Let’s Talk About Pooping During Birth (Yes, Really) 💩

If you’re pregnant, you’ve probably heard the whispers: “Just don’t poop during birth!” Or maybe you’re already worried your partner might see it.

First, let me say this: it happens. All. The. Time.

And it’s completely normal.

Yes, even in hospitals, even at home, even in the bathtub — your body sometimes does exactly what it’s designed to do.

And that’s okay.

Why it Happens

When your body is pushing, all the muscles are working together. Your intestines get a little nudge from the same muscles that help your baby out.

It’s biology, not embarrassment.

Historically, in hospitals back in the 1950s and 60s (ahem, Call the Midwife), enemas were routinely given before birth to “avoid accidents.” Modern medicine has shown that routine enemas don’t improve outcomes, and most birthing parents find them unnecessary and uncomfortable.

What Actually Happens During Birth

Here’s the insider truth your medical team already knows:

• The staff is sooooo used to it! They literally see it every. single. day.

• Hospitals and birth centers often use cloths or chuck pads to cover the butt during pushing.

  • This reduces cross exposure for anyone in the room

  • Bonus: it blocks any poop visually for partners, which relieves stress

• If something does come out before the baby is born, they quickly swap out the linens or pad. Boom… clean slate!

• Funny but true: your baby will likely poop on the way out too, called a meconium stool — and that’s a good thing. It’s a normal part of the birth process and your baby is designed to handle it.

Optional Tips (Only if Fear Is REALLY Getting in the Way)

Remember, the goal here is normalizing, not preventing!

Pooping during birth is totally fine, totally normal, and totally expected.

But if the thought of it is so scary it might actually make pushing harder, here are some options you could consider:

• Keep your bowels moving during pregnancy with fiber, water, and regular bathroom breaks.

• Some parents choose castor oil at the first sign of labor (check with your care provider first).

• Enemas are always optional if you want that extra sense of control — most hospitals and birth centers have them on hand.

  The main point?

These are just tools, not rules.

Most people push perfectly fine without them, and your body already knows what it’s doing.

The real magic comes from feeling safe, supported, and empowered… not from trying to avoid a natural bodily function.

Normalize It — Reduce Anxiety

• Most people worry about it more than they need to.

• Simply knowing this is normal and expected removes a huge layer of stress.

• Partners and staff are prepared, so you don’t need to worry about appearances.

Quick talking point: “If it happens, it’s totally normal. If it doesn’t, that’s normal too. Your body knows what it’s doing.”

Doula Tip: Knowledge is Power

One of the best things I do as a doula is normalize and educate before birth. That way, during labor, your energy can focus on your body, your baby, and your experience, not worrying about “mess.”

The Bottom Line

Pooping during birth is not a failure, not a problem, and not embarrassing. Your body is working exactly as it should, and you deserve support, not shame.

As a doula, I help birthing parents feel safe, seen, and unashamed — no matter what happens in the birthing room. Because your birth is about you and your baby, not appearances.

💜 Extra reassurance:

• Want more tips on staying calm, supported, and comfortable during birth?

• Interested in a doula who normalizes all the messy, real parts of birth?

  Contact me / schedule a free consultation