Effect of sitz bath in reduction of episiotomy pain and wound healing among postnatal mothers

Postnatal women are prone for puerperial infection and any trauma such as episiotomy, tear, laceration can increase the tendency for the development of infection, pain and discomfort in the postnatal period which can be reduced by proper hygienic measures, especially perineal care, therapeutic cleansing soak, such as warm water sitz bath for rapid healing. Considering this, a quasi experimental study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of sitz bath in reduction of episiotomy pain and wound healing among postnatal mothers admitted in postnatal units of DMC&H and Deep Hospital, Model town, Ludhiana, Punjab. The sample consisted of 60 postnatal mothers with episiotomy (30 in each experimental group and 30 in control group). Experimental group received sitz bath and control group received routine care. Assessment of pain was done with Numeric pain rating scale and assessment of wound healing was done with Modified Davidson REEDA scale. The findings revealed that application of sitz bath was effective in relieving episiotomy pain and improving wound healing (p=0.001)