Women are true warriors at every stage of their lives. They face situations that no man could handle and, even better, always manage to smile and go about their tasks as usual. And just when we think the tough situations are behind us, another one comes along, right on its heels—after all, we are women, and we handle whatever comes our way. After hours of labor, much dedication, and physical exhaustion, birth happens, and we think now it’s time to just enjoy. Not so fast! Haha. After the arrival of your most precious one, you will still have to face the discomfort of stitches in case of a laceration during vaginal birth or the sutures from a C-section, and on top of that, the fear of having a bowel movement postpartum1.
From an outsider’s perspective, it might seem silly; after all, when you need to go to the bathroom, you just go, right? Of course, in normal circumstances! But what about when you feel the urge and your whole body is sore and sensitive, and you feel like any effort will cause everything to come apart? That is the fear most women have after giving birth, and it’s rare to find anyone who had a normal, fear-free bowel movement right after childbirth.
Even with nurses in the maternity ward insisting that you’ll only be discharged after you manage to go. And it’s always worth mentioning: the longer you wait, the worse it gets, because your stool will get harder and it will be even more difficult (and painful) to pass2.
The first days after childbirth are always extremely complicated for women. Your routine is turned upside down, and the hustle and bustle means many even forget to use the bathroom, only remembering when they’re already having strong abdominal pain or, as people commonly say, when they become ‘all blocked up’. Being in this situation causes not only abdominal discomfort, but also bad mood and irritability, and let’s be honest—this should be a time of complete joy, not ruined by constipation! To help during this tricky time, you can turn to some foods that will make it easier for you to have a bowel movement after childbirth.
Drinking plenty of fluids will help keep you hydrated. Foods rich in fiber are also very helpful in this situation, so sticking to a healthy diet can make all the difference. Try eating a variety of fruits throughout the day, preferably those high in fiber like papaya, pear, kiwi, plum, and also fresh orange juice. Yogurts, whole-grain breads, milk, and cheeses will also help your intestines return to normal and make it less strenuous when you have a bowel movement after giving birth. Another valuable tip is to have 3 to 4 dried prunes a day, which are considered a miracle food for improving bowel function.
Some maternity wards, before discharging the mother, usually offer a dose of Tamarine along with pain medication. This is a natural laxative, which may come in capsule, gel, or, most commonly, jelly form. It ensures the new mom has a bowel movement before heading home. Besides trouble with bowel movements, some women may also have difficulty or even pain and discomfort while urinating, since the urethra may be a bit swollen and not functioning normally after the baby’s passage, or because of the effects of morphine used during a C-section. But don’t worry—the urethra typically returns to normal a few hours after delivery.
Postpartum Gas
Among the various discomforts of the postpartum period are gas, or as it’s also called, flatulence3. This usually occurs in women who have had a C-section, where a small amount of blood inevitably remains inside the abdomen during the procedure, making it harder for the intestines to move and function properly. As a result, the intestines become sluggish for a while, allowing a large buildup of gas, which causes considerable discomfort. In the hospital, you’ll be asked to avoid talking during and shortly after the procedure, as that also increases gas buildup. Fennel or anise tea can help reduce gas and are also beneficial while breastfeeding.
Try to walk around as soon as you’re allowed in the hospital, as this will help eliminate postpartum gas. Rest, proper sleep, and appropriate nutrition make all the difference and help your body get back to normal, making all the discomforts disappear more quickly. Some doctors already prescribe medication for this purpose before you’re discharged from the hospital, but if it’s not recommended to you, ask your doctor to prescribe something that is suitable for this phase and will not harm your baby while breastfeeding.
See also: How is Recovery After a C-Section?
Photos: David K, Jessica Pankratz
