The Dreaded First Poo...

The Dreaded First Poo After Birth: What to Expect & How to Make It Easier

The dreaded first poo after you’ve given birth — probably one of the most anticipated (and feared) bowel movements of your life!

It’s also one of the most common questions midwives and nurses ask in the first 24–48 hours after childbirth:
“Have you peed yet? Have you had your first bowel movement postpartum?”

And no, you’re not weird for stressing about it.

Many mamas worry about their first poo after birth, especially if they’ve had a vaginal birth, tearing, stitches, or a C-section. We wanted to break it down properly — what to expect, why it feels scary, and how to make your first bowel movement after having a baby easier.

We spoke with midwife Stacey to get the real talk.

Why Do Hospitals Ask If You’ve Peed and Pooped After Birth?

After birth, your body is checking back in.

Doing a wee helps ensure your bladder is working properly — especially if you’ve had a catheter. A full bladder can interfere with the uterus contracting and may contribute to increased bleeding.

Good news though:
👉 You usually don’t need to poop before leaving hospital or the birthing unit.

Why Is the First Poo After Birth So Stressful?

Whether you’ve had a vaginal delivery or a belly birth, many women feel nervous about pushing anything in that area postpartum.

There’s soreness.
There may be stitches or swelling.
And there’s fear of pain or “breaking something.”

Totally normal.

But delaying your first bowel movement can actually make postpartum constipation worse — which is often more uncomfortable than going when your body first tells you to.

Does the First Poo Postpartum Hurt?

Everyone’s experience is different.

Some mums say it’s uncomfortable.
Others feel instant relief and wonder why they worried so much.

The key is to relax, breathe, and let your body do the work — rather than straining.

Your body knows how to poop. Promise.

How to Make Your First Bowel Movement After Birth Easier

Here’s what helps most mamas:

• Go when you feel the urge — don’t hold it
• Drink at least 2 litres of water daily
• Eat fibre-rich foods like fruit, veggies and whole grains
• Take gentle walks if you’re able
• Use laxatives if your midwife recommends them

Pro tip:
Rest your feet on a small stool so your knees sit slightly higher than your hips. This position makes pooping easier and reduces strain.

Do I Wipe Normally or Use a Peri Bottle?

You can wipe front to back as usual.

But many mums find a peri bottle much gentler, especially if they’ve had tearing or stitches. Warm water helps cleanse without irritation.

If pressure feels scary at first, gently supporting the front of the vagina with a clean pad or damp cloth can give reassurance.

Will It Keep Hurting After the First Poo?

For most women, discomfort eases quickly over the next few bowel movements.

Haemorrhoids are very common postpartum — around 1 in 2 women experience them during pregnancy or after birth due to:

• increased blood volume
• hormone changes
• pressure on pelvic veins

To help prevent pain and constipation:

• drink lots of water
• eat fibre-rich foods
• move gently
• begin pelvic floor exercises when advised

Cooling products, witch hazel and soothing pads can also ease haemorrhoid discomfort.

What About Stitches and Keeping Everything Clean?

Always wipe front to back.

Warm water is usually all you need — no harsh soaps.

Contact your midwife if stitches are:
• very red
• oozing
• painful
• accompanied by fever

Showers, sitz baths and gentle rinsing all help healing.

What Underwear Is Best Postpartum?

Big comfy undies for the win.

Stitches are designed to move with your body and rarely come apart. If sitting feels sore, try:

• a rolled towel under one side
• a donut cushion
• resting often

What Care Products Help Most?

Simple is best:

✔ warm water to cleanse
✔ cold compresses to soothe
✔ gentle natural healing products

And What About Baby’s First Poo?

Babies usually pass their first poo (called meconium) within 24 hours.

It’s thick, sticky and black — totally normal.

As milk changes, baby poo colour changes too. Your midwife will keep checking in to make sure feeding is going well.

Mama Hack

Use a soft cloth, warm water and a little oil to help gently remove sticky meconium from baby’s skin — it makes cleanup much easier.