Benefits of Postpartum Vaginal Steaming
Yoni steaming for postpartum recovery has a rich, robust, and global history.
Unfortunately, with the onset of Western gynecology in the late 19th century, vaginal steaming was part of the wisdom lost though the banishment of midwifery. Thankfully, birthing people around the planet are revitalizing this practice.
Here are eight ways you may experience the bountiful healing potential of postpartum yoni steaming.
Eight Benefits of Yoni Steaming for Postpartum
1. Steam Aids in Clearing out the Lochia
Postpartum yoni steaming supports the complete cleanse of the uterus including the lochia, a mixture of blood and mucus. The steam helps loosen and liquify the lochia allowing for its release to occur more quickly and more completely.
Clearing out the Lochia:
- Helps reduce the chance of infection, of which a fever is often a sign
- Reduces postpartum contractions
- Helps the uterus get back to size and return to pre-pregnancy position
- Helps the menstrual cycle return with a normal, optimal, and pain free period
2. V Steaming Supports the Tightening of the Vaginal Opening and Vaginal Canal
As these vaginal tissues tighten they are better able to hold the uterus in aligned placement. In turn, other organs return to optimal positioning which helps prevent prolapse.
3. Steam Helps Lift the Uterus and Neighboring Organs back into Place
Steam has a rising action and lifts everything back into place which is a critical aspect of postpartum healing.
With organs back in place, incidences of bladder incontinence are reduced. Contrary to our cultural misbeliefs, incontinence is not inevitable. Rather incontinence is a sign of incomplete postpartum healing.
4. Steam Reduces Skin Swelling
Yoni steaming postpartum helps swollen skin go back to normal.
5. Steam Can Help Heal Hemorrhoids
With its elongated diamond lid opening, The Kitara sauna is purposely designed to allow the steam to reach and heal the entire pelvic floor region.
For optimal benefits for hemorrhoid release, please make sure you are positioned properly so that the steam reaches all areas of the pelvic floor, including the anus.
6. Steam Increases Circulation and Disperses Water Retention
As unaddressed water retention turns to fat after 3-4 weeks, this may be why one study showed that postpartum vaginal steaming supported quickened weight loss.
7. Postpartum Yoni Steaming may Addresses Past Period Problems
After delivery, the cervix remains open for 4-6 weeks. So during your yoni steam for postpartum, the cervix is open. This makes it it an optimal time for for a full uterine reset.
Birthing people who received a good cleanse from postpartum vaginal steaming have reported experiencing healthier periods after having given birth than they had pre-conception.
8. Vaginal Steaming Releases Oxytocin, the feel good/ bonding hormone
Stimulation of the cervix and uterine walls releases oxytocin. As mentioned above, during postpartum yoni steaming the cervix is often open. This allows the steam to touch the vaginal canal and cervix and to stimulate the uterine walls.
This happy/love hormone is also an important piece of the prevention of postpartum depression and oxytocin also helps support milk supply.
IMPORTANT: Postpartum yoni steaming is only safe after the uterine arteries have closed. Proper herb selection and a personalized steaming schedule are critical for safety.
For additional information, please check out the first Western Study on postpartum vaginal steaming: Fourth Trimester Vaginal Steam Study
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, dietary supplement, exercise, or other health program.
What do I need for yoni steaming?
Most simply, only three things you truly need to yoni steam are a safe pot, water, and fire/heat source. Yoni steam herbs may optimize the benefits of steaming but are not a required part of the yoni steam practice.
For safety information about steaming with only a pot and water, please check out the below video How to Yoni Steam at Home WITHOUT a Yoni Steam Seat.
For added safety, ease, and comfort, many yoni steam loving folks choose to support their practice with the use of a yoni steam seat or yoni steam sauna.
What is a yoni steam sauna?
A yoni steam sauna is a simple wooden box that allows the practitioner to sit safely and comfortably over a steam pot. You may also see this referred to as a yoni steam box, a yoni steam stool, a yoni steam seat, or a vaginal steaming sauna. It has many names, but they all refer to the same thing.
The Kitara yoni steam sauna is built with a strategic design so that a practitioner can use a burner to sustain the heat and steam.
Though a burner is not required for yoni steaming, we hear time and time again, "I wish I had purchased a burner sooner. Now that I have a burner, my yoni steam practice is so much easier!"
How to Yoni Steam WITHOUT a Special Seat
Though we of course love and recommened our Kitara Yoni Steam Seats, we also understand that you might want to try yoni steaming before you purchase one.
In this video, you'll meet Kitara's founder and Certified and Vaginal Steam Practioner Kit Maloney. Kit helps guide you through the earliest stages of your in-home yoni steam practice.
Do you have more yoni steam questions?
Download our Free Essential Guide to Yoni Steaming
Brand new to yoni steaming? Have you been yoni steam practice for years? There is something for everyone in our FREE expert guide to in-home yoni steaming. Download today!
YONI STEAMING GUIDE INCLUDES
The Fundamentals of Yoni Steaming
Safety: Don't Get Burned
8 Reasons to Yoni Steam
Yoni Steaming Herbs
How to Long to Yoni Steam
When to Yoni Steam
Working with a Practitioner
What to Expect from Yoni Steaming
and so so much more... 22+ pages of expert guidance!
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22 Pages of Expert Guidance
Benefit from the most comprehensive free yoni steaming guide available anywhere on the internet!
Written by Kit Maloney, Kitara's founder and Certified Vaginal Steam Practitioner in all advanced courses. With a Masters in Gender and Social Policy from the London School of Economics and over 20 years experience as an advocate, activist, and entrepreneur in women's health and wellness, Kit generously shares her knowledge so that you can receive the very most benefit from your yoni steam practice.
The Kitara Yoni Steam Guide is demystifies, simplifies, and clarifies what you need to know in order to yoni steam safely and beneficially in your own home.
Testimonials
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