you-after-birth.aspx#close - says If you've had stitches after tearing or an episiotomy (cut), bathe the area often in clean, warm water to help it heal. Have a bath or shower with plain warm water. After bathing, dry yourself carefully.

I dont remember being told not to have a bath

[MyNameIsAnAnagram]

I had a bath about an hour after ds1s birth, at the midwifes suggestion (ds1 had gone to be checked at scbu and she thought it would keep me occupied I think). Is there a particular reason that you would be at risk of infection?

[rubyslippers]

I had a bath post birth with both my children

On the contrary, baths with lavender oil were recommended by my midwives

[MamaMary]

I had a bath immediately after giving birth to DD2. Midwife assisted me. It was the best bath ever!

Had daily baths for the next couple of weeks, adding a little lavendar oil and tee tree oil. Really helped heal things up.

[Wolfiefan]

I too had a bath just after DC2.

[ChablisLover]

Baths with lavender tea tree or salt was recommended to keep stitches clean for me.

Would have screamed if I couldn't have one

[MooseBeTimeForSnow]

I had a CS and was told not to have a bath for six weeks. DH bought me a lovely bottle of bubble bath with " do not open until (date) written on it!

[Polyethyl]

The midwife ran a bath for me a hour after having an episiotomy and stitches. I still had a catheter in. I needed that bath. It was good!

[emsyj]

I had a bath within a week of c-section (would have had one sooner if I hadn't been in hospital so long) and within hours of vaginal delivery. Good god, I couldn't last 6 weeks without a bath - I'm a total bath addict (daily bather here).

[Wincher]

I think it's that you shouldn't have a bath with bubble bath in for 6 weeks.

[Pancakeflipper]

Midwife ran me a bath an hour after giving birth. Gave baby to the beaming daddy, handed me a glass of iced water. Bliss. Best bath ever.

And they didn't murmur at the bloodied towels I left on the floor...

[tertle]

Thanks all. There's no particular reason why I'd be more at risk of infection, no. However I live abroad and I think that they're a bit odd about baths here! I've been t

[tertle]

Posted too soon sorry! I've been told that baths should be avoided even without bubble bath but as emsyj I am a serial bath taker and really can't face 6 weeks without one. So v relieved to see that baths are recommended in other parts of Europe!

[MyNameIsAnAnagram]

Ah, these crazy Euros

[hazchem]

I was recommended to have baths daily with lavender and teatree oil. Midwife suggested mixing a few drops of each oil into full fat milk. Shake vigorously and then add to running water.

[EEatingSoupForLunch]

I gave birth in one! Don't worry, enjoy a bath.

[changeforthebetter]

Also told by a midwife to have a bath with tea tree oil after the birth(a shame I wasn't actually told this until about 2 weeks post partum )

The only way I could see it being an issue would be if you had had a section and the scar was packed with something to aid healing (happened to a friend but not common).

[Kittymalinky]

I was told by my MW after I had DD, and a large episiotomy with lots of stitches, to try to bath once a day, preferably twice, in water with a little teetree and lavender oil. Was lovely, my DD joined me quite a few times as well.

[Highlandbird]

Another one here that was run a bath by midwives immediately after both births and told to have at least one bath a day, I think you'll be fine if you don't use any scented products or bubble bath. It's nice to get a few minutes to yourself every day too!

[purplemurple1]

I was told no bath for 6 weeks post birth, I think it is fairly new advice, and obvioulsy like lots of things lots of people do the opposite to the advice (follow old advice) and are fine.

I was dissapointed but lots of long hot showers were fine, but I wasn't achey or sore so maybe its different for you.

[MrsCDNinUK]

Was told 6 weeks with no baths in Canada. The cervix can still be slightly open, increasing the risk of introducing an infection. I had to wait 6 weeks after c-sections as well.

[emsyj]

It would have to be very new advice really, DD2 is only just turned 1 and my midwife instructed DH to run me a bath before she left after the birth.

[ilovepowerhoop]

the advice I linked to is from the nhs website so would be up to date