One of my favorite items to recommend is the squatty potty. It really does help you perfect your posture for sitting and eliminating fully (bowels and bladder). Think about it....in other countries, they don't even use a toilet seat. You have to get into the squatted position to eliminate "on the toilet." This is the best way to get your pelvic floor to relax while trying to have a bm.
Have you noticed lately that if you go into a new build, remodeled home, office and/or restaurant that toilets are so much higher?! Like what the heck, I know I didn't shrink but for some reason my feet don't touch the floor! If you ask any interior designer, they will tell you that the toilets are taller and keep getting taller because they are "aesthetically pleasing." Uh no! not for my behind they are not! Well this is where the squatty potty comes in handy! They come in different heights so you can decide which works best for you.
Being in the "squatty potty position" also comes in really handy after having a baby. This might be TMI, but after pushing out my first baby they want you to go to the bathroom and try to have a BM. The first thing I did was take the garbage can that was in the bathroom, turned it on it's side and put my feet up on it. Not only did that position help me have an easier time having the BM, but it took the pressure off my pelvic floor that was just stitched up from an episiotomy. That garbage can saved my entire lower region that day! I think every single labor and delivery unit needs a squatty potty in every single bathroom. Those toilet seats are too high and these mama's need all the support they can get after giving birth! I may start a petition or fundraiser one day soon for that idea, but I'll leave that for another day.
As a PT, there must always be evidence backing up whatever we recommend. So where is the evidence? A study was actually done in 2019 by Ohio State that showed 90 percent of participants reported less straining and 71 percent reported faster bowel movements. I think that alone would convince me to use the squatty potty.
So do you want faster BM's, less strain on that pelvic floor, and a relaxed sphincter? Then go get yourself a squatty potty.
I am in no way affiliated with squatty potty but really enjoy the product. Here is the link for a squatty potty: https://amzn.to/46CCwI2 and if you really like to travel and want to pack one with you on the go, here is a link for the foldable squatty potty: https://amzn.to/4dBzd6g
