Many first time mothers are terrified of the stories they hear regarding the first bowel movement post delivery. Second time, third time, etc mothers who haven’t been educated in the tips and tricks for easing this process are equally terrified! Why is this so seemingly scary? Regardless of a surgical or vaginal birth, the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor are extremely tender post delivery. In addition, if any pain medications or anesthetics were administered during the delivery and labor, constipation can result. Luckily, there are quite a few things you can do to prepare for your first bowel movement post delivery. This does not need to be scary and feared!
First, relax. You got this! You delivered a baby. Having a bowel movement is nothing compared to the extraordinary act you just performed. 1.) Take the stool softener given to you in the hospital or what was prescribed to you for home care. If you weren’t prescribed one, any over the counter gentle stool softener will do. You can even ask a pharmacist at any drug store what they recommend. Do not skip this. Even if you are a person who has NEVER taken a stool softener and opted for natural methods instead, still take this. You will thank me later. 2.) Speaking of natural methods, eat dates prior to your delivery (if you have done any research/birthing classes you have already learned about the benefits of doing this) and after delivery. This has two purposes. The first purpose is to help soften your stool and the gentle fiber in dates helps to gently expel a bowel movement. Secondly, dates are a good source of magnesium and iron. These two nutrients are VITAL postpartum for healing and essential nutrients for breastfeeding. In Chinese medicine dates have been used for centuries for blood loss in women, restoring healthy menstrual cycles, and pre and post partum health maintenance. Win win! 3.) Regarding magnesium, you should already be taking this during your entire pregnancy to avoid constipation in the first place. Consult your healthcare provider prior to adjusting intake/dosage, but I have my patients who are eligible with their health take at least 600 mg of magnesium citrate in divided doses throughout their pregnancy and each day postpartum. Magnesium gently increases the amount of water in the intestinal tract which acts as a stool softener. I like the Calm brand for their easy to take doses. You can find this at any supermarket. 4.) Positioning - Good form is everything and sitting on modern day toilets actually tightens all the muscles in the pelvic floor and fights against having a relaxed bowel movement. All you have to do is change the tilt of your hips and this makes everything easier. Many women switch to using a squatty potty or similar device while pregnant to avoid hemorrhoids and help facilitate bowel movements. Same concept applies after delivery. Trust me, you will like it so much you will be using this long after having a baby. 5.) Lastly, try holding a pillow to your midsection as if you were hugging the pillow and breathe gently and deeply during your bowel movement. Do NOT push, strain, or force any of your muscles. Let gravity do its thing and breathe. The pillow helps push against your stomach gently to aid in supporting those very loose abdominal muscles and if you had a C-section this will be immensely valuable as well.
Happy pooping!
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