Know the Rules of Bathing After Childbirth

The process of giving birth, either normally or through a caesarean section, will definitely feel tiring. Naturally, if you want to take a bath immediately after giving birth, with the aim to be able to feel comfortable and refreshed. Bathing after giving birth should not be done haphazardly, especially if you haven't gotten permission from a doctor. Come on, know the rules of bathing after giving birth which is considered safe and medically recommended.

The Right Time for Bathing After Childbirth

In general, mothers who have just given birth and are in good health are allowed to take bath immediately. Even so, some doctors may suggest waiting 24 hours before taking a bath. The recommended bath time is likely to be different if you want to take a bath by soaking in the bathtub. Generally, mothers who give birth normally are allowed to bathe after giving birth, but mothers who give birth by caesarean section may need to wait up to one week before being allowed to soak. This period is needed so that the incision is dry enough and no longer bleeds.

Recommended Bath Procedures After Childbirth

Mother can actually choose the most comfortable water temperature for bathing, but make sure the water temperature is not too hot. Warm water lukewarm is more recommended for bathing after giving birth. Besides making the body feel more comfortable, warm water can relieve aches, pain in the area around the vagina, breast pain, and stomach cramps. Not only that, warm water can have a calming effect, after Mother struggled during childbirth. If you want to soak, avoid using foam soap and make sure the bathtub is thoroughly cleaned before use. The wall surface of the bathtub that is left damp can become a den of growth of germs and fungi that cause infection. If not careful, the infection can spread when soaking, especially if the bathtub is used together. Remember, during the first few weeks after giving birth, Mother is still recovering, and may also still experience puerperal bleeding. Therefore, it is recommended to soak after the bleeding stops, generally 6 weeks after giving birth. In addition to bathing to maintain overall bodily cleanliness, Mother is also required to maintain vaginal hygiene. Routinely change pads every 4 hours or whenever you feel the pads are full. clean the vagina, both when bathing or after urinating or defecating, wash from front to back. This is done to avoid the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina. Not only that, Mother also needs to maintain the cleanliness of suture wounds, both episiotomy stitches and cesarean section stitches.

Cleanse the Suture in the Shower

When bathing after giving birth, you need to be more careful. This is because bodily movements or excessive cleansing of the body and stitches, risk making the stitches open again. Take a slow shower and gently clean the suture scars until they are clean. If this is difficult, bathing with a wet cloth can be an option. It is natural that there is blood or fluid coming out of a scarred stitch in the first few days after giving birth. Strive to always keep the wound clean by washing it gently every day using warm water and soap. Then, dry it by gently patting it with a soft towel or gauze. Also change the bandage to cover the wound according to doctor's orders. If fluid or blood continues to come out of the stitching scar, do not hesitate to immediately return control to the doctor, so that it can be examined and get the treatment that may be needed. Especially if the stitches appear inflamed, festering, or the discharge coming out smells unpleasant. Bathing after childbirth is needed so that bodily hygiene is maintained. However, pay attention to the things that have been explained above when doing so. If necessary, consult further about the safe bath rules after giving birth to your obstetrician.