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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Pooping after childbirth?

22 replies

DaleyBump · 13/10/2013 19:09

I have no idea where to post this but it's been worrying me. I'm not a poo troll, promise!

What's it like pooping after having a baby? Is it really painful? I'm getting myself all worked up about tearing or having to get an epiosotomy and then trying to poop afterwards. Stupid question, sorry.

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NoodieRoodie · 13/10/2013 19:11

Far easier than I thought it'd be!!!

Had 2nd degree tear, so was worried but it didn't hurt at all. Just made sure I drank plenty, then waited until I really needed to go.

Original poster

DaleyBump · 13/10/2013 19:13

That's good to hear! :)

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PuddingAndHotMilk · 13/10/2013 19:14

After 3rd degree tear and stitches I was scared but take your lactulose, drink loads and keep your knees up higher than your hips and lean forward. It's ok

AnythingNotEverything · 13/10/2013 19:14

My first was fine, quite loose but without any stinging or pain although I'd had a tear stitched.

A week later the iron tablets if been discharged with had taken effect. That was a different matter ...

IdaClair · 13/10/2013 19:16

Pooping was fine. No tears with either baby, no stitches, went as normal, though it does all feel a bit wobbly for a couple of days in the midriff department.

Peeing on the other hand....I thought I would faint (grazes)

mummeeee · 13/10/2013 19:17

I had a 3rd degree tear with my first & they sent me home with fybogel and lactulose. I also made sure I ate well (plenty of fibre and lots of water) post-birth which isn't as easy as it sounds because you can be very hungry and the easiest thing for your birth partner to fetch can be fast food from the hospital or nearby.

I took lots of cereal bars and juice drinks with me for dc2's birth, so that i knew that afterwards I could have some snacks with fibre. I had a 2nd degree tear that time and no-one advised fybogel or lactulose so I am really glad I knew about it from the first time.

Fybogel and lactulose are both available over the counter so you can get them yourself before your due date so you are prepared.

Hope that helps

BusyCee · 13/10/2013 19:17

I was lucky, no tears, so no fear.

Two bits of advice if you're worried. Getting massaging your perineum now, softens everything up making you less likely to tear (overall). Your midwife can advise, or look up on t'interweb (not as terrifying as or sounds). And have plenty of dried fruit in the house to munch on after DC is Born. I was horrendously constipated after both DSs, apparently not unusual

TeWiSavesTheDay · 13/10/2013 19:18

Keep hydrated, try and eat sensibly, might be a few days but you will be fine.

Box under your feet can help, also pouring water over your bits with a squirty bottle while weeing if you do have stitches, or even squatting in shallow water.

goodbyeyellowbrickroad · 13/10/2013 19:19

It really wasn't that bad. Had an episiotomy and stitches. Was given a couple of tips by another mum that helped. Get a clean maternity pad and hold it

ILoveCwtches · 13/10/2013 19:19

I had an episiotomy, 1st degree tear and was on iron tabs as lost quite a bit of blood. Had been on them during pregnancy, too, so was bit constipated. I worried a lot and then when I needed to go, it was much better than I'd thought it would be. Didn't hurt and was maybe a bit uncomfortable but that's all.

You'll be fine!

Original poster

DaleyBump · 13/10/2013 19:19

Thanks for all the advice everyone, I'll pick some lactulose tomorrow to stick in my hospital bag.

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goodbyeyellowbrickroad · 13/10/2013 19:22

It really wasn't that bad. Had an episiotomy and stitches. Was given a couple of tips by another mum that helped. Get a clean maternity pad and hold it over your stitches if you have any. As ridiculous as it sounds it made me feel like it would stop my stitches popping open. Yes to putting your feet up and a sports bottle with warm water to squirt whilst you wee. Stops the stinging. And moist toilet paper is much, much gentler.

onedogandababy · 13/10/2013 19:30

I had episiotomy & stitches (forceps). All was fine. Weeing didn't sting at all and had first poo day after she was born.
I took lots of dried apricots & mango in my bag to hospital, made sure I was eating it constantly, oat & apricot cereal bars and drinking plenty of water. Was nervous, but wrapped my hand in toilet paper and held to myself to support my pelvic floor as much as I could.
I may have been luckier than most though as I went regularly (at least once a day) throughout pregnancy and have never suffered from constipation.

Original poster

DaleyBump · 13/10/2013 19:37

I'll make sure to stock up on cereal bars and fruit too :) thanks! I'm already on a lot of iron because I was anaemic pre pregnancy and being pregnant has made it worse. Really really dreading that first post-natal poo but I suppose it's just one of those things :)

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BlackholesAndRevelations · 13/10/2013 19:39

I second the holding a wodge of loo roll or clean pad on the stitches- kind of helps support everything and allows you to relax as you're not worried about bursting the stitches! I must admit it was way easier than I thought it'd be both times (two episiotomies). Def lean forwards when you wee too.

Oh and drink loads of water; you'll need it, especially if you're breastfeeding too.

TallulahBetty · 13/10/2013 19:41

Far easier than i thought it would be. Maybe it was the suppository they gave me before I gave birth still working its magic

Blonde1982 · 13/10/2013 19:45

absolutely fine, but can't emphasise enough- Drink Loads Of Water! (same goes for if you are breastfeeding).

codeinedodger · 13/10/2013 20:40

I'd add to think twice before accepting codeine-containing pain relief after birth. It's well known for causing constipation and you really don't want to add to your problems!

BloodysocksAndGore · 13/10/2013 20:43

I was fine, I had internal tears and only a slight one near my urethra but I had forgotten about that but my first wee was fine and although terrified (didn't poop till day 3 after the birth) it was a relief to say the least and didn't hurt. It's more the thought of it tbh.

Mogz · 13/10/2013 20:55

So glad you asked Daley, now I don't have to embarrass myself at tomorrow's MW appointment

Original poster

DaleyBump · 13/10/2013 21:35

Glad to be of service

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shellsocks · 13/10/2013 23:51

I took 10 days to go after DS and I think it was physiological tbh but got on the lactoluse and it wasn't bad when I did...MW gave me a great tip to breathe slowly in thru the nose and out thru the mouth as this opens things up apparently! It really worked and I still do it now if I'm a bit constipated (PG again!) HTH

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