First BM

Plumeria1214

For those who had second or third degree tears and stitches, how long did it take until you had first BM? How painful was it? I am soooo scared to go!! I'm on percoset for pain bc of bad tear but I'm trying to wean myself bc I don't like taking it while BF no matter what nurse said. Also any healing tips?? Thanks!

babs02

I think my tears were only second degree. I was terrified of my first BM! I think it took 3 days. It wasn't bad at all. I am taking stool softener and I know that's helping. Dermaplast (sp?) has helped any pain I have down there. The blue can not the red.

jen83mn

I had a third degree tear and had my first BM at the hospital probably 36 hours after having him. They started me on a stool softener/laxative the night after giving birth to him (I think it was Senna) and I used the peri bottle when going and it wasn't painful at all since the stool was so soft. I've gone every day since then and have contined to take the stool softener every night (baby is 16 days old today). I've had one painful BM since then (due to hemmeroids), but used Tucks pads afterward and felt better almost immediately. I definitely recommend a stool softener/laxative if they don't have you on one already. (P.S. I was on Extra-Strength Tylenol for pain, along with using ice packs, Tucks pads, and Dermoplast spray.)

julesp83

I have a 2nd degree tear and I didn't have my first movement until 4 days after birth. I was terrified also but it did come out, it wasn't comfortable but didn't hurt as bad as I thought it would.

CEW225

I have a 3rd degree tear and had my first the day we came home from the hospital, so 48 hours after she was born. I am on Percocet for pain and take Colace and Mineral Oil to help with softening the stool. I was terrified, but it really wasn't that bad. Worst part was me trying to figure out how to get myself clean. Peri bottle works wonders. Dermaplast has been my friend too.

sallyg85

Get you through the healing..there's nothing better than having a cold shower head on you and then laying in front of a cold fan..numbs you for a little while..plus keeps the area nice and clean..which helps..so you don't get infection etc. Do this several times a day when you get the chance. Drink plenty of water and increase your fibre intake to help with BM. Also use vaseline or lubricant to help it ease out better along with keeping your feet elevated. .so rest them on a stool and just sit back..Instead of straining just breathe like you would through a contraction...It definitely helps.

LoveLee85

I took my stool softener religiously!!! I'm also a multiple BM a day type person. It took me 4 days and it didn't hurt!! It was a ton, too. Just try to relax and go!

visualcircus

I was so scared of pooping that I was ready to give up pooping forever (if that is even possible.) I really think it's like second labor, and it didn't help DH wanted me to call the OB if I didn't have a BM within 5 days. 

I had a 2nd degree episotomy and a hemorrhoid, and it took 5 days for it to get the first post partum poop out. I had my mom watch the baby, took 30 minutes in the bathroom.. and was able to get it done. I won't lie I was making noises and sweating, while bracing the wall. Once that was over it got so much better. This is what helped me:

1) I took colace- a stool softener everyday

2) Got off of the "good stuff" pain meds as soon as I could since those can cause constipation

3) Took metamucil 1-2 times a day

4) Got one of those rubber donuts to sit on

5) Tried to stick with high fiber foods and drink a LOT of water 

Good luck!! I spent a good hour googling how to do it.

Jenten810

visualcircus said:

I had my mom watch the baby, took 30 minutes in the bathroom.. and was able to get it done. I won't lie I was making noises and sweating, while bracing the wall. Once that was over it got so much better. This is what helped me:

1) I took colace- a stool softener everyday

2) Got off of the "good stuff" pain meds as soon as I could since those can cause constipation

3) Took metamucil 1-2 times a day

4) Got one of those rubber donuts to sit on

5) Tried to stick with high fiber foods and drink a LOT of water 

This was me with my first son, especially the bracing the walls and sweating part!! I had a 3rd and 4th degree tears so for a while I compared my first BM to giving birth because it was terrifying and painful, but I followed pretty much these same steps to get through and after the first one it really does get better.

shelbydd

I had a csection so not the same of course but using your ab muscles to have a BM after that is still scary and can be painful. I took stool softeners and dosed myself with milk of magnesia and it helped tremendously. The first BM wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I definitely wouldn't recommend forcing it too much, though.

BabyLoto

I find this interesting because Percocet is known to cause constipation- exactly the opposite of what you are trying to do!

str13

While the Percocet causes some constipation, if you're in too much pain you won't even want to try. I agree that you need to take a stool softener. If you're not sure you can call your OB for a recommendation, or even ask your pediatrician since your BFing.
And my OB ordered me Haleys Milk of Mag if I hadn't gone before discharge. I only had one dose each time, but it helped a lot. You may could call and ask about that. Also just regular Milk of Magnesia, I had this problem each pregnancy, so I'd take half a dose and if nothing I'd take the other half, then daily until BM.

maiatene

I was pooping in the hospital... The nurse wouldn't let me leave without doing it at least once lol! once I got home I took stool softness, drank lots of water and tried to stay off my bum as much as possible. I must've been one of the lucky ones bc I dont remember being scared to poop or it hurting when I did go

meggipi5

Take your colace, drink lots of water. I agree with PP about the rubber donut--life saver to sit on something that takes off the pressure. You can use Ibuprofen for pain safely.

With DD1 I had partial 3rd degree tearing and pooped after 3-4 days. With DD2 I had 2nd degree tearing and pooped day 2. Keep taking Colace (stool softener) until you aren't afraid anymore.

Plumeria1214

Thank you ladies!!! I finally had a BM and immediately started crying from relief! It was tough but not painful and now I'm gonna keep up with fiber intake and I'm gonna stop percoset and try to manage pain (or take less if I really need it). Thanks for all recommendations and support!! It's nice not to feel alone with these things!