How To Empty Your Bladder After Birth

Whether you had a vaginal or cesarean birth, there have been changes to your pelvic floor muscles over the past 9 months while you were growing your baby. Some of you may get up to use the restroom for the first time after delivery and have a complete loss of your bladder. It may feel like your water broke again! Other times, it may feel more difficult to urinate. Here are a few easy tips to try when you are at the hospital, a birthing center or at home to help empty your bladder:

Sit down on the toilet.

Yes, I know this one sounds simple and a no brainer but sometimes we forget that it is not good for our pelvic floor to hover over the toilet. Make sure you are sitting back on the toilet and your feet are supported on the ground or with a stool.

Take a warm shower

A warm shower or using a warm washcloth on your perineum will help relax your pelvic floor muscles.

Breathe

If you are having difficulty emptying your bladder, you may find yourself trying to push your pee out. Stop what you are doing. Instead, focus on taking some slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. As you do this think about relaxing your pelvic floor.

Peppermint Oil

Pack some peppermint oil and place a few drops in the toilet seat before sitting down. This will also help to relax your pelvic floor so that you can pee more easily.​

Give these tips a try to make it easy to pee after having a baby. Still having trouble with emptying your bladder or worried you might be peeing your pants? Pelvic floor physical therapy can help! We would be happy to support you on this journey into motherhood, you can schedule a call with us today.