5 Ways To Make Your First Postpartum Poop Easier

Here’s a topic that stinks. Poop.

More specifically, the first poop after you give birth.

You have questions and you don’t know who or how to ask.

What’s that first bowel movement after birth really like? Will it feel like giving birth again? Will I need to be sedated? Can I be sedated? We have yet to meet a doctor or midwife who will sedate you for your first poop after birth, BTW, but we’ll keep looking.

Many Raleigh moms dread the idea of going number two after vaginal birth and for good reason! Your entire bottom may feel raw and the thought of popping a stitch while sitting on the toilet isn’t exactly our idea of a good time either.

The last thing you pushed out from down there is adorable and sweet-smelling. There’s no cute reward this time. Some new parents are so afraid of the first BM after birth, they actually hold it in until they can’t stand it any longer (or other problems occur). We don’t want that to happen so here are 5 ways to make your first postpartum poo a little easier:

Relax

No one likes being told to relax but here we are. Let go of any tension in your pelvic floor and thighs. Breathe out tension, breathe in loose and soft and open. Kind of like birth, right?

Use a stool. Pun not intended but we’re going with it.

Our bodies are actually designed to eliminate in a squatting position. When pooping on the toilet with your feet flat on the floor, it actually creates a kink in your rectum and requires more straining. Even a small stool can help to correct this misalignment and reduce straining when having a bowel movement. A Squatty Potty Toilet Stool is a great tool that can also help prevent hemorrhoids.

 

Let gravity do most of the work.

 

When you’re ready for your first postpartum poop, or you’re in the bathroom because ready or not here it comes, try to let gravity assist you. Small, gentle pushes are okay but let your poop come naturally, without straining.

 

Fiber Friendly Foods

Foods with fiber will become your new best friend. Foods that are high in fiber include lentils, raspberries, avocado, oatmeal (which is also great if you’re breastfeeding) and bran cereals.

Stool Softener

Have a chat with your doctor about taking a stool softener to make things a little easier. Women who’ve had medications during birth may have a harder time to go to the bathroom due to constipation. Make sure you ask the doctor about this before you leave the hospital so if you’re ok’d to take it, you can begin before you’re even discharge.

We hope you’ve found this blog helpful! Remember that you can reach out to Birth and Beyond, Inc. anytime! Our postpartum doulas don’t just take care of your baby while you get a good night’s sleep. We’re there to doula you through that first poop with in-the-moment tips and reassurance that you’ve got this.