Stool Softener?

[blueRhino]

So I have on my postpartum/hospital list stool softeners, but I'm not exactly sure what that means? Dried figs? Fiber drink? More of a medicine? I have no idea what is in store for me. Also, when do you take it?
Thanks!

[major_mama11]

Colace (I think generic name is docusate) is one that you can get OTC, and it's gently enough that I give it (pediatric version) to 3YO DD sometimes when she hasn't pooped in days and days. Not sure how often you take it though.

I think I would use fiber drink or dried plums/ prunes before using Colace though. I had good results with prunes when I had constipation issues during my second trimester. I made sure to buy some today to have on hand for postpartum!

[mamayarn]

Yup, Colace. It's not cheap but it works. Your HCP can tell you how much and how often to take it. I was given some the day after DS1 was born and told to keep it up at home, however many pills in however many hours. I tapered off after a bit and wound up not going through an entire small bottle.

[momma-d]

Licorice works well, too...maybe try munching away at some of that (I really like Panda black licorice).

[octanebeetle27]

Whatever you decide to try, just make sure you are doing as much as you can to keep regular afterwards. You do not want to end up constipated postpartum! Nothing worse than having to strain to push something out of that area after pushing out a baby. BTDT.

[JamieCatheryn]

With my first I lucked out and though I didn't take the stool softeners things were very soft anyway. My normal diet is pretty high in fiber. This week when I was picking up supplements I got ground flax: lotsa fiber, plus good fats, protein, Omega 3 in that.

[Limabean1975]

Originally Posted by octanebeetle27

Whatever you decide to try, just make sure you are doing as much as you can to keep regular afterwards. You do not want to end up constipated postpartum! Nothing worse than having to strain to push something out of that area after pushing out a baby. BTDT.

Yes, but be careful not to overdo it either! My friend was dressed and ready to take her baby out for the first time when she felt an odd sensation...turns out poop (her own) was running down her leg! She was so afraid of constipation she took too much Milk of Magnesia.

[RasJane]

Lima, that is hilarious--only b/c it's not me I guess!
I ate a big bowl of frozen strawberries, blueberries and cherries a few hours after birth. :
Been snacking on prunes today. Seems to be working well enough.