[cresorchid]

I'm nearly ready to give birth, preparation-wise at least, and I figure it will be within the week. My question is this: I have betadine and distilled water to use for sitz baths following the birth, but I don't know how much betadine to water I should use? Does anyone have that information?

 

[yvonnemlv]

A little goes a long way. I've not used betadine in awhile, wow. But yes, a little goes a long way. A small capful for 5 gallons would probably be fine? But I'll let more experienced people give input. I'm more into herbs these days and would probably use normal bath water with comfrey and marigold.

Hope your birthing goes well!

Lots of smooth labor and birthing vibes to you and baby!

 

[mwherbs]

the iodine soap is not necessary and can be irritating for some also it does have some systemic effects on thyroid

if you want something to add to a bath or sitz bath there are several herbs that can be used that can promote healing and reduce swelling for instance lavender flowers put you can put about 1-2 handful into an old dish towel
other herbs commonly used uva ursi, yarrow, comfrey, plantain, calendula, rose petals-- you can use any together or alone

 

[pamamidwife]

I agree with mwherbs - no betadine! I'ts really icky and not good for you at all!

Even plain water with some sea salt is good.

 

[Thmom]

yep, give dh the betadine to clean up with after the birth LOL

 

[doctorjen]

Yick, betadine. I hate the stuff, plus it stains, and for many women it causes terrible itching. It's irritating to the skin, and certainly doesn't promote healing. Plain warm water is soothing - or a little sea salt.
I wouldn't use it to clean up with either - it's one of the few things I've never been able to come up with a laundry method to remove stains of it with!

 

[PapayaVagina]

I guess I'm in the minority but I love betadine. When I was really young I had a horrible Staph infection in my leg and our doc recommended several daily soaks with a betadine compress. It always made my leg feel much better and I truly believed help the healing process. It's one of the few things that is really helpful in my healing process as I've always been a very slow healer.