Mums who are preparing for vaginal birth may wonder, “What’s the difference between a curved and a regular perineal wash bottle?”
With its long neck and curved nozzle, you can direct a jet of water to the exact spot you need it ( in front or at the back). For some mums, this is a huge deal breaker and one of the reasons they prefer the curved bottle.
The regular bottle is usually calibrated and translucent so you can see what’s inside. Over time I noticed dregs sedimented at the bottom of mine; a testament to the fantastic water supply we have ..NOT. This was an incentive to wash it regularly. The regular bottle has a shorter neck so you will need to squeeze a bit more or take the whole bottle closer to where the water needs to go. For mums on a budget, the regular bottle is also easier on the pocket.
What is a peri bottle?
A peri bottle ( aka perineal wash bottle) is like a portable bidet. I don’t know if they still install those things in bathrooms. As a kid I remember bidets used to feature beside the loo. It looked like a cross between a sink and a toilet bowl with what looked like a shower head at the base of the bowl. Turn it on while you sit on the bowl and a jet of water comes out as a spray to wash your nether regions.
Can I do without a peri bottle?
Ask anyone who’s been pregnant or had a vaginal delivery before and they’ll tell you for free that haemorrhoids and episiotomy scars are a nuisance. As if you don’t have enough making you uncomfortable as an expectant or new mum .
During childbirth there will be stretching, maybe some tears and if your have haemorrhoids, they may protrude more with pushing at labour. This can leave you feeling like you’ve been hit by a bus.
Warm baths in a tub or occasionally in a sitz bath bowl are you friend. As a routine for the first few weeks, a more portable perineal wash bottle filled with tepid water can be used to squirt water after each visit to the loo as mentioned above.
For mums who just went through vaginal birth a perineal wash bottle can be a life saver. A peri bottle soothes and provides relief when used to gently squirt warm or cool water around your lady parts while you pee.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It prevents stinging as urine touches your skin if used while you pee by diluting the urine as it comes out. It keeps the area clean especially if you have stitches in place.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It provides relief for sore/ itchy haemorrhoids as well. Changing your maternity pads after each visit to the loo and lining them with witch perineal wipes also helps provides relief from soreness caused by healing tears and haemorrhoids. That’s gist for another post. Bottom line, a peri bottle is must have in your hospital bag.⠀
How do I keep my bottle clean?
We love perineal bottles because they are portable . Keeping your bottle clean is easy:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Wash the cover and bottle once daily with warm soapy. Simply fill the bottle, shake and squeeze to flush the nozzle with the soapy water. Washing the neck and nozzle of the curved bottle may be extra tricky though.
- Don’t leave water in the bottle for more than 24 hours.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Discard your bottle after one year of use.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Get one for yourself or a friend who’s expecting. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
