For postpartum steaming it is recommended to have a comfortable steam setup so that you will be able to complete your steam sessions without discomfort. For this purpose you can purchase a steam sauna (or maybe list it as a baby shower gift) or you will want to modify a chair for steaming.

Herb selection can vary for postpartum use. There can be as many as four different herb formulas used and they may vary throughout the various postpartum phases. It would be beneficial to do a consultation with a steam practitioner and work with them closely during the postpartum steam time period. Herbs will vary based on the type of cycle you had before pregnancy, signs during the pregnancy and also how the delivery goes. The practitioner will also be useful determining when it’s safe to steam (something that varies by individual) and when the steam herbs may need to change (based on lochia observations or bleeding pattern).

It’s also great to get your practitioner now while still pregnant because steaming can also be used for labor preparation and in certain first aid situations during and after delivery — stalled labor, overdue labor, GBS, interrupted elimination functions, high blood pressure, difficulty sleeping, pregnancy aches and pains. They are also trained in herbal first aid to get heavy bleeding under control per chance that arises.

You can find a practitioner through the vaginal steam directory.

If not interested in working with someone I’d recommend studying yourself which will require. This is especially recommended for birthworkers or people who are in a capacity to guide others as well. We need more people in each community with this knowledge. See the peristeam hydrotherapist certification for more info. “