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Time and again, we’ve heard of the joys of pregnancy. And it is true. Pregnancy is probably the best thing that happened to you, and if you’re just beginning your journey, you’re in for one sweet ride. But that’s just one half of the story. The other half sounds a lot like backache, limited movement, and at the end of it — your nether regions crying in pain. At this time, your nurse will hand you a peri bottle. What is this funny-looking bottle, and how can it possibly help you? You’ll be surprised. Read on for more!
What Is A Peri Bottle?
The peri bottle is short for ‘perineum’ bottle. The perineum is the area between your genitals and the ending of your gastrointestinal tract. In the case of normal delivery, your lady parts, as well as your perineum, can tear. Even if you’ve had a C-section, the perineum can still be sore and swollen in some cases. Once you have given birth to your little one, you will have a discharge called the lochia. Lochia is essentially the mucus, the uterine lining that has to be discarded, and blood. You will have a lochia discharge for six weeks to six months after your child’s birth, and this too can cause your perineum to hurt (1).
This is where the peri bottle comes — and it is a savior. It can serve two purposes. One, it allows you to clean your lady parts gently. And two, it helps soothe the perineum area! Keeping this area clean is necessary to prevent any infection.
How Do You Use This Thing?
The peri bottle must be used when you are going to urinate or poop. Using wet wipes or tissue to clean yourself can be abrasive. Using a peri bottle is probably the easiest thing in the world. First, fill the bottle with lukewarm water, and you’re all set to go. Use the bottle to wash or clean yourself, just like using a bidet or hand faucet. Unlike a bidet, the peri bottle can be carried everywhere (thereby preventing infection) and is much more gentle.
You’d be surprised how a simple bottle that sprays water can work wonders. It soothes the area and keeps it clean. And for mothers who find it hard to bend down and wash themselves, a peri bottle should do the trick. Another advantage of the peri bottle is that you can use it for a long time. You do not have to replace it repeatedly as long as it is kept clean and washed regularly.
Can You Add Something To The Water?
Your nether region is self-cleansing, and water is the best medicine, so you don’t need to add anything to the water in the peri bottle. However, many women swear by the soothing effect that witch hazel has, so you can add a few drops of this to the water (2). It is best to avoid essential oils. You need to heal down there after delivery. Exposing this region to essential oils and unnecessary chemicals can cause irritation and infections (3).
We all know what to expect when expecting… but not all of us are aware of the nitty-gritty after expecting. Delivering a baby can put you through a lot of pain, and a simple thing like a peri bottle can bring some respite. Mothers often forget about themselves soon after pregnancy — don’t do that to yourself. You need all the TLC, just like your baby does. Have you used a peri bottle before, or is this the first time you’ve heard of it? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
