Before going home with your little bundle of joy, the doctor and nurses will give you instructions for postpartum care. A question might cross your mind. How do I shower? Can I shower?
And as much as you want to remember everything, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with all the information. So, to help you get started on the best hygiene practices after normal vaginal or C-section delivery, here’s a simple guide you can follow.
When Can I Take a Shower After Giving Birth?
Mommies want to feel fresh and clean before they hold their baby and marvel at their little features. But, sometimes, they doubt getting into the shower or soaking in a bathtub.
Here’s an important note: There’s no hard and fast rule for showering or taking a bath after giving birth. It depends on a lot of factors.
For instance, did you have a normal vaginal delivery or a C-section? How’s your energy level? Do you have an episiotomy wound? What material did the surgeon use for your stitches?
All these things have to be taken into consideration, so the best course of action is to contact your healthcare provider. Nevertheless, here’s a general guide for a nice shower after giving birth.
Taking A Shower or Bath After Vaginal Delivery
If you gave birth via normal spontaneous delivery or vaginal birth, chances are, you can take a shower or bath as soon as you’re able. Just be mindful of the following guidelines:
Reports say that you could take a shower anytime, but be sure that you’re strong enough for it.
Soaking in a tub could be okay, although experts have different opinions about it. It’s also important to make sure that your tub and the water you’re soaking in is very clean.
Some reports say you should wait at least 3 days before having a relaxing soak; others say it’s right as long as you’re careful with the products you use in the bath.
To be on the safe side, just use plain, clean water for soaking.
If you have an episiotomy wound (incision made to widen the vaginal opening during delivery), you might want to wait for 24 hours after giving birth before you take a bath.
Many institutions are in favour of soaking in a few inches of plain, warm water (Sitz bath) for 15 minutes, twice or thrice a day. Especially if you experience discomfort in your episiotomy or tear wound.
If you have stitches, ask if it can tolerate a warm soak. Some kinds of stitches may dissolve when the water is too hot.
After bathing or taking a shower, make sure you gently pat your vaginal area dry.
Taking A Shower After C-section Delivery
Having a C-section delivery is completely different from giving birth vaginally. In most cases, the doctor will give you strict instructions on when you can take a shower or bath. This is typically when your incision has completely healed. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
Showering could be permissible if stitches, glue, or staples were used to close your skin. However, the doctor may still advise you to wait for a few days.
The doctor may allow you to use antimicrobial bath soap but try not to apply the soap directly to the area. You may need to make foam in your hand before you gently apply it to the wound.
While in the shower, it’s often enough to let the water run on your wound. Do not rub or scrub your wound.
Make sure that the water is not too hot or too cold. Pat the incision area gently to ensure that it’s dry after showering. Your doctor will probably not allow you to soak in the tub after C-section delivery. Many reports say you need to wait for a couple of weeks before you can do so.
If you develop haemorrhoids, soaking in warm water may be advised. However, the water level should be low enough to keep the wound dry.
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