Pooping after birth?

pechal1

I can't believe Im asking this, but I have been taking my stool softners and the first time was ok. This time was awful! It was so hard, I had to push it out, and now I hurt again down there. I think all of my stiches were internal, but I am just hoping i didn't do any damage down there. Has this happened to anyone else, and if so did you pop stitches or anything? Tia!

KTNY

I CAN believe you're asking this...I was SO afraid to go after DD was born that I made my mom stay on the phone with me for support!  Trust me, I get it

That said, I didn't have any issues and only had a small, internal 2nd degree tear with few stitches.  I know you have to drink a lot of water for the stool softeners to work so make sure you're doing that.  Hang in there! 

justrachet

I had a bajillion stitches. I was taking stool softeners, but also loads of pain meds and iron. It took me 5 days to poop, and when it did come, it took a lot of work. I didn't mess up my stitches or do any damage to myself at all, but it did hurt.

bre86ann

I don't know how it feels with vaginal delivery, but I remember trying to poop after my c-section and it created a whole new set of pain that I was not prepared for. This time I know what to expect but I remember sitting on the toilet holding my belly at the incision crying because I just could not bring myself to push hard enough to make the poop come out. Eventually I had DH run out and get me some fast food (I don't remember if it was McDonald's or Bojangles) and within an hour all was right with the world again.

Ms5586

bre86ann:

I don't know how it feels with vaginal delivery, but I remember trying to poop after my c-section and it created a whole new set of pain that I was not prepared for. This time I know what to expect but I remember sitting on the toilet holding my belly at the incision crying because I just could not bring myself to push hard enough to make the poop come out. Eventually I had DH run out and get me some fast food (I don't remember if it was McDonald's or Bojangles) and within an hour all was right with the world again.

This cracks me up, because I would do the exact same thing.  Can I have a double cheese burger?  Fast forward to 45 minutes later, and bam!

ShawMich

I only had internal stiches too when I gave birth to my first baby and the pain is terrible.  Keep taking the stool softeners and take Ibuprofen for the pain.  It will get better, I promise.  I never popped any stitches.

I hope you feel better soon! 

CateB95

Believe it or not, thanks for posting this.  I was taking the stool softeners until I ran out of what I got from the hospital (2 days ago).  1st 2 poops were nice and soft, now I can feel I'm starting to get backed up and am also nervous about straining and doing something to the stitches (2nd degree tear).  I'm trying everything I can at home (Fiber Gummies and tea), but I think I'm going to have to send DH to buy some stool softeners.

roonarpia+1

I didn't pop any stitches but what did help was holding a warm washcloth down there while I pushed.  You can even put warm water and witch hazel!  Helped me a TON.