Are you wondering how to poop after birth? The first poop postpartum is scary for many moms, but it doesn’t have to be!
Postpartum pooping gets a bad wrap.
Gee, I wonder why 😛
As a tired mom who’s already suffering from constipation, soreness, hemorrhoids, tearing, and more, the horrible anticipation and dread for that first postpartum poop can really put a dent in your spirits and scare you sh*tless.
Unless I’m the only one? Didn’t think so 😉
So, what can you do?
Lots of things! There are many tips and tricks that can help you prepare for a more comfortable bathroom experience after you give birth to your baby. The ones I mention below are some things I tried while waiting for my first postpartum poop. When learn about postpartum poop and how to do it right, you will realize that figuring out how to poop after birth doesn’t have to be so dreadful.
This post is all about tips on how to poop after birth.
13 TIPS FOR HOW TO POOP AFTER BIRTH
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Hydration
I made sure to stay hydrated by drinking enough water. Water helps to soften your poop. If you are dehydrated, it is easier for you to become constipated. Add some lemon or honey if you want to.
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Natural Laxative
Along with drinking enough water, you can incorporate a natural laxative in order to help with a smooth bathroom visit. You can drink apple juice (my personal favorite and it worked wonders for me), pear juice, or prune juice.
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Stool Softener
Something to assist in an even more comfortable poo would be a stool softener, especially if you aren’t a fan of the juices. There are powders you can mix with water, like this Kirkland Signature Psyllium Fiber or MiraLAX powder. There are also stool softeners that come in pill form like Dulcolax.
I like the pill form, my sister prefers the powder. It’s just a personal preference. If you choose to breastfeed, make sure the stool softener is safe to use while breastfeeding.
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Don’t Procrastinate Your Poo
I know you might be nervous or scared, and it might be tempting to just squeeeeeeeze it back in there, but it’s important not to procrastinate your bowel movements. If you wait too long, it can cause constipation which makes the experience worse. Trust me! Try to go as soon as you feel the need. Just let it happen.
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Breathe, Relax, and Take Your Time
Make sure to be relaxed and let gravity do its thing. If you tense up, it will make it more difficult and painful for your bowel to pass. Don’t fight it, but don’t force it. Take your time, try not to strain, and just breathe into it.
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Use a Stool (… hehe… stool…)
I love putting my feet up on a stool of some sort. A Squatty Potty is a great option, but you can always find something at home to elevate your feet on. I have used lots of home items, like bed risers, or I’ve even put my feet up on the edge of the tub.
Obviously this won’t work for everyone as we are all different heights and builds. Whatever you choose to use, you just want to make sure that your knees are high and you are in that squat position while sitting on the toilet. There is something about this position that really just opens things up down there. Definitely makes for an easier and faster experience.
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Get Up On Your Feet
Moving around beforehand will help get things moving inside. Make an effort to get out of bed, take walks around the house, step outside for a few minutes for some fresh air. Be sure to listen to your body and your doctor/midwife, making sure not to overdo it.
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Fiber Foods
Munch on some snacks that are high in fiber, like avocados, broccoli, almonds, or raspberries. Mayoclinic.org explains that “dietary fiber increases the weight and size of your stool and softens it. A bulky stool is easier to pass, decreasing your chance of constipation.” So fill up on fibers!
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Use Cooling Pads
Hold witch hazel pads or tucks pads on your stitches while you go. These help to soothe the area and can provide added relief.
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Press Your Perineum
Sounds a little weird, but it’s true! Perineal self-acupressure was tested by The National Institutes of Health, and it was reported that the technique helped to relieve pressure, helped reduce pain, and also reduced the amount of stretch on the pelvic floor.
Using two fingers to gently apply pressure to your perineum will help do the trick. You can also use a cooling pad beneath your fingers as you apply pressure to add soothing properties instead of only using your fingers.
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Use Topical Spray
Similar to the idea of using cooling pads, there are topical sprays that contain anesthetics, like benzocaine, aloe, lanolin, menthol, etc. They are meant to reduce pain and irritation, aiding in relief from cuts and burns.
Many mamas have also used a topical spray, like Dermoplast, before or after they wipe. Keep in mind though that some doctors or midwives advise against wiping, so ask your health provider.
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Bring a Distraction
I’m a big believer in not taking your phone into the bathroom because I think it’s gross. HOWEVER, during this postpartum period, it could be useful to have an item, like your phone, as a distraction while you are getting past this postpartum poop. Watch funny videos or a show on Netflix, or take a book with you as you let nature take its course.
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Increase Magnesium Intake
Magnesium can promote bowel movements. It does so by increasing the amount of water in the intestinal tract which loosens stools. Not only is this great during your postpartum period, but many moms may take a magnesium supplement during pregnancy.
These options above are just recommendations from one mom to another. I am not a doctor (although that would be cool), so please ask your personal doctor or midwife about these techniques to see if they would be a good fit for you before trying them. They know your situation better than I do and can definitely help you with all the nitty-gritty details.
Remember, it might seem scary at first, but it’s going to be okay! You just had a baby! You can do anything. Follow whatever tips above that fit with your needs. They will help you! I promise that once you get through your first postpartum poop, you will feel better. And then you can go cuddle your beautiful new baby without any poop worry 🙂
FAQ
How long does it take to poop again after giving birth?
On average, the first poop postpartum will pass within 3-5 days. Although, if it has been longer than a week, talk to your doctor. Personally, my little boy was born on an early Tuesday morning at 1:57 am, and my first poo post birth didn’t come until days later on Thursday evening.
How long to take stool softener after birth?
This typically depends on the product’s recommendations or what your doctor/midwife tells you to do. Be sure to ask if you are unsure.
Is there anything I should do after I poop?
Clean the area with warm water. Your peri bottle will be perfect for this. Using your peri bottle during every bathroom visit can be extremely helpful. Some people like to take a sitz bath, use topical spray after, use padsicles, or use witch hazel cooling pads. These things can help to soothe your bum after your first postpartum poop is over!
Do you wipe after first postpartum poop?
Typically it is recommended that you don’t wipe your area. It is best to spray with warm water using your peri bottle and then dabbing the area dry. Be gentle, but you also want to be clean to prevent infection. It may be necessary to spray the area multiple times.
Why does it hurt to poop postpartum?
There are many factors that play a role in why it may hurt to poop postpartum. All your lady bits are sore from giving birth. You are swollen and tender. If you had a c-section, it is also difficult to poop because you had abdominal surgery, and your abdominal muscles are used for pooping. Some mothers experience hemorrhoids, anal fissures, minor/major tearing, which all make pooping a more unpleasant experience.
Will my stitches open if I poop?
Your stitches should not be affected as you poop. It is very unlikely that they will open up, so don’t worry. Just be sure not to strain.
When can I stop using peri bottle after birth?
It is recommended that you at least use the peri bottle until you are completely healed, however, it is more of a personal preference. Instead, you can use a squirt bottle, a bidet, or make one yourself. Take an empty plastic soda bottle or water bottle and poke a hole in the top of the lid.
This post was all about tips on how to poop after birth.
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