Postpartum Constipation

[emma2006]

Hi everyone,

Sorry to share but...

God I feel like crying now that I'm finally home...

My bottom locked absolutely solid in hospital after I gave birth last week and I had the most horrendous constipation. I couldn't go and nothing they gave me helped!!! And I had the most annoying nurse who kept opening the loo door every five minutes to ask how things were going!!! "Any progress?" ... "Anything happening?" ... "Can you go yet?"

Grrrrrrrr!!! Not helpful when you're already embarassed about it, are having to strain and keep getting surprised when the door suddenly gets opened when you're trying!!! Leave me alone!!!!!

Sorry to share that - these things always happen to me... :-)

Emma.

[Joyce in the mts.]

I am SO sorry for your discomfort. This sometimes happens.

Are you eating well? If I was you... (and I know I am not, so do your will...), I would make sure that I was eating fresh veggies and fruits, leafy greens, whole grains and was well-hydrated (drinking lots of water). I would also be resting well.

I surely remember that that first round of elimination (especially the bowel movement) right after birthing can be a fearsome event, after all the stretching out that happens in that region.

My kids are all in their 20's now but I totally remember that I had a hard time with the privacy issue relating to bowel movements in the hospital (homebirth kinda took the edge off that experience because no one was pressuring me).

A stool softener can be of great help- you can buy them over the counter in most all drugstores and maybe even the drugstore aisle of your supermarket.

I wish you well and trust that your dilemma will soon be "eliminated" (your sense of humor is a precious jewel).

Till then, eat well, hydrate well, rest well and enjoy your new baby!... J.

[alaskaberry]

I know how that feels... I had a c/s and had horrible, terrible constipation afterwards. I asked for a suppository and the nurses wouldn't give me one (I think they forgot, though). The only thing that worked for me was to drink gallon upon gallon of prune juice. Hang in there

[AlexisT]

I don't know if you can get it OTC in the US, but here the midwife told me to go to the chemists and ask for lactulose. Did the trick. She did threaten me with suppositories if the lactulose didn't work though!

If you have painkillers and/or iron tablets after birth, they also 'gum up the works' as it were. Prunes work if you like them.

[AbbieB]

My PP constipation that first month was so much worse than anything I encountered during the pregnancy.

I think for me it had something to do with all the shifting hormones (I have thyroid issues).

For me, glycerin suppositories did the trick! They lube and soften all at once.

I also did all the diet things people do. I recommend Udo's oil supplement. The oils are good for you and it really softens thing up and gets it moving.