You sure have done your research about pregnancy and the battles that come with it. However, post delivery there is yet another battle which you will have to wage and sadly not everyone talk about it openly. Yes, we are talking about your fitst post partum poop. Your first poop after delivery can literally be a nightmare. Here are things you must know before you visit the bathroom after delivery.

Curated from CureJoy

1. Don’t Attempt To Do It Alone

The nurses may ask you to have your first Bowel Movement when you are still at the hospital. Listen to them! If you plan to do it alone under the seclusion and peace of your home’s bathroom, you may strain yourself on the toilet seat, suffering from the agony all alone.

It may sound strange but it is better to have someone there to help you when you relieve yourself.

2. Take A Stool Softener

Some mothers pass the Stool a week after their delivery. It is normal and depends on whether your labor was complicated and what you ate in the last few days of your pregnancy.

For a less painful bowel movement, your Doctor will prescribe you medications like stool softener or a laxative soon after your delivery. However, if they haven’t, don’t rush to a medical store—consult your doctor before taking any medication.

The earlier you start taking medication, the better you will feel on the toilet seat.

3. Don’t Delay It

Many moms get intimidated by the thought of passing stool—because so much has happened down there, you might fear to get another tear or that your stitches will cut open under pressure.
However, the more you delay, the harder the turd will be. Don’t wait, keep your nurse busy to assist you when you are still at the hospital and get done with it.

4. Squat Position Will Help

Keep your legs elevated when you sit on the toilet seat—use a squat potty stool. Bring up your knees, closer to your abdomen. This position of sitting partially into a squat will help in passing out the bowels.

5. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Drink enough water and fluids. Now that you will be breastfeeding, your body will need more water. It will also help loosen the stool and make pooping a less painful affair.

6. Avoid Fatty And Greasy Foods

Avoid sticky foods like cheese and fries and include more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Though you will crave for a cheeseburger now that the baby is out and in your arms, keep the junk aside until your digestive track clears out.
Eating fiber rich diet can definitely help through, though it may take a day or two to show some effect. Vegetables, lentils, Brussels sprouts are your best friends now.

7. Put Counter pressure

Use a clean pad or diaper, soak it in water and freeze it. Using it, apply counter pressure to the front to overcome the feeling of your insides ripping out.

8. Consult The Doctor

If your condition is not improving and the pain is excruciating, contact your doctor. Don’t delay it to the extent where you will regret not going to your doctor early.

To be honest, things may not become easy within a day or two. However, over the days, you will gradually sense improvement.

Feature Image Source: Cosmopolitan