Hi! How are we all feeling about this upcoming week?
If I’m honest, I’m fucking exhausted. This week is shaping up to being a relatively busy work week, with the added labor of making ten pounds of brussel sprouts (listen, I really like them) and gluten free, pumpkin glazed donuts (because listen, I feel compelled to ensure that my children have sugar at a holiday meal).
I don’t think I am entirely alone in this sentiment. To state the obvious, it’s been a hard year, and the world is on fire.
And also, capitalism marches on. Black Friday is coming and your feed is about to get hella altered. So I figured, why not tell you what I actually like and recommend?
To be entirely transparent, none of these links are affiliated — except my own, I guess? Please trust that these are just genuine, heartfelt recommendations from a veteran clinician and lover of new, shiny things.
So let’s break form and get into it.
The goods:
Lubes and balms:
Quim Smooth Operator is, hands down, my favorite lube. I am personally obsessed with it. Improves sensation, decreases pain. How are we not winning here?
Vital V is an over the counter vulvar balm that is made of wild yams, and therefore has pseudo-estrogenic properties. I love it for folks who are peri- or post-menopausal, folks who are breastfeeding, and anyone on long-term oral contraceptives experiencing pain with initial penetration. Note: it’s not cute, nor would it be my marketing choice. But I love it!
V-Magic is another vulvar balm, and it’s fantastic for folks experiencing pain with initial penetration or vulvar sensitivity (itching, burning) who are not in the population groups listed above. I swear that I once thought I had a mystery infection and a few applications of this stuff entirely solved it. Truly fucking magical.
Just looking for plain old lube? My fave is Aloe Cadabra.
For when everything hurts:
Ohnut is a genius invention that is basically bumper cars for the whole “this penis/toy-in-vagina situation is too much for me” scenario. Highly recommended if you experience pain with deeper penetration — this will not be helpful if you experience pain upon entry.
Once again, I route you back to Quim.
If you experience severe vaginal or rectal pain, but do not want to use vaginal/rectal valium, I highly recommend these CBD suppositories. They work for either door to your proverbial house and are great when you’re experiencing high pain load.
When people ask me about heat versus cold, the answer is always heat, for like — a thousand reasons. For deeper pelvic pain (periods, endo, etc.), I’m a fan of keeping it old school with a hot water bottle.
For your butt and an optimal pooping experience:
For the love of all that is good and holy, get a squatty potty!
This is my preferred fiber supplement with zero fillers.
Magnesium citrate: I like this pill form. For my kids, who refuse to take any gummies, I use this powder and mix it with my fave protein powder and they never know it’s there. Everyone poops — hooray!
I don’t have a preferred bidet, but I’m popping this in to simply encourage you to get a bidet. Your life will change. The end.
If you’re not into giving yourself a belly massage, consider cupping. It’s pretty easy (I am in no way trained and figured it out intuitively) and the increased blood flow to the area can stimulate digestion. (Side bar: There is a study showing that cupping can be as effective as PEG laxatives (i.e. Miralax), and while it is just one study, I think it’s worth pursuing!)
If you’re newly postpartum, this peri bottle is superior. Do not pass go without it.
If you have chronic WTF infections/ishes/UTIs/something is chronically not right in your nether region:
Evvy is the place to go! Evvy is an amazing brand that tests your vaginal microbiome, and then (wait for it!) they have a clinical care team that can give you actionable recommendations on how to support it.
Uqora is a supplement line for folks who get frequent UTIs. This is def something to consider if you’re on the regular antibiotics train — get proactive!
Love for scars:
Vibration is ah-mazing for scar tissue. It improves blood flow to the area and desensitizes tender tissue, so we’re winning everywhere. I’m a fan of Maude vibrators; the drop is fantastic for abdominal scars, including c-section scars, and the vibe is perfect for perineal scars from vaginal delivery.
Silicone scar strips are one of those things where I’m kind of like, “it can’t hurt, might as well.” To be honest, my patients with rad scars have about 50/50 responses to these, so take that as you will.
Cupping can also be helpful for blood flow — AND it can help you poop!
Creating your at-home gym and cute shit:
My clients always comment on my Bala weights. Yes, they are entirely superfluous — but is beauty *truly* superfluous? You be the judge. Anyway, I love them, and the silicone coating feels great!
For apparel, I’m a long time fan of Girlfriend. Do I want to wear recycled water bottles on my legs? Apparently. Inclusive sizing and the highest of waist lines!
Mats and other props: I am in a long term relationship with my Manduka mat, but I really love the props from 42 Birds. Their blocks and massage balls are *chef’s kiss*.
For when you need someone to tell you how to move:
Ritual Movement is my hub of movement classes, including active and restorative work that addresses a spectrum of movement and dysfunction. New content is added weekly!
I’m excited to announce that I’ll be adding a new component to paid subscriptions! When you subscribe as a monthly subscriber between now and November 30, you’ll get free access to ALL of my mini sub-five minute classes (81 of them!) on Ritual Movement.
If you’re on the struggle bus with chronic pelvic pain, my course, The Pain Free Pelvis, is a self-paced course addressing nervous system health, restorative work, and strategic strengthening for sustainable healing.
If you feel like you need more individualized support, I’m now offering personal training plans! Contact me to set up a consult. I’m at cait@ritualpelvichealth.com.
Lastly, I continue to offer pelvic pain coaching for folks struggling with chronic pelvic pain. This is a game changer for the folks I have worked with! I’d be honored to support you.
I’m sure I missed a category or two. Tell me about it! I am always thrilled to hear your input.