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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Having a bath after birth

54 replies

tertle · 24/02/2014 20:58

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!

OP posts:
ilovepowerhoop · 24/02/2014 21:01

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 · 24/02/2014 21:02

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 · 24/02/2014 21:03

I had a bath post birth with both my children

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

MamaMary · 24/02/2014 21:03

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 · 24/02/2014 21:04

I too had a bath just after DC2.

ChablisLover · 24/02/2014 21:04

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 · 24/02/2014 21:15

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 · 24/02/2014 21:21

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 · 24/02/2014 21:29

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 · 24/02/2014 21:32

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

Pancakeflipper · 24/02/2014 21:38

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...

Original poster
tertle · 24/02/2014 21:39

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

OP posts:
Original poster
tertle · 24/02/2014 21:45

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!

OP posts:
fuckwittery · 24/02/2014 21:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MyNameIsAnAnagram · 24/02/2014 21:56

Ah, these crazy Euros Wink

hazchem · 25/02/2014 06:38

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 · 25/02/2014 06:42

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

changeforthebetter · 25/02/2014 07:02

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 Hmm)

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 · 25/02/2014 07:07

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 · 25/02/2014 07:11

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 · 25/02/2014 07:11

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 · 25/02/2014 09:22

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 · 25/02/2014 09:22

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 · 25/02/2014 09:24

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

RighteousSausage · 25/02/2014 09:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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