8 Science-Backed Benefits of a Bath

Immersing the whole body aka bathing in warm water (~40°C) is common in Japan; and like so many things Japanese; who doesn’t love a bath?

A randomized intervention study published in 2018 followed 38 participants and compared the effects on health of immersion bathing and shower bathing. The study found that participants who bathed in warm water, instead of showering, fared significantly better when measuring fatigue, stress, pain, and smile levels. Not only do baths feel good, science says baths are good for you.

In the 4th Trimester, keeping up with your usual hygiene routine is challenging. You’re not sleeping your normal hours, you may be alone often in your home with your newborn and there’s generally just a lot to get adjusted to. Things like toothbrushing and showers get skipped, especially if you’re in bed recovering and not leaving home much. It happens.

When it comes to hygiene, you might consider taking a bath, instead of showering because it’s easier to do with your little one as you sometimes have to. And if you’re like me, and find it hard to shake measuring the day’s accomplishments, bathing with your baby technically checks two to-dos from the list. 

Here’s 5 more reasons to slip into a hot bath—warm if you’re with baby—and relax.

  1. BATHING CAN IMPROVE HEART HEALTH

    Although bathing in high temperatures can put unnecessary strain on your heart, especially if you have a pre-existing heart condition, taking a warm bath will make your heart beat faster and can give it a healthy workout.

  2. YOUR BRAIN & NERVOUS SYSTEM CAN BENEFIT FROM A BATH

    Submerging in water can reduce pain and inflammation and also calm the nervous system, reducing the levels of stress and anxiety in the body and improving your mood.

  3. BATHING CAN BENEFITS MUSCLES & JOINTS

    Stretching and moving in water has been shown to be low impact on the joints, muscles and bones, but very effective in providing an adequate workout through resistance. 

  4. BALANCE HORMONES BY BATHING

    Conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and some fertility issues can be assisted by bathing in colder temperatures. Hormones released by the pituitary gland such as adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH and other hormones such as beta endorphins and cortisol can become more balanced.
    Alternatively, warm water bathing can increase levels of serotonin, which is the chemical produced by the brain associated with happiness and well being.

  5. CLEANSES & MOISTURIZES SKIN HAIR & EYES

    Exposure to fluid through bathing and steaming is a great way to ensure hydration of the body in all aspects. The human body is made mostly of water and that is why we are encouraged to drink plenty of it. But soaking in it is also extremely beneficial. We can enhance this by adding certain oils or salts to a bath or bathing in a natural body of water or pool, rich in naturally occurring minerals.

Co-bathing with baby is also beneficial to their development. Though there are a few things to know before co-bathing for the first time.

  1. RUBBING BABY’S SKIN SLOWS HEART RATE, BLOOD PRESSURE & SETS BRAIN ACTIVITY TO RELAXATION WAVELENGTHS

    Skin rubbing, similar to massage stimulates the vagus nerve, which is linked to different parts of the body. Tiffany Field​, a developmental psychologist and director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami found that touch is also linked to less aggression among kids.

  2. A MULTI-SENSORY EXPERIENCE THAT STIMULATES ALL THE WAYS IN WHICH BABY IS LEARNING ABOUT THE WORLD

    Splashing and playing allows your baby to learn about the consistency of water. Baby toys and bubbles teach him hand-eye coordination and are fun to play with in the tub. Singing songs and pointing out body parts are fun ways that your baby can enjoy a bath while getting clean at the same time.

  3. PRIMETIME FOR SKIN TO SKIN & MAY ALSO HELP WITH MILK LETDOWN

    Skin-to-skin time is important to developing your bond and it also boosts the milk-making hormones. Some people report the warm water also loosening things up and having successful breastfeeds/bodyfeeds in the tub. If that’s how you’re nourishing the baby, then this might be the most relaxing way to multi-task. How’s that for productivity? 

Adding the Ease Orb to your Bath

If you want to reap even more benefits from your bath, try adding an Ease Orb or two. Studies show that the ingredients in the Ease Orb gently cleanse, dissolve dead skin, soothe dry, itchy spots, and seal in moisture—not to mention the scent from the oat, milk, coconut combination elevate bath time from routine to revitalizing.

The Ease Orb introduces epsom salts, goat milk, colloidal oats and other soothing botanicals to your bath water, The Ease Orb ingredients offer head to toe hydration so you emerge from bath time silky, and smooth as a baby’s bottom. What’s more, everything in the Ease Orb is also safe for baby skin. It’s not soap, so you need not worry if what’s good for you is also good for baby. You don’t need an infant tub, they’re heavy and awkward to lift to a surface that’s comfortable for you, which isn’t recommended btw. Stooping and bending over them is also a challenge for most postpartum bodies, however you give birth.

Introduce ease to your routine by simplifying, at least, this part of your daily ritual. 

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6011066/

https://lansinoh.co.uk/blogs/lifestyle/co-bathing

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2015/02/18/the-benefits-of-bath-time-for-babies

https://www.hellomotherhood.com/128930-importance-bathing-baby.html

https://pmaonline.com/posts/adult-primary-care/10-scientifically-proven-health-benefits-of-taking-a-bath/

Lauren Jones