Salt baths after childbirth

[mj.scuba]

Years ago, they used to advise new mothers to take salt baths to help with healing, if she has had stitches.

 

I now find that this is no longer advisable - does anyone know why? - is it because of the damage the salt might make to the baths, or is it for the health of the new mum?

 

I am asking because I have a friend who has just given birth - and when she comes home from hospital, thought it might do her good!

 

Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

My missus had a baby in 2009 and had stitches and took salt baths at home. Not sure if it was advised by the midwife or her gran though. AFAIK it did do her some good.

[*Peaches*]

Salt baths arent advised for ladies who have disolvable stitches (If I remember rightly) because it makes them disolve too quickly

[xfox3x]

I remember my friend doing research into the use of saline soaks/baths as part of some post-grad nursing course and the results showed that there was no point in advising them to patients.

 

http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-specialisms/wound-care/tap-water-as-good-as-saline-for-wound-care/537150.article

[llamatron]

No. When my OH had my daughter she was recommended creams for the stitches, not something out of the dark ages like a salt bath!

 

Some traditional remedies still have their place but you can't beat 21st century medicine for others. I've got a cut on my hand so I put a bit of Germoline cream on it. Stopped the stinging and is healing nicely. I can carry the little tube anywhere and apply where necessary. I don't relish having to set up a salt water wash for it.

 

I think a salt bath is better than creams because there is nothing in it but antiseptic. I think the only improvement on a cream is the ease of application. But you are paying a lot for it!

 

Although Im not really talking about baths more general salt water useage for gammy eyes etc!

[alstromeria]

Years ago, they used to advise new mothers to take salt baths to help with healing, if she has had stitches.

 

I now find that this is no longer advisable - does anyone know why? - is it because of the damage the salt might make to the baths, or is it for the health of the new mum?

 

I am asking because I have a friend who has just given birth - and when she comes home from hospital, thought it might do her good!

 

Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

Apparently, it's because the cervix doesn't close for a while after the birth and salt water can get through cause an infection. However, I had regular salt baths after the birth of my last child and I was fine. For me, I struggled to understand how salt water can cause an infection.

[vwkittie]

No. When my OH had my daughter she was recommended creams for the stitches, not something out of the dark ages like a salt bath!

 

Some traditional remedies still have their place but you can't beat 21st century medicine for others. I've got a cut on my hand so I put a bit of Germoline cream on it. Stopped the stinging and is healing nicely. I can carry the little tube anywhere and apply where necessary. I don't relish having to set up a salt water wash for it.

 

When I've had piercings I was advised to smother them in a variety of treatments but over the years found out that salt soaks is definitely the best thing!

[Annina]

I have given birth to five babies,and can highly recommend salt baths to sooth and heal.

 

Not all the old fashioned remedies are rubbish,it also works for mouth ulcers and sore throats,among other things,such as too much sun.

[curriechick]

Salt baths arent advised for ladies who have disolvable stitches (If I remember rightly) because it makes them disolve too quickly

 

That's right, when I had both my children I had stitches and was advised to have 3 salt baths a day in order to help the healing and dissolve the internal stitiching. In fact in every bathroom in the maternity unit at the Northern General Hospital (yes it is that long since I had my children) there was a big pot of salt for use in the baths.

[birdsandbees]

Salt & Dettol, very soothing

[poppins]

Salt & Dettol, very soothing

 

Dettol, that would sting.