TMI

OK TMI I havent had a bowel movment since labor, and I am scared too.  I had a vaginal birth and I feel like it is going to be very painful.  Any words of advice????????

[Whitneylauren]

I can identify with that, as I am sure all the women here can! ;) Did the doc give you a stool softener? That should help- you really wouldn't have to "push" much. If he didn't you can get them over the counter at the pharmacy- send your husband.

If you tore, as I did with my first, then stool softeners are a definite must. If you didn't, however, (I didn't with my second) you shouldn't have much of a problem. I found that it didn't hurt with the second at all.

Also try eating fiber rich foods, cereal loaded with fiber, kiwis (they are a natural laxative), lots of good veggies, apples etc. Good luck sweetie!

[justice6920]

LOL i was the same way! I was terrified to poo the first time.... i swear I held it for a week (jk) But like Whitney says take the stool softners they will really really help! It really isnt that bad, just more scary than anything!

[kele1129]

Yeah I waited a week and a half. I had a second degree tear and did not use a softener...I lived through it. Childbirth is definately worse but they should offer an epidural for those first poos...

[AmyC311]

I just took lots of stool softeners. I am constipated anyways...always have been...but it wasn't bad. Just give yourself time and don't rush yourself. Eat fiber foods too...and lots of water. I have to take lots of stool softeners even now because I had a couple tears and it hurts worse later when your meds have worn off...haha. So this first one shouldn't be as bad. At least it wasn't for me.

[Jem75]

they say you usually wont have to poo until 3-5 days after birth....at the hospital they gave me a daily stool softener - which helped. I am even taking them at home now.

GOOD LUCK - it *****.