Vol. 4, Issue 6, Part B (2018)

Objectives: The study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of lavender oil Sitz bath on episiotomy wound healing among postnatal mothers and associate the findings with demographic variables.

Material and methods: In order to achieve the desired outcome of the study quantitative research approach with Quasi Experimental-Non- Equivalent Pre Test - Post Test Control Group Design was adopted for the present study. Using Non probability purposive sampling 60 postnatal mothers who had undergone vaginal delivery with episiotomy were enrolled in the study and distributed in two groups (30 each in control and experimental group). Data collection was accomplished by using tool comprised of Self structured interview schedule consisting demographic schedule and REEDA scale. Data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Initially in pretest the experimental and control group didn’t differ in REEDA scoring (‘W’=0.2009, p>0.05). Lavender oil sitz bath have significantly improved the episiotomy wound healing in experimental group (‘W’=0.0001, p<0.05) while there is no association of demographic variable with episiotomy wound healing. (p>0.05)

Conclusion: Lavender oil Sitz bath is found to be a simple, cost effective and easy method to enhance the wound healing. The postnatal mother can do this independently in the home setting also when they get discharged from the hospitals following the delivery.