So what's the deal with the first poo after giving birth?

[pruney1977]

I've read a few posts which allude to the fact that the first poo after giving birth can be traumatic? Anyone prepared to put me out of my misery with TMI and tell me why?
Also, I've never been constipated all through this pregnancy, regular as clockwork 2-3 times per day as per usual so will that make a difference to the dreaded first poo?
I'm just wondering what the deal is being a naive first timer.

Have you seen a video of a Tortoise/turtle laying an egg? It felt a bit like that. It didn't hurt me, weeing on my cuts was really bad.

I agree with MrsBloomingTroll. When I was in labour I felt like I was constipated (hadn't been all pregnancy) The MW kept telling me to push towards my bottom. I could feel a "little bit of poo" which I kept thinking if I can get rid of that, it'll be embarrassing, but I'll be able to push properly and give birth to this baby!
A while later I realised that the "little bit of poo" was actually DD's head.

There was someone on my ante-natal thread back then who spent all day on the bathroom floor suffering with constipation. After 8 hours her DH persuaded her that if they went to hospital she could get checked out and have an enema if needed... she only just made it to the labour ward.

So the first poo brought back with it flash backs. I also tore badly during labour so I was worried about breaking the stitches.

I was never told about the pad trick. I'll make sure I remember that this time.