When I was pregnant with my first child, one of my real fears was that I would poop during delivery. Thankfully, that didn't happen, but once my son was born I realized I had a new poop-related fear: what it would be like to do number two after having a long labor and a few stitches.

Thankfully, my nurses were insistent that I start a routine of stool softners and staying hydrated. When the dreaded event finally happened -- five days later! -- it was shockingly impressive in terms of output but surprisingly not that painful.

I'm telling you, the amount of relief I felt to have passed that postpartum hurdle was HIGH.

I always like comparing notes with other moms, especially on TMI topics like poop, so read on for 12 more stories about the highs and lows of surviving the first poop after baby. You'll be so glad you weren't mom #8!

first poop after childbirth