Many new mums tend to get anxious about having their first poo after birth. The number one reason  for this is lack of information. Discussing the bowels is embarrassing for most of us. All the other aspects of what happens to your body after delivery such as lochia, baby blues, and engorged breasts are discussed in great detail at antenatal classes, but no one ever talks about going to the toilet.
 
Your body is in recovery mode after you have given birth. You probably have some bruising and stitches. You may be afraid that it will hurt. Perhaps you are concerned that if you strain too hard, your stitches will split open. For some women, just the thought of having to be stitched again is so intolerable that they don’t go poo, and this causes problems later.

If you are in hospital, the likelihood of the loo not being as private or as comfortable as your own bathroom runs high. Very often there are people outside in the corridor and the question arises, will they hear? Perhaps someone else is waiting to use the loo. Does the door lock properly or will you be interrupted? All of these fears are common, but often go unspoken.

Try not to worry about going to the toilet. Start eating high fibre foods and drink plenty of fluids as soon as you can after delivery. Your body will let you know when it's ready. Don't ignore the urge when it does finally hit. Uses a clean sanitary pad folded in half and hold it in place from the front on your stitches. This will help support your pelvic floor muscles and give you confidence that you won't split any stitches.

Chances are that you will be at home by the time that you need to go. Let the rest of the family know that you may be occupying the little room for a while. Nothing is worse than sitting down and then having the rest of the family lining up to use the bathroom. Take a cup of tea, a magazine or whatever helps you to relax in with you.

If you have no action after three days, you may be constipated. Talk to your doctor about using a laxative for short-term relief.

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