When you’re expecting, your mind races with worries about hemorrhoids and constipation. And as the weeks go by, you can’t help but dread the idea of having an unfortunate accident during delivery, with onlookers aghast. (Trust me, I’ve experienced it firsthand. My partner still chuckles about it, recounting how “the poop was shaped like a star.”)
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After you navigate those anxieties, you finally feel a sense of relief. With no giant baby pressing down on your intestines, you expect your bowel movements to return to their usual rhythm. You think you can finally put your worries about pooping behind you.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case. I hate to break it to you, but your first post-partum poop is something to dread. All jokes aside, this is a topic that often gets glossed over. While people freely discuss the changes happening down below, the realities of your behind remain the unsung hero in this tale of motherhood. The vagina gets all the pampering; it’s told to rest, to avoid tampons, and to refrain from anything that might upset its delicate nature. Meanwhile, your digestive system is expected to spring back into action the moment the baby arrives. There’s no gentle approach for your backside—just an expectation to resume “normal” function without any warning.
The first bowel movement after giving birth is rarely pleasant. Depending on your approach, it can range from a mild discomfort to an overwhelming, “Am I giving birth to a twin?” level of agony. Unfortunately, I learned this lesson the hard way. After my first child, I was blindsided by a severe bout of constipation.
The delivery took a toll on me, and my doctor advised that recovery would take longer than expected. I was terrified at the thought of using the bathroom, fearing I might further injure an area that already felt like it had been through a blender. Even the simple act of peeing was daunting. The same bodily functions that prevent accidents also make it necessary to push, which triggered a wave of anxiety with the thought of any further straining.
I tried to relieve myself, but my body was having none of it. It was like coaxing a child to jump into a pool—they might inch closer but never fully commit. After a week of waiting, I knew it was time to face my fears. I handed my baby to my visiting mother-in-law, armed myself with a magazine, and steeled my resolve. “It’s time,” I declared, directing my gaze to the toilet that loomed ahead like a looming challenge.
To prepare for this moment, I had been chugging water and taking stool softeners, hoping it would facilitate a smooth exit—something akin to soft-serve ice cream. However, I quickly learned the crucial lesson: you need to start these preparations before you hold in your poop for a week. As soon as you give birth, ask for stool softeners along with your pain meds. The sooner you attempt to go, the better. If you wait, the result will be something much harder and compacted.
Many hospitals suggest you can’t be discharged until you’ve had a bowel movement, but in my experience, that’s more of a guideline. They won’t physically stop you from leaving until you produce evidence of a successful trip to the bathroom. However, it’s wise to take their advice—if your first attempt is problematic, they can assist you.
After what felt like an eternity of grunting and straining, I finally emerged victorious from the bathroom. In that moment, I vowed I would never have another child, convinced I could never face such constipation again. Yet, just like my college promises to avoid tequila, that vow faded with time. I’ve welcomed three more children since then, which means three additional post-partum poops. Thankfully, I learned from my initial experience, and none have been nearly as torturous since.
Now, as soon as my babies arrive, while other new mothers are cooing at their newborns, I’m discreetly checking on their fingers and toes before signaling for some Ex-Lax.
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Summary
The reality of post-partum bowel movements is often overlooked, leaving many new mothers unprepared for the discomfort that can ensue. This article delves into the challenges faced during that first post-birth poop, sharing personal experiences and advice for easing the process. For anyone embarking on the journey of motherhood, understanding the realities of recovery—including the importance of stool softeners and hydration—can make a significant difference.