The thought of taking your first postpartum pee can be extremely daunting. I mean, I get it. You just pushed an 8-pounder out like the champ that you are, and now your doctor or midwife expects you to pee within the next 6 hours.
Why is she doing this? She wants to ensure that you don’t develop a UTI and that your bladder is functioning properly. 😉
Personally, I can’t say that my first postpartum pees were bad at all. I had two unmedicated births and never experienced any kind of trauma, thank God, but I was still nervous about going to the bathroom and yes, it did sting quite a bit.
Not only that, but I kinda felt like I didn’t know how to pee. It was as if my bladder didn’t know what it was doing. Understandable, considering everything my organs and I had just gone through during pregnancy and birth.
Here are three things that helped me that you will also want to have with you.
1. A big water bottle
Having a big water bottle by your side at all times is a must during pregnancy and even during labor. I recommend getting a 32+ ounce bottle because you’ll be too busy enjoying your little bundle of joy to want to get up and refill it every hour.
Drinking a lot of water is great because it keeps you hydrated and it dilutes your urine so that it burns less when you go. Staying hydrated is also necessary because drinking adequate water supports breast milk production!
2. A Peri bottle
Whether or not you experienced tearing during childbirth, using this angled peri-bottle will also help make your first postpartum pee less painful.
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Fill it up with water at the temperature of your choice, squeeze the bottle, and allow the water to wash your vaginal area and also dilute your pee.
This particular peri-bottle is designed to be held upside down, making it so much more convenient, unlike the ones nearly all the hospitals handout out. Take yours to the hospital with you to support you after that first postpartum pee.
3. Peppermint essential oil
I know this sounds odd, but peppermint essential oil is a must-have, especially after birth. Your pelvic floor muscles will be worn out from pushing, and it may be a little challenging for you to relax enough to relieve yourself.
Put a few drops into the toilet water (not on your vagina or in your peri bottle!). The vapors from the oil in the water will help relax your pelvic floor and should help you pee easily.
Do you need a little extra TLC after birth?
Have a sitz bath! A sitz bath is a shallow bath for your bottom.
It’s generally safe and actually highly recommended by midwives during postpartum as it promotes vaginal and perineal healing, soothing, and cleansing. Many midwives recommend taking several baths per day. A sitz bath is a powerful healing protocol that will help you recover much quicker, so you can return to enjoying your bathroom trips.
Never once thought about my first postpartum pee nither times I delivered. I birth a 9lbs and a 7lb baby, tore both times when It was time to use the bathroom I just got up and went. So I am shocked that this didn’t even cross my mind I usually overthink everything lol. Great info!
Thank you so much!
Great tips! I have tried most, but never knew about the peppermint oil! I’ll be sure to pass that one on as I believe I am done having babies, lol.
Lol yes, it’s a cool tip! Thanks Kesi!
I am (thankfully) done having babies, but this is a great resource. That first postpartum pee is so terrifying!
Thanks so much for reading Anissa!