Top 3 Tips: “How to have the best poop of your life after having a baby”
Top 3 Tips: “How to have the best poop of your life after having a baby”
One of the most nerve wracking things after having a baby can be the first postpartum poop. You are in the process of healing from pushing a baby out of your “hoo-ha” and now it is time to prepare for having your first bowel movement. Although anxiety and anticipation can be high, here are 3 tips you may not have known to help that poo to be as smooth and easy as possible.
First: nutrition. Eat your whole foods - fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, whole grains. Eating whole foods that are high in fiber will help that poo be softer. Nobody likes hard stool.
Secondly, hydrate. Sip on that Stanley, girl! After labor, drink all the water + electrolytes to rehydrate! Additionally, drinking a cup of coffee can help to stimulate a good bowel movement and allow the poo to glide right out.
Finally, breathe. If you’ve been around here long enough you know that breathing is the foundation for so many things, including pooping! Avoid straining. Straining can worsen hemorrhoids and prolapse, as it increases pressure on your pelvic floor.
If you are struggling with your first postpartum poop, you are not alone. And we are here to support you as you have questions and need guidance. Reach out with questions! (nurturephysicaltherapy@gmail.com) For many of our postpartum mamas, a video or phone visit has been super helpful to address this milestone.
All my best,
Dr. Kara