How to use Witch Hazel for Postpartum Healing

May 11, 2023

Witch hazel is commonly used after vaginal delivery to soothe and refresh the external perineal area. When alcohol-free and formulated for postpartum care, it can be applied as a perineal spray, added to maternity pads for cooling comfort, or mixed into a sitz bath. It provides a gentle cooling effect and supports overall postpartum comfort.

What Is Witch Hazel Used for After Birth?

After birth, witch hazel is used externally to:

Cool and refresh the perineal area
Provide soothing relief after vaginal delivery
Support gentle postpartum hygiene
Enhance comfort during postpartum recovery
Add cooling comfort to maternity pads

It should only be used externally and in alcohol-free formulations

When Should You Start Using Witch Hazel Postpartum?

Most mothers begin using witch hazel within 24 hours after vaginal delivery, once they feel comfortable and have guidance from their midwife.

It can be used:

After each bathroom visit
During maternity pad changes
As part of a morning and evening postpartum care routine
Whenever the perineal area feels warm or tender

Cooling postpartum spray products make this especially simple. Simply spray and allow the mist to settle naturally.

What kind of witch hazel should I use postpartum?

Choose:

Alcohol-free witch hazel
Fragrance-free or naturally scented formulas
Products specifically designed for postpartum care

Avoid high-alcohol or cosmetic facial toners, which may be too drying.

Can I pack witch hazel in my hospital bag?

Yes. Witch hazel products such as a perineal spray or postpartum wipes are helpful additions to your hospital bag. They provide refreshing comfort after delivery and are easy to use during early recovery

Why Witch Hazel Has Been Used for Generations After Birth

For generations, women have turned to simple botanical remedies to soothe and refresh the body after childbirth. Witch hazel is one of the most enduring.

Derived from the bark and leaves of the Hamamelis virginiana shrub, witch hazel has traditionally been used for its cooling and toning qualities. After a vaginal delivery, when the perineal area may feel warm, swollen, or tender, that gentle cooling sensation can feel deeply comforting.

In modern postpartum care, witch hazel is most often found in:

Perineal sprays
Cooling pads
Postpartum wipes
Sitz bath blends
Its continued use speaks to its simplicity and reliability.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Witch Hazel for Postpartum Healing

Use a Perineal Spray during a pad change or as needed throughout the day

Cleanse gently using a peri bottle and warm water
Pat dry with a soft towel.
Apply alcohol-free witch hazel externally using a perineal spray. This is especially helpful in the early days when movement feels tender.
Allow the cooling effect to settle naturally.
Replace with a fresh maternity pad.

For extra cooling comfort, refrigerate your perineal spray before use

Our Mum Bub Hub Perineal Spray blends alcohol-free witch hazel with calming botanicals, creating a light herbal mist that feels refreshing rather than overwhelming.

Add Witch Hazel to Maternity Pads

You can lightly spritz maternity pads with alcohol-free witch hazel and place them in the fridge for short periods.

This creates a gentle cooling pad that conforms to your body while absorbing postpartum bleeding.

Pairing a breathable maternity pad with a light mist of witch hazel offers a balance of practicality and comfort.

Use in a Sitz Bath

Warm water encourages circulation. Adding a small amount of alcohol-free witch hazel to a sitz bath introduces a refreshing element.

You may also combine it with a postpartum bath soak made from dried botanicals.The brewing liquid can be steeped and added to warm water to create a traditional herbal sitz ritual.

Sit for 10–15 minutes. Rest. Breathe.

What Makes Witch Hazel Helpful After Vaginal Delivery?

After birth, your body is recalibrating.

Witch hazel offers:

A cooling effect
A light toning sensation
A clean, refreshed feeling

It does not replace medical advice. It does not promise to heal. It simply supports comfort.

Choosing Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel

This matters.

Many commercial witch hazel products contain alcohol, which can dry sensitive postpartum skin.

Look for:

Alcohol-free formulas
Short ingredient lists
No synthetic fragrance

A thoughtfully blended perineal spray simplifies this process, ensuring dilution and safety are already considered.

Building a Gentle Postpartum Routine

Witch hazel works best when it becomes part of a broader ritual:

Morning:

Peri bottle rinse
Light perineal spray
Fresh maternity pad

Afternoon:

Rest
Cooling pad if needed
Hydration

Evening:

Warm sitz bath or herbal postpartum soak
Soft cotton underwear

Small repetitions build comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use witch hazel if I have stitches?

Yes, externally and gently. Avoid rubbing. Spray rather than wipe. Always check with your GP or health provider if unsure or have specific concerns.

Is witch hazel safe for postpartum healing?

Alcohol-free witch hazel is commonly used externally after birth for cooling comfort. It is suitable for sensitive postpartum skin when properly diluted and applied externally.

Can witch hazel go inside the vagina?

No. Witch hazel should only be used externally on the perineal area.

How often should I use witch hazel postpartum?

As needed for comfort. Many mums use it during each bathroom visit in the first week.

How long should I use witch hazel postpartum?

Most mothers use it for the first 1–3 weeks after birth, depending on comfort.

Is witch hazel suitable for sensitive skin?

Alcohol-free formulations are generally suitable, but always check with your GP or health provider if unsure.

Can witch hazel replace a peri bottle?

No. A peri bottle cleanses with water. Witch hazel provides additional cooling comfort afterward.

Our Approach to Postpartum Witch Hazel Care

At Mum Bub Hub, we design postpartum products with simplicity and tradition in mind. Our formulations prioritise alcohol-free witch hazel, plant-based ingredients, and gentle blends suitable for sensitive postpartum skin.

Every product is created to support comfort, not complication - rooted in traditional care and modern safety standards.

Every formula is created with the understanding that postpartum skin deserves calm, not complication.