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The Scoop On Pooping After Birth: Tips, Tricks, and Advice

March 8, 2021 By Morgan Last Updated: April 6, 2021

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Pooping after birth can be scary! Your body has felt so much trauma that the first postpartum bowel movement may hurt. Here are our best tips for going poop after having a baby without the fear or pain.

woman in blue pajama pants sitting on the toilet with text overlay reading how to poop after baby

After I had my first baby, I hit a hurdle I did NOT expect: fear of pooping!

Pooping after Giving Birth

It might sound crazy, but so much trauma has occurred in your lower regions that, for lack of a better term, pushing out another thing sounds scary. 

Between hormones, medications, and general pain, it can be hard to have your first bowel movement after having a baby. Today we’re talking about why and how to manage it. 

How long does it take to poop after birth?

It can take a few days! If you have a C-Section, some hospitals will require you to go before you are discharged. 

If you haven’t had a bowel movement in 3-4 days after you give birth, definitely check in with your doctor to avoid constipation. 

Why is it painful to poop after giving birth?

Generally speaking, there has been trauma to the area. You may have torn, the whole area is probably swollen, and your body is healing!

Add in the fact that medications like an epidural and pregnancy hormones can make you constipated, it’s just difficult to start pooping after birth. 

How do I poop after giving birth?

Sounds simple, right? But it can be difficult. Here are my best tips for going #2 after baby. 

Take your time!!

Seriously, once you feel any kind of urge, grab your phone, a cup of water, and sit on the toilet for 30 minutes. Relax! Don’t stress, and just let it happen. 

Prop your Feet Up.

You may have seen Squatty Potty – that’s what we’re going for! Either grab one before you have baby (I LOVE mine and it’s also great for potty training kiddos.) or use a stack of books. Either way, the position of propping your feet naturally adds gentle pressure to help you go. 

Take a pill. 

After my second two, my nurse gave me a Colace pill a few times a day while I was in the hospital. I kept it up when I was released until I was able to go. With my first, I used Miralax when I was released.

Fiber!

Eat lots of fiber! Fiber is your friend and will help your body to do it’s job. 

Drink Lots of Water.

This is postpartum life 101, but drink as much water as humanly possibly. Not only are you dehydrated from labor and breastfeeding if you’re doing it, but it will help avoid constipation.

If something feels wrong CALL a PROFESSIONAL. 

I cannot urge this enough. If you feel that it’s been TOO long or you’re feeling more pain than expected, call your doctor. You could have hemorrhoids, tearing, or constipation. 

Do you wipe after first postpartum poop?

Yup! Don’t skip wiping when pooping after birth! It can be scary, but you don’t want to risk infection. I used baby wipes and gently wiped front to back. Use your spray bottle to keep everything moist and help to rinse.

This may all seem overwhelming and scary, but know that it won’t last forever! Once the first happens, you’re pretty good to go. And before you know it you’ll be giggling over poop songs with your littles.

More content for expecting moms:

  • Minimalist Baby Registry
  • Do you need a Diaper Genie? (or – Diaper Genie Alternatives)
  • Using a Pack and Play as a Crib
  • What Does Water Breaking Feel Like?
  • Boppy vs. My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow
  • Creating a Nursery in Your Bedroom
  • The Cutest Printed Diapers
  • Unique Diaper Cakes
  • How to Push During Labor

Filed Under: Pregnancy

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Hi! I’m Morgan!

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