Constipation Help!

[vickin]

I gave birth to my first dc on Aug. 2nd and ever since then I have had HORRIBLE constipation. I have no idea what is the cause. I didn't have any constipation during my pregnancy. I am currently breastfeeding and wondering if that has anything to do with it.

Does anyone know of safe remedies to cure this constipation while breastfeeding???

[mamamilkers]

Yes, drink LOTS and LOTS of water! BFing really dehydrates you, so right now you need more water than you ever thought possible! Also, you can take stool softeners-- with DD#1 I was sent home from the hospital with some

Hopefully you can get some relief soon!

[Meeshi Mama]

I suggest lots of water and fiber (bran cereal and bran muffins, raisins, popcorn etc) and as much exercise as you can get! Also, Colace is a stoll softener that is supposed to be mild and safe. I was constipated for about a week after my section and was able to remedy it with the foods, water and exercise. If things didn't get moving I would have tried the Colace.

[noteworthy]

from the Sept ddc... have you tried warm prune juice? Sounds awful, but it works. Totally agree with pp, drink, drink and drink some more... apple juice is good too.

[grumpymama]

I've eaten a lot of grapes the past little bit, and found that really gets things moving.

[Azreial]

prunes work awesome I was constipated after all 3 births, the worst after the c/s. I would do the colace if the prunes don't work

[veganf]

dried apricots, prunes, and lots of water.

[mamaverdi]

Lots of water and blackstrap molasses. You can even add 1 Tablespoon of blckstrap molasses to about a cup of warm water. Drink in the morning.

You might also want to consider probiotics.

If you hemmorhaged or were given certain drugs or antibiotics during your labor, even if you are just a little anemic, this can cause constipation.

[JenMidwife]

Diet & exercise are great long term solutions, but I would definitely get some Colace (can get generic) asap!

Also, Metamucil is a great way to add some fiber to your diet on a daily basis.

[magpiedee]

For me, it was:
1. Quit the percocet (after the section).
2. 2 bowls of bran cereal a day, totalling 22 grams of fiber.
3. More water!
4. More walking!

Had my first blood-free/non-constipated BM since Cleo's birth yesterday, and ran around the house singing "We Are the Champions". You are not alone!!

[taradt]

what everyone suggested. I need 3 liters of water a day to stay "regular" while nursing

tara

[coop_mom]

Hi Vicki-

First of all, I wanted to let you know that I feel your pain...I was walking around last week crying saying "I made it through 24 hours of labor, 5 hours of pushing and a c-section, and it's CONSTIPATION that's going to kill me??!!"

Luckily it FINALLY went away after some pretty scary stuff. I did take Colace, ate lots of prunes, dried apricots and fiber, and my naturopathic doctor also recommended taking Magnesium.

I hope your issues clear up soon, I know how miserable it can be! Hang in there!

[SoBlessed]

I also suggest quitting the percoset (after c-section) as it really messed me up. So much so that I had an ilius (blockage) that I was almost hospitalized for. As soon as I quit the percoset, took a stool softener, and drank prune juice, I was healed. Hope you feel better very soon...