3 ways to get through your first poop after birth
Warning. The words poo, poop and the like are used regularly in this blog. Read at your own risk.
I remember when Adelaide, my first, was 2 days old. She was perfect. She was an angel. We were surrounded by loved ones, each one commenting on how beautiful I looked and how I had that “new mom glow”. Little did they know, I did not feel like I was glowing. My nipples were sore from nursing, my pelvic floor was weak, stretched out and sore from pushing her out, and I hadn’t pooped since the day before she was born. I knew it was coming, but for some reason that impending moment terrified me more than the clown from “It”.
So…let’s take a moment to go over 3 things that will help ease that first…movement…after birth.
1. HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!
I cannot stress to you, reader, how important hydration is. For everyone, not just those that are pregnant. Water is the source of life, right? When it comes to digestion, it is required for a soft, smooth poo. To avoid constipation, you must stay hydrated. A constipated poo comes out much more painfully post birth than a super hydrated poo. So, drink your water.
2. Use a stool softener.
Most care providers will either provide or recommend a stool softener at the hospital or place of birth after the baby is born. Colace is frequently recommended and used. If you’re looking for a natural stool softener, foods high in fiber will do the trick. Pears, raspberries, prunes, beans and lentils are some high fiber foods. Ask your care provider what they would recommend.
3. That peri-bottle will come in handy!
Once you deliver your baby, the hospital or other place of birth will most likely give you a peri-bottle. That is a plastic, squeezable bottle with a nozzle pointing straight up. They give it to you to fill with warm water to help assist and clean yourself after urinating. But guess what? It will help during those first few postpartum poops too! Use that warm water to clean and then, if necessary, wipe GENTLY.
A couple more things to keep in mind:
- Relax. The thought of impending pain may cause you to tense up. When you tense up, not much can be released. This applies to childbirth as well as your first poop after birth.
- Postpartum hemorrhoids? Try using a donut pillow. When you’re sitting, which you do often with a newborn, this will help relieve the pressure on your rear end.
You can do this. Hydrate, soften those stools, and use your peri bottle. You made it through labor and birth. You can make it through your first postpartum poop. I believe in you.
// F O L L O W
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Great tips! Thank you