After birthing your baby women often share with other women tips to help heal your perineum (ice pads, herbs etc) but no one ever talks about what happens to your bowels. Sometimes after pushing out a baby you are scared to push out something else; poop. Depending on your birth you may have stitches or are swollen, the thought of having to push may have you all bunged up but the fact is you HAVE to poop. It’s nature. Time to get back on the Pooper. To help you get back into your pooping routine we have a list of tried and true tips and tricks.
Fiber– After my girlfriend had a baby her Mother In Law made her a fruit salad for breakfast every morning. This simple meal loaded with fiber helps keep your poop softer. if you want to sneak in some more add some extra fiber with chia seeds or flax.
Water– Lots and lots of water. You just birthed a baby and likely are low on hydration, staying hydrated postpartum will also soften your poop and get things moving along.
Get Moving- Walking increases blood flow to your organs, and bringing more blood to the GI tract. You get moving and so does your poop. I don’t mean pop your newborn into your BOB stroller and trek around the city. I mean gently and slowly walk to the kitchen get a glass of water and walk back, this will help your bowels.
Relax- First, Seriously, to properly propel poop from the body, the sphincter must voluntarily relax. Give yourself time, get a good book or turn on some spa tunes… Whatever, just do your best to relax.
Avoid Constipating Foods– Bananas, cheese, and other dairy products have a reputation of being “binding” and fast foods are high in sodium and it ties up all your fluids making you less hydrated and now we are back to hard poop.
If you’ve tried all of these tips and still can not poop; ask your Care Provider or GP about using a stool softener. Remember, the first poop is the trickiest, you will be back to your normal bathroom routine in no time.
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