Experiencing the first bowel movement after childbirth can bring about fear and anxiety, particularly when stitches are present. This is a common concern among new mothers and a normal part of postpartum recovery. Your body is healing and adjusting after birth, so different sensations in the perineal area are expected.
Preparing Your Body for a Bowel Movement
Softening stools and preventing constipation can make postpartum bowel movements more manageable. Adequate hydration, including water, clear broths, and non-caffeinated fluids, is important. Aim for at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily, increasing this to around 3 liters a day if you are breastfeeding, as milk production can lead to increased fluid loss.
Dietary choices also promote softer stools and regular bowel movements. Incorporate high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Good options include apples, pears, berries, prunes, oats, brown rice, and legumes like lentils and black beans. Limit foods that contribute to constipation, such as white rice and refined flour products.
Stool softeners, such as docusate sodium, can be beneficial in the early postpartum period. They work by adding moisture to the stool, making it easier to pass, unlike stimulant laxatives. Docusate sodium is generally safe after birth and while breastfeeding, but consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
Techniques for a Smoother Bowel Movement
Specific techniques can ease the process and protect stitches during a bowel movement. Elevate your knees higher than your hips using a footstool or stacked toilet paper rolls. This squat-like posture relaxes the puborectalis muscle, straightening the rectum for smoother stool passage with less straining.
The “splinting” technique provides external support to the perineum, the area between the vagina and anus. Use a clean pad or wad of toilet paper wrapped around your hand to apply gentle, steady pressure to the perineum. This support can reduce pulling or straining on the stitches and offer security during the bowel movement.
It is important to avoid forceful straining or holding your breath during the process. Instead, focus on gentle pushing while exhaling, as if you are blowing out a candle or sighing. This breathing technique helps to reduce excessive pressure on the pelvic floor and allows gravity and relaxation to assist with stool passage. Patience is also important; do not rush the process, and only attempt to go when you feel a strong urge.
When to Contact Your Doctor
While anxiety about postpartum bowel movements is common, certain signs warrant immediate medical attention. You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience prolonged constipation, specifically if you have not had a bowel movement after three to four days post-discharge despite following advice on hydration and diet. Persistent constipation can sometimes lead to complications.
Signs of potential infection around the stitch area include increasing pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or the presence of foul-smelling discharge or pus. A fever, defined as a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, can also indicate an infection. These symptoms suggest that the healing process may be compromised and require professional evaluation.
Although it is uncommon for stitches to come undone during a bowel movement, report any unusual sensations, increased bleeding, visible gaps in the wound, or changes in the stitch line to your doctor. It is always advisable to contact a healthcare provider with any persistent concerns or new, worsening symptoms to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.