Postpartum Comfort: Peri bottles & Padsicles!
How can we make healing more comfortable??
Peri bottles & padsicles for the win.
Peri bottles!
Peri bottles are small handheld bottles used to clean the perineal area (area between the vagina & the rectum). A peri bottle can be useful to help clean the perineal space as well as soothe soreness and decrease the stinging sensation you may experience with urination. There are LOTS of variations but the easiest to use are the ones that can be held upside down, like this one!
How to use the peri bottle:
Fill the peri bottle with WARM water to aide in relaxation & comfort.
Sitting on the toilet, hold the peri bottle about 1-2 inches away from your labia and gently squeeze the bottle. Always make sure you are directing the water back toward the anus or from front (vagina) to back (anus) to decrease risk of infection.
When you are done peeing, clean the area with the peri bottle in a similar fashion.
After you are done using the peri bottle, gently pat the area dry with toilet paper.
Use the peri bottle with every urination or bowel movement. You can also use as needed to help soothe the area.
Make sure to empty the peri bottle after each use and let it air dry.
Padsicles!
These frozen pads are a wonderful addition to your postpartum comfort kit and healing. These are great to make ahead of time (week 37-38ish) and you store them in the freezer until you need them.
Padsicles are frozen maxi pads that provide much-needed relief for postpartum discomfort, including swelling, pain, and general soreness. Click this link to see a video on on how I prepared my padsicles.
Padsicle Prep Day!
You will need:
6-10 extra long, super absorbent maxi pads
Witch hazel (alcohol free)
Aloe vera gel (make sure it is clear, not green)
Clean spoon to spread the gel
Lavender Oil (optional)
Ziplock bag
HOW TO:
Wash your hands and clean your prep station.
Grab 6-10 pads. I prepped 6 because they are so simple to make and if I need more I can easily make a few.
Open the pads, trying not to rip the wrapping up too much & leave the pads attached to the adhesive. If you bought pads with wings, take the adhesive off the wings carefully - you will be putting the adhesive back on when you are done.
Add the witch hazel. Generously put about 3-5 tblspns of witch hazel on the pad. It should be damp, but not soaked.
Add the aloe gel. Generously put about 3-5 tblspns of aloe on the pad. Use the clean spoon to evenly spread the gel all over the pad. Aloe is great as it wont freeze into a completely solid sate, so the pad will be malleable when you remove it from the freezer.
OPTIONAL: Can put 3-5 drops of lavendar oil on the pad. It is considered calming and anti-inflammatory. Ensure the brand you are using is meant for topical use.
Fold the pad back up and reseal it.
Store in the freezer.
TO USE:
Many find that using 2-3 pads per day is helpful in management of postpartum swelling & discomfort. All you need to do is take a pad out of the freezer, let it sit 2-3mins, take off the adhesive and place it in your underwear. (Unsure what type of underwear to get those first weeks postpartum? Check out this blog) Use the pad for about 30mins, or until there is no longer a cold/cooling sensation and then dispose of the pad.
You could always purchase premade padsicles, but I don’t think they are as good.
I hope this blog all about peri bottles & padsicles was helpful!
It is SO IMPORTANT to plan for postpartum in the prenatal period!
If you would like more resources here is a
FREE GUIDE TO PREPARING FOR POSTPARTUM.
If you are in the Columbus area and interested in working with me, click this link!
In health,
Emma Lengerich PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT, PCES, Doula Foundations PelvicPhysio, LLC Orthopedic & Pelvic Health Physical Therapist & Birth Doula Follow me on instagram: @emma_pelvichealth Subscribe to my newsletter: Click Here!
