Birth Uncensored: Postpartum Poop

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As a mom of 4 children, I know the fear surrounding the first postpartum poop. There are a lot of stories that circulate the pregnancy and parenting groups about how terrible a bowel movement postpartum can be. When Chi contacted me about this guest post, I was intrigued and really wanted to share this information.

There is so much information surround birth that is not openly discussed. Let’s un-censor birth and actually talk about things. Today, we are talking about bowel movements after delivery.

Empowering those who have just given birth or who are preparing for the arrival of their child is at the core of Nourishing Parenting and I am so glad to share this information with you.

If you have any topics you want to addressed in Birth Uncensored, let us know!

**The language in this post does refer to Moms and women but please remember that that all birthing humans are welcome here at Nourishing Parenting.

How To Prepare For Postpartum Pooping

If you’re pregnant, you have most likely heard several horror stories about giving birth and how it can be simultaneously the most wonderful and scariest experience of your life. What you might not know is that after delivering the baby and placenta, you must also deliver your first postpartum poop. 

The article below will help quell your fears about all three pushes and gives key insight and advice into how to prepare your body. Remember, you’re a strong powerful woman, so the least of your worries should be postpartum pooping.

Three Ways to Strengthen and Control Bowel Movements While Pregnant 

1. Perineal massages

Perineal massages should be started approximately 35 weeks into your pregnancy. However, double-check with your OB/GYN before doing them. First off, your perineum is the area between the opening of your vagina and anus. This can feel awkward at first, but either you or your partner can massage in a U-shaped motion the wall of your vagina towards the anus. The position should be held one to two minutes at a time. It is recommended to use natural oil or water-soluble lubricant while performing these massages. 

2. Deep squats

The deep squat position will help you relax and lengthen your pelvic floor muscles. In doing so, you will also stretch the perineum. Even better, this is a healthy workout burn on your legs! Do properly perform deep squats, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and turn your feet outwards. Bring your arms in front of you and rest your elbows on the inside of your thighs above the knees. Think of a sumo wrestler. 

3. Child’s Pose

If you have ever taken an online or in-studio yoga class, you know this one! First, kneel on your yoga mat or a carpeted area with your toes touching and your knees hip-width apart. Focus on your breathing and on the exhale, lower your diaphragm between your knees. Stretch your arms in front of you to a comfortable length. Child’s pose is great for lengthening your pelvic floor muscles. 

Preparing for Your Postpartum Poop Experience

All right, you delivered the baby, now delivering poop will feel like a breeze. Even better, it takes a smidgen the amount of prep and time pregnancy takes. If you have envisioned fears or are anxious, the below suggestions will help avoid those complications.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Childbirth leaves women dehydrated, which can lead to constipation. To prepare for your postpartum pooping experience, you need to replenish those lost fluids by drinking lots of water and electrolytes each day. 2–3 liters of sports drinks and water are recommended each day.

Pamper Your Perineum

After childbirth your perineum will be sore. Hopefully, you did not experience a tear or episiotomy. If you’re experiencing soreness try to take sitz baths and avoid sitting on hard surfaces. Instead, use donut cushions.

Another options is using padsicles (pad + popsicle).  Padsicles are a new postpartum fad. You can create a padsicle by smothering a maxi pad with substances like aloe vera, Dermoblast, or essential oils. Once done, place them in a freezer until you need them. 

Tip: prepare your padsicles in bulk since they aren’t purchasable in stores.

Soften That Stool

More often than not, the hospital or birthing center prescribed or reccomened you stool softners. You should take them. They aren’t laxatives, but rather, will help prevent stool from getting too hard and will make it easier to pass food and liquid through. 

Being pregnant and giving birth are no small feat. Your first postpartum poop or bowel movement is an extremely small hurdle compared to what you just accomplished! Hopefully this resource will help reduce some of the anxiety or fear you have. Fore more postpartum pooping tips visit TUSHY and if you’re having difficulty with your bowel movements consider a ottomon stool.

Thank you to https://hellotushy.com/ for this graphic.

About The Author

Thank you to Chi for this very informative article.

If you would like to guest post for Nourishing Parenting, then please check out our guest post section for all the details.