Natural Laxative for After the Birth « Back to Group Discussions

[FarmerCathy]

So, I know this isn't something you think about while your pregnant, but after the last two babies and thinking about it I want to be ready and have it on my list for things to bring for the hospital.  What if any is there a laxative for after the babes birth.  It was pretty painful I remember going to the bathroom after their births.

Does anyone have any suggestions to use that are natural?  I know, totally TMI, but I'd rather be embarrassed to ask than be in pain later.

TIA

[Banana731]

Stay hydrated. Lots of coconut water is a good way to do that.

Then maybe some warm prune juice. They'll probably have it as the hospital, it's safe, effective, and doesnt taste too bad

[brooklynkat]

As a first time mom, there are so many things I'm not aware of. This is very helpful!

[GISDiva]

I'll be following this thread closely, that first trip to the bathroom was worse than my 8 hours of labor...  (OK, maybe I'm exaggerating, but it was pretty darn awful!)

[FarmerCathy]

Prune juice is on my list to bring to the hospital in my bag.  I drank a ton of water after and it didn't help so I'm definitely going to need something stronger.  Thank you Banana!!
 

I concur GISDiva.  Why I was glad I remembered to start this thread.  I don't want to be in pain this time or as much as last time.  Your body is just not meant to go back and have bm movements like before you were pregnant yet.  Ouch!!

[FarmerCathy]

How about prunes as well or will that just hurt my intestines?

[Banana731]

I'm sure it's fine to eat them if you prefer. I'd be careful though, they sneak up on you!

Probably any soluble fiber is a good idea, oatmeal, etc.

[Stormikris]

Thanks for the thread. After having surgery while pregnant, taking iron and not getting my usual Metamucil/metformin/fish oil combo. I told my sister that that poop was worse than the after baby poop with a third degree tear! I hope this after baby is nothing like that. The first hospital admission stopped my metformin. But I am glad to be home and trying to heal the aftermath of that constipation with my Metamucil and fish oil daily.

[Banana731]

I was going to say aloe as well, but it's a little controversial.

Stormi, are you still on the iron? Floridix might be a gentler way for you to get it in your system.

[FarmerCathy]

Ok.  I will be careful with the prunes.  I wish I could eat oatmeal, but even the gluten free oatmeal has 20parts per million of gluten in it and have a gluten reaction to it.  It's a bummer too because I tried it a few weeks ago to have something different to eat for breakfast, but nope, I'm too sensitive. 
 

[Stormikris]

Yes banana. I have gotten 4 units of blood and my hemoglobin and platelets remain low despite the prescribed iron twice a day. I go back to the ob on Friday so they will retest then.

[Banana731]

The iron from the cholorophyll is supposed to be very absorbable. In case you're not familiar http://floradixliquidiron.com/

If it seems appealing to you, see what your CPs say. Regular iron supplements are so mean to your insides

[CraftyMcGluestick]

I used a stool softener (not at all natural, I feel confident in saying) after the birth of DS, but the fear! The fear of going was the worst! The nurses kept telling me I had to before I could go home, but I thought...maybe they won't notice if I skip it. Ha! The stool softener helped, but I am appreciative for this thread Cathy. I really want to avoid as many chemicals as I can in acts of desperation, which is a little bit the theme of my birth with DS.

[Banana731]

Can you do Chia seeds, Cathy? That might be help too.

I also know that high doses of vit C can works as a laxitive as well.

[somegirl99]

Just like Crafty, I took the prescription stool softener, and I normally hate drugs, but for me it was also mostly the fear, especially after my episiotomy.  It did help, but after the first one I stopped taking it.

I would prefer something more natural this time so I appreciate all the suggestions here. 

Something else besides diet that helps - raise your feet.  If you are not familiar with the Squatty Potty concept, their website has diagrams showing how it is much easier for everything to move if you are in more of a squatting position.  I don't have one of their stools, I just put my feet up on DS's bathroom stool, but it definitely makes things easier.
 

[FarmerCathy]

Originally Posted by Banana731 

Can you do Chia seeds, Cathy? That might be help too.

I also know that high doses of vit C can works as a laxitive as well.

I can do Chia seeds and have some.  Will put that on my list to bring as well. 

[somegirl99]

Ground flax seeds or flax seed oil can also help.
 

[Banana731]

Originally Posted by somegirl99 

Ground flax seeds or flax seed oil can also help.

 

That's a great one! I gave one of my littles flax oil every day when she was a toddler because she had a tendency to get constipated. It worked great! I totally forgot about it, though.

[GISDiva]

Really, flax oil?  I should try that now, it's good for other reasons too, I reckon.  I've been having some rather lackluster movement in that direction.  

[CraftyMcGluestick]

Originally Posted by GISDiva 

Really, flax oil?  I should try that now, it's good for other reasons too, I reckon.  I've been having some rather lackluster movement in that direction.  

Good to know! I make my own salad dressings and usually use flax oil, so I always have some on hand. For some reason (like crazy pregnancy?!) salad hasn't been sitting very well with me, but I want to get back to my big bowls of greens and homemade dressing soon. What a bonus that it will help keep things moving!