Pooping After Delivery
The info you don't know you need, but you will....
I tried to do the things they “taught” me to do (thank you sister in laws) but I was woefully unprepared for so many parts of postpartum, this one standing out as I screamed in my bathroom. No, they do NOT give you an epidural for the first poop — but here’s what you can do.
As most often, this is just a skim of the main article which you can find here.
The postpartum period can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to dealing with your first bowel movement after delivery. As a nurse with 27 years of experience, the author shares tips on how to make this process smoother and less stressful for both vaginal and cesarean births.
She discusses the various reasons why the first poop can be challenging, such as the use of narcotics, being in bed for longer periods, and the changes in your body post-birth. She also provides practical advice on how to ease the process, including taking stool softeners, learning to relax your muscles, and staying mobile.
The article also highlights the importance of planning for postpartum and having the necessary supplies. The author encourages expectant mothers to prepare for this aspect of postpartum, just like they prepare for labor and delivery.