Re: Postpartum Instructions regarding Bathing

From: Heather Jerstad (heather_jerstad@und.nodak.edu)
Wed, 6 Feb 2002 15:35:06 -0600 (CST)

My name is Heather and I am a nursing student from UND. I have found some information regarding bathing with episiotomies and lacerations. The information that I have found neither encourages tub bathing nor discourages it, but does fully support sitz baths. My first source says that the warmth of the water in the sitz bath provides comfort and decreases pain. It also says that the warm water increases circulation to the tissues, promoting healing and reducing the incidence of infection (Olds, London, & Ladewig, 2000, p. 937). Regarding at home teaching, Olds et al, 2000, p. 937, says that home use of sitz baths may be recommended for the woman with an extensive episiotomy. If a woman is using her own tub it is important that only 4-6 inches of water is drawn, temperature of water is assessed, and that it is only used for the sitz and not the bathing. It also says that if the woman takes a tub bath, she should drain the water, clean the tub, and fill the tub with new water when taking the sitz bath to prevent infection. According to Lowedermilk, Perry, & Bobak, 1999, p. 433, they say that some simple interventions that can decrease the discomfort associated with an episiotomy or perineal lacerations include a cleansing shower, tub bath, or a sitz bath, (cool or warm water). All of the sources that I found fully support sitz baths for women recovering from vaginal birth. Hogan & Glazebrook, 2003, p. 226 & 229, said that sitz baths are encouraged, warm or cool, TID and PRN after the first 12-24 hours. They also encourage couples to resume sexual activity after the episiotomy has healed, which is about 3 weeks after a vaginal delivery. Since this source supports sexual activity after 3 weeks, it seems that bathing could be a consideration. I hope that this helps with your question regarding bathing with an episiotomy or laceration!

Hogan, M. A., & Glazebrook, R. S. (2003). Maternal-Newborn Nursing: Reviews & Rationales. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Lowdermilk, D. L., Perry, S. E., & Bobak, I. M. (1999). Maternity Nursing. (5th ed). St. Louis: Mosby.

Olds, S. B., London, M. L., & Ladewig, P. A. (2000). Maternal-Newborn Nursing: A Family and Community-Based Approach. (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall Health.

At Mon, 22 Jan 2001, Claudia Twisdale RN wrote: >
>I have always been taught shower only until 4-6 weeks post partum. Until
>this time cervix is still open, and run risk of infection. (No sex,
>douching, tampons, or tub bath for 4-6 weeks)Sitz bath though is good
>for perineum.
>
>At Sat, 20 Jan 2001, Sharon Chamness wrote:
>>
>>I work with postpartum women and have been trying to investigate whether
>>bathing is recommended for women recovering from vaginal deliveries with
>>either episiotomies or lacerations. I have been caught up in a debate
>>and have heard arguments for both. Are there any articles that anyone
>>is aware of that supports or denies this recommendation? Thanks

--
Heather Jerstad SN

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