Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

First poo post labour

29 replies

Countrylifeornot · 22/10/2019 16:43

Help me out girls, I'm scared. I'm swigging softeners and think I need to go but I get there and chicken out. Had lots of stitches, just can't mentally unclench.

What are your tips? I can't remember what I did last time, but I didn't have stitches then either so maybe it was easier Blush

OP posts:
HB2019 · 22/10/2019 16:48

The fear of it is way worse than the actual poop. I had 3rd degree tear and it really wasn't bad at all. Especially with all the softeners. Hopefully it'll be massive and satisfying, just go for it!

RoLaren · 22/10/2019 16:49

Wrap your dominant hand in a load of loo roll and press against your perineum as you push. Really helps x

Gertie75 · 22/10/2019 16:50

I tore front to back and had lots of stitches, first poo wasn't bad at all, I held a pad of tissues against my stitches, I don't think it physically did anything but was reassuring.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Families
FriedasCarLoad · 22/10/2019 16:51

Yes to pressing against perineum if you can.

Also, exhale as you push the poo out. It relaxes the sphincter.

strawbmilk · 22/10/2019 16:52

I was prescribed movicol which made things very soft but was better than straining for me as I was very blocked up Blush

museumum · 22/10/2019 16:52

Yep - hold your front parts together with your paper in your hand and support yourself there, it makes all the difference.

ToothlessIsMySpiritAnimal · 22/10/2019 16:54

Definitely don't be too nervous and suppress the urge like I did with my first DS. After 11 days of not going due to fear, finally going was worse than the actual birth itself for me. Was not far off having to go in and have medical intervention, I was that impacted.

As other PP have said, it's not as your mind is imagining, and putting pressure on the stitches does help, as does a step in front of the loo to put your feet on to get you into a better position.

Good luck!

Original poster
Countrylifeornot · 22/10/2019 16:56

Thanks all, sounds very sensible to hold fanjo together, even if it doesn't actually do anything other than mentally help.
No more children for me..... My poor old bits are crying out Sad

OP posts:
WaningGibbous · 22/10/2019 17:05

Weigh yourself before and after. Someone on here did this and had lost 6lb - I think the actual baby was only 6lb 2oz or something. Imagine the sense of achievement Grin

CalamityJune · 22/10/2019 17:14

I used a maternity pad soaked in cold water to hold myself. The thought is horrendous but the actual thing isn't bad. It took a few days to feel OK with it again.

firstimemamma · 22/10/2019 17:15

One hand - hold sanitary pad over stitches.

Other hand - look at a YouTube video on your phone and really try to focus on it as you poo. This distraction technique helped me massively!

Good luck! I had stitches too and it really is ok!

firstimemamma · 22/10/2019 17:17

Forgot to add - wipe with a baby wipe / intimate area wipe! Nicer than loo roll.

Namechangeymcnamechange11 · 22/10/2019 19:22

Drink a big smoothie. DH brought one to hospital for me as a change from water or decaf tea. Absolutely no pushing needed Blush

GeriAtric · 22/10/2019 20:39

I remember the dear I'd this. Keep up with the softeners and you should be fine. It's always worse in your head than in reality. Definitely support your perineum with tissues or a pad and try not to strain. Good luck!

notanaturalmum · 22/10/2019 20:43

Gross as it may seem right now - use a mirror before you "go" so you can see where your stitches are and how far away/or close they are to your bum. Then you kind of know what you are dealing with.
Then like PP have said, hold your bits together and just try. The thought of it is far worse than the actual act.
Good luck!

flissity · 22/10/2019 20:46

A sanitary pad that has been sprinkled with water then put in the freezer is very handy for moments like this. Hold against your wound. I also put a chair in front of the loo so I could lean forward on it, helped to be a bit less tense x

Nat6999 · 22/10/2019 20:48

Hold your bits together with a pad of toilet tissue & blow like you are blowing bubbles, it relaxes your pelvic floor. Drink gallons & take either lactose or dulcoease. Try to not rush or panic, it will happen.

helacells · 22/10/2019 21:05

Get in a warm shallow bath and do it there. Sounds gross but the relief is heaven

Original poster
Countrylifeornot · 22/10/2019 23:11

I did it! Used a pad on my front, hoiked my feet up and took my time and it was grand in the end! Thanks for all the tips and advice and reassurance, I feel a million times better now it's done.

OP posts:
HUBBLEBATRISQUE · 22/10/2019 23:15

🎉

PixieDustt · 22/10/2019 23:40

So scary the first 💩!
I had 2nd degree tears and was actually surprised it was fine, was still scared a few times after though 🙈

SpadesOfGlory · 22/10/2019 23:51

I came on to say most of what everyone else said, but glad it's no longer needed! For what it's worth, my first bowel movement took longer than pushing the baby out very speedy delivery to thank for a whopping 3rd degree tear Blush

WaningGibbous · 23/10/2019 09:34

Congratulations! What was the weight? Grin

FiveFarthings · 23/10/2019 09:46

If you can, put a small box or stool under your feet to push your knees up, this will put you in more of a ‘squatting’ position on the loo and will help to open up your bowels.

Her0utdoors · 23/10/2019 11:36

Really up your fluid intake to make sure there's no chance that dehydration is causing constipation. Check if you are taking opiod based pain relief, this can bung you up too. Emptying your bowels well post partum gives your uterus room to contract and will aide your recovery