How To Use the Postpartum Herbal Bath for Healing and an Emotional Reset
Herbal baths have traditionally been used by midwives to help mothers and babies soothe and heal after birth. The herbs are specifically chosen for their synergistic healing properties, and because of the careful preparation and ingredients, they are generally safe even in situations like these where you would otherwise avoid immersion. Consequently, they are revered for their extraordinary ability to soothe sore moms in the first week postpartum, reduce post-surgical discomfort after a C‑section, and dry up the newborn’s stinky cord site. If you are new to herbal baths, there are lots of pictures and stories to get you up to speed on our herbal bath page.
Sometimes, however, as we know, birth does not go as hoped and planned. There may be grief about small details or tremendous pain from difficult circumstances. Sometimes home births need to transport to medical facilities. Sometimes there is separation and worry, catastrophic trauma, or, so sadly, a loss. It was in response to these challenging times that mothers and I came up with what we now call “The Do‑Over Bath.”
In this case, the herbal bath is used as a ceremonial time to honor the closing of a chapter and to make room for an emotional reset. Some mothers may simply need a fresh chance to bond with baby, have some sense of closure, and begin again. Depending on how intense the experience has been, their response may range from a satisfied sigh to the bath representing just one small step on a longer healing journey. In all cases, the mothers who’ve embraced a Do‑Over Bath have later shared that they felt more peaceful and more “put together.”
In a Do‑Over Bath, mom guides the process.
What follows are gentle suggestions so she doesn’t have to think too much, and so the experience is easily personalized.
It need not be complicated; in fact, it’s probably better if it’s not. Mothers may be ready for the Do‑Over Bath within weeks, or not for months. The only absolute is this: if there is still fresh physical healing in progress, such as postpartum bleeding or stitches less than 10 days old, the bath must be prepared as directed to protect mom and baby from infection and to avoid dissolving stitches too early.
“Over many years of making herbal baths for mothers in their own kitchens, I’ve refined a recipe that consistently supports healing and feels beautiful to use—the same blend we now offer as Indigo Forest’s baths. ”
My OB/GYN colleague, Dr. Elizabeth Shadigian, and I have both used these baths with outstanding results for years. There are, of course, many lovely baths out there. For safety’s sake, do make sure that whatever bath you use includes at least ¼ cup of salt, several cups of plant material (yes, this may use up several bags of some brands), and that it’s steeped in a large volume of water (at least a gallon) for several hours or more. We want it to be potent plant medicine and aromatherapy—very different from a simple cup of tea.
Read my simple directions here for details to start, then consider:
Before beginning, prepare the bathing space and the landing zone for when she gets out.
Pick a quiet household time, perhaps when the big kids are off to activities or school.
Soften the lights in the bathroom. Create a healing atmosphere with candles, natural light, or by unscrewing a few of the bulbs.
Make sure the bathroom is cozy, warm, and relatively tidy.
If the baby is unavailable to join her in the bath (in the NICU or born still), she may like a photo, memento, flowers, or a special candle to hold space for her wee one.
Draw the bath; mom will know if she wants company or not. I’ve had mothers ask for alone time while I hold space for her—or hold the baby—in another room. Others have wanted quiet company or specifically requested pictures as the only “normal” photos they have of their expected birth experience.
Bring in the baby when she’s ready. The warm bathroom will help keep baby calm. Mom can hold the baby’s head in one hand and baby’s hands together over the chest with the other. Keep all but the face submerged in water for warmth (yes, even the ears). There is no strict time limit, except to keep it under 15 minutes if stitches are present.
If possible, I suggest mother and baby go to bed together afterward, just as they might have if the birth had gone more smoothly.
For many women, this intentional ceremony is the first time they feel they can fully relax, inwardly let their guard down, and trust that the bumpy ride is “over.” After she takes her time freshly meeting her baby again—admiring those toes, smelling that soft baby head—we tuck them in for a cozy nap together. Depending on comfort, it can be lovely to be skin‑to‑skin, wearing just underwear and diapers. As arranged beforehand, the helper then quietly puts the bathroom back together and slips out.
I have found that simmering the bath at the mama’s home can be an important part of the ceremony. As the simmering hour passes, it gives us a chance to chit‑chat, and invariably she begins to share her thoughts and feelings; being listened to is a healing experience in itself. The bath’s wonderful aroma brings a sense of peace and contentment to the whole house—a memorable beginning, and ending, to the healing Do‑Over Bath.