How Long Does It Take to Poop After Giving Birth? What Helps Postpartum Constipation

If it has been a couple of days since you gave birth and you are dreading the bathroom, you are in very good company. Most people have a first bowel movement within 2 to 3 days of delivery, and constipation in the first weeks is one of the most common, least discussed parts of recovery. Here is what is normal and what gently helps.

How long does it take to poop after giving birth?

Most people have their first bowel movement about 2 to 3 days after delivery. It can take a little longer after a cesarean birth or with pain medication on board. If you have gone four or five days without a bowel movement, or you have severe belly pain, call your provider.

Every body is different, and a first postpartum poop that takes a few days is not a sign that something is wrong. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that constipation and hemorrhoids are common after delivery and usually improve with fluids, fiber and time. Many hospitals will ask you whether you have gone before they send you home.

Why is postpartum constipation so common?

Several things stack up after birth: hormone shifts that slow digestion, pain medicine, iron supplements, a sore perineum that makes you tense up, less movement, and not enough water while you are busy feeding a baby. Together they make hard, slow stools very common in the first weeks.

The Mayo Clinic lists dehydration, low fiber, iron, pain medicine and low activity among the usual causes of constipation, and most of them apply right after birth. If you are also bloated, our guide on why you can stay bloated weeks after giving birth covers the overlap.

Can pooping after birth tear your stitches?

A bowel movement is very unlikely to pull stitches apart, though it still feels scary. Hold a clean pad gently against the area for support, breathe out as you go, and avoid long straining. Soft stools are easier on any tear, so keep them soft.

Sitting with your knees slightly above your hips, with your feet on a small stool, helps the muscles around the rectum relax. Take your time, and do not hold it in when you feel the urge. If you had a significant tear, your provider may give you specific instructions, so follow those first.

What actually helps postpartum constipation?

The basics do most of the work: drink water through the day, eat fiber from oats, fruit, vegetables and beans, walk a little each day, and rest your feet on a small stool when you sit. Many hospitals also send parents home with a gentle stool softener, so ask your provider which one suits you.

• Water: keep a bottle where you feed the baby. Nursing parents often feel thirstier, so drink to thirst and a little beyond.
• Fiber: the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases lists fiber, fluids and activity as first steps. Add it gradually so you do not get gassy.
• Movement: short walks, as your provider allows, help your gut move along.
• Routine: try sitting on the toilet after a warm drink or a meal, when your gut is most active.

Can you drink tea for postpartum constipation while breastfeeding?

Warm, caffeine-free herbal tea counts toward your daily fluids and can be a comforting part of a routine. Skip stimulant laxative teas, such as senna blends, unless your provider says they are right for you, because they are not a gentle first step for new and nursing parents.

A gentle option is Mummy Magic Postpartum Wellness Tea, a USDA Organic, caffeine-free fruit blend many new mothers rely on as a warm, enjoyable daily drink. It is not a laxative and is not meant to replace your provider's advice. For more on what is considered gentle, see our guides to the best teas for postpartum recovery and whether slimming tea is safe while breastfeeding.

When should you see a professional about postpartum constipation?

Call your provider if you have no bowel movement after four or five days, severe belly pain or swelling, vomiting, fever, blood in the stool beyond a little on the paper, or pain that stops you from going at all. Those signs need a check, not more tea.

Ask your provider before using any herbal product while nursing, especially if you take iron, blood thinners or other medicines. For more on what to sip safely, read which teas are safe while breastfeeding. Our Natural Wellness Guide and New Parent Complete Guide have more gentle ideas for the fourth trimester.

This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Secrets of Tea products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.