The First Postpartum Poop:  5 Things You Need to Know

Your first postpartum poop can be very trying and scary. The good news though, is that it doesn’t last for so long. Similar to pregnancy constipation, there are many things you can do to help ease or fully dispel the troubles.

Many mums, often find themselves in this confusing loop, you want to poop, but you’re to worried you’d put extra pressure on your pelvic muscles, or worse if you had tear, (no matter how little) you’re instinctively just going to want to hold that poop in. There isn’t much you can do to prevent it from happening, you’re going to have to have your baby and you’re going to have to poop. Here are 5 things that can help prepare your mind for the first battle with postpartum poop:

1: Don’t End Pregnancy Constipated

Try to avoid being constipated. Staying well hydrated, especially towards the end of pregnancy, can be extremely helpful in preventing constipation. A diet high in fiber is also important. If however, fiber based diets and staying active and hydrated aren’t helping, talk to your midwife or doctor about ways to treat your constipation before your due date.

2: How You Give Birth Matters

 If you have an episiotomy, ( a tear around the perineum)  the first poop could be quite painful. Reducing the severity of perineal trauma can also help going to the toilet a lot easier. If you give birth via c-section, your perineum will be untouched, your stitches can be sensitive, making you unsure how much you can safely push for a bowel movement. Except your baby is very large, you can reduce your chances of a tear, by simply squatting to reduce strengthen your perineal muscles and pelvic floor.

3: Hydrate, Drink Lots of Water

Even when your pregnancy is over, it’s still very important to stay well hydrated immediately after birth. Remaining hydrated will help your body heal, digest and function at its best. If you’re slightly dehydrated, your bowels move slower and you can become constipated, which will make the pooping process hard.

4: Eat Lots of Fruits and Vegetables

This is important towards the end of your pregnancy as well as immediately after birth. Like the old saying goes, Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food. This tenet is definitely true when it comes to preventing constipation. All the hormones still running loose in your body, can put you at risk of a difficult bowel movement, you will do yourself some good to have your digestive tracts have good fiber from fruits and vegetables.

5: Pain Medications Can Be a Pain

If you had a c-section, or a severe tear, you’re likely to be taking some pain medications. A side effect of many pain medications can be constipation. If you need pain medications, the fear of constipation isn’t a reason to skip them, especially after major surgery. Doctors will just prescribe a stool softener alongside the pain medication. If you’re only experiencing mild pain but you’re already having symptoms of constipation, you may want to opt for some natural pain relief techniques like tumeric powder a.k.a Ile pupa, cloves, hot or cold water compress, yoga excersises,e.t.c