Postpartum Herbal Bath

After I gave birth to both of my children I desperately wanted to take a bath as soon as possible since it has always been one of my favorite ways to relax. Since having my children I have learned about herbal baths. I love everything about them; the relaxation, the healing qualities of the herbs, and of course, the awesome photo opportunities they provide.

Herbal Bath - Colorado Birth Photographer

They are simple enough to make and Google can provide you with enough recipes that you can tailor it to your preferences.

Here a few I found:

From The Birthing Site:

  • 1 ounce lavender (Relaxation, helps with bruising.)
  • 1 ounce uva ursi (Antiseptic, antimicrobial & astringent.)
  • 1 ounce sheppard’s purse (Reduces bleeding and bruising.)
  • 1 ounce calendula (Knits wounds, soothes inflammation, controls bleeding, & heals damaged tissue. Antiseptic & antimicrobial.)
  • 1 ounce comfrey (Knits wounds, speeds healing. Astringent, anti-inflammatory & soothing.)
  • 1 cup sea salt or Epsom Salt

From Modern Alternative Mother

  • 1 part Epsom salts
  • 2 parts comfrey root or leaves (root can sometimes be hard to find)
  • 2 parts lavender flowers
  • 1 part chamomile
  • 1 part uva ursi
  • 1 part arnica (optional)

Herbal Bath - Denver Birth Photographer

If you are going to give birth at the hospital I would recommend making your tea ahead of time. The majority of the instructions said to add your ingredients to about 10 cups of boiling water, let seep and then strain. Put it in a container that you can freeze if necessary. When you are at the hospital you can then add your solution to their tub without having to worry about cleaning out the tub. Alternatively, you could store the ingredients in a sock or muslin bag and add to your bath water. I like the first method because then you can also add it to your perri bottle or make ice packs using the tea.

Herbal Bath - Colorado Birth Photographer

To include your newborn in the bath, make sure you have a helping hand there and the water isn’t too hot or too cold. Support your baby’s head and shoulders and allow them to “float” in the water. I have never seen a more peacefully baby than one taking a herbal bath with mom.

Herbal Bath - Colorado Birth Photographer

Here are a couple online retailers that offer herbal baths pre-made:

BirthSongBotanicals

DeerFootHerbs

EuphoricHerbals

Herbal Bath - Colorado Birth Photographer

2012-11-19T14:55:52+00:00

11 Comments

  1. David G November 19, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    What great memories for this young family!

  2. Tara Colburn November 19, 2012 at 5:08 pm

    I’ve never heard of this, but I love it. Great photos also!

  3. Melissa Johnson November 19, 2012 at 5:54 pm

    Awwww, love these photos!! Especially the toes photo!!! =)

  4. Christine November 19, 2012 at 6:15 pm

    I totally agree, a herbal bath is AMAZING. I have never thought about it for my baby though – I’m definitely going to try it. Thank you so much for the advice and links!

  5. Simply Laura Photography November 19, 2012 at 7:02 pm

    Such a wonderful idea! The images are beautiful, and they will cherish them.

  6. patty November 19, 2012 at 7:28 pm

    Beautiful. I LOVE the smell of these herbal baths too.

  7. Natalie November 19, 2012 at 8:29 pm

    This is such a good idea and these images are beautiful!

  8. Katie Landers November 19, 2012 at 11:55 pm

    I LOVE this!

  9. fireguy444 November 20, 2012 at 6:16 pm

    These are great….love those little toes!

  10. Angela Douglas Ramsey November 20, 2012 at 8:29 pm

    I absolutely love this!! I wish I had know about it before I had my kids!!

  11. Perth Newborn Photographer November 26, 2012 at 9:35 am

    What a wonderful idea!

Comments are closed.