You never truly know what to expect post-partum, until you are in the thick of it. This includes your new bathroom routine because for the first few weeks, or even months. Your bathroom trips will be a bit more involved than they use to be. It wasn't pretty and it wasn't fun, but I figured out a system for me that made it less painful and more manageable. Continue reading to learn what worked for me to make those postpartum bathroom trips a little easier.
What Your Body is Going Through
You may be dealing with a variety of different things. From vaginal soreness, stitches, swelling, bleeding, to hemorrhoids, and more. All of this is normal! You can't expect to magically be back to normal after your body just did one of the hardest things it will ever do. However, a gently and consistent bathroom routine can make the world of difference in your healing and comfort.
My Go-To Postpartum Bathroom Supplies
- Peri Bottle
- Dermoplast Spray
- Disposable Underwear
- Maxi Pads
- Thin or Regular Pads
- Tucks (witch hazel pads)
- Perineal Healing Foam
- Stool Softener
- Squatty Potty
- Sitz Bath
- Unscented Wipes
Step-by-Step Bathroom Routine
Every bathroom trip:
- Spray Dermoplast before urinating to help prevent burning/stinging.
- Use peri bottle (ideally with warm water!) to rise while urinating to help with burning.
- Use peri bottle after urinating to rinse well (you may not be able to wipe at all!).
- Pat dry gently.
- Pull disposable underwear up over your knees to begin assembling pad.
- Start with putting a maxi pad down first.
- Put a layer of witch hazel pads across the length of the pad.
- Spray a layer of perineal healing foam over the witch hazel pads.
- Spray the pad or yourself with Dermoplast.
When Going #2:
If you have hemorrhoids postpartum, going #2 can be very intimidating! These tips will help make the process a little easier.
- Take a stool softener daily until you feel comfortable using the bathroom.
- Don't rush through the process, take your time.
- Use the squatty potty to elevate your legs when going #2. It really does make the process smoother.
- USE WIPES, NOT TOILET PAPER! Wipes make the world of difference when wiping.
- Rinse with peri bottle.
- Soaking in a sitz bath can help soreness and swelling.
What I Wish I Knew
The first poop is sometimes scarier than actually giving birth. Everything feels sore, everything is swollen, you probably have hemorrhoids, and you might have stitches. It is okay to cry in the bathroom, trust me we have all been there and there is no shame in it. I cried in the bathroom with my labor and delivery nurse, that's okay too. They have literally seen it all. Nothing about you or your body is gross, you are healing. Even though it may feel endless, this phase doesn't last forever.
Conclusion
Postpartum can be hard and the bathroom trips can seem like torture. Just remember, it won't last forever! And you endured it all for that sweet baby of yours. I hope you found these tips helpful, and I hope they can bring you a little bit of comfort in your postpartum days! If you have any postpartum bathroom tips, share them in the comments to help other new moms out!
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