Some women can feel worried and anxious about their first time visiting the toilet for a bowel movement after giving birth. This tends to happen about 3 days after giving birth. It might be uncomfortable, but it’s really important that you do what you can to stay regular after giving birth. Eating plenty of fibre and drinking plenty of water can be helpful, as the hormones involved in giving birth can sometimes interfere with your digestive system. Over the counter stool softeners may help, but check with your midwife for more information if you’re unsure and struggling with constipation.
If you have had stitches in your perineum, it can help to support this area by pressing a clean maternity pad to this area while you open your bowels. The stitches are perfectly secure without, but this can make it easier to relax and go.
