What laxative can a mother take while breastfeeding? Are there safe products that will not harm the baby? What techniques do doctors recommend to combat constipation? Causes of difficulty passing stool in nursing mothers and possible solutions to the problem.
After childbirth, many women face the problem of constipation. It is caused by various reasons. The most common are weakness of the abdominal muscles due to their stretching during pregnancy, mechanical damage due to cesarean section. But there are other reasons.
- Pressure of the uterus on the intestines. Having a child reduces it, but does not eliminate it completely, which makes it difficult for stool to move through the intestines. The uterus, which has not had time to recover, weighs about a kilogram. She will return to her “pre-pregnancy” size in about six weeks.
- Intestinal displacement. During childbirth, its sections could move. A condition that is not physiological for your body is compensated as expected. The body is waiting for the intestines to return to their normal location, after which they can perform their functions fully. This usually takes several days.
- Violation of peristalsis. It is caused by a woman’s psychological stress or a hormonal surge. The intestines “freeze” or, conversely, begin to work too intensely, which causes a spasm of its sections.
- Woman's fear. After a difficult birth with perineal tears, the mother is afraid to push so as not to cause the sutures to diverge. This fear, as a rule, is not justified, but it prevents the woman in labor from having normal bowel movements.
- Inappropriate diet. It becomes a cause of constipation after a woman returns from the hospital. The new role of a mother and the complete lack of time do not allow a woman to eat normally and force her to “eat on the run.” A lack of fiber-rich foods in the diet leads to a decrease in the efficiency of the intestines in removing feces.
Most of the reasons that cause constipation in a young mother go away on their own. Often it is not necessary to take a laxative during lactation. If a woman cannot go to the toilet for up to three days, but there is no discomfort or abdominal pain, there is no need to use the medicine.
You should start taking medications if constipation lasts for more than three days. And it is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms: bloating, flatulence, pain. You should first determine the type of constipation that has developed, since the choice of treatment tactics depends on this.
What kind of constipation happens?
Doctors distinguish two forms of the disease with different natures of occurrence.
- Atonic. It is a consequence of muscle weakness, which disrupts intestinal motility. May occur due to mechanical trauma (muscle cut). Often accompanies women who have had a caesarean section. It manifests itself as pain in the abdomen, a feeling of fullness in the intestines, nausea, loss of appetite and flatulence. If you succeed in going to the toilet, the stool is hard at the beginning of defecation, after which it passes in the form of liquid stool. May be accompanied by bloody discharge.
- Spastic. Its cause is increased intestinal tone. Excessive peristalsis causes him to “pinch” himself, which is manifested by pain, usually in the left side. A woman may also feel nausea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. When trying to go to the toilet, the stool comes out very dense, like “pebbles”. The main cause of spastic constipation is the psychological state of the woman, stress, postpartum depression.
If a woman suffered from constipation before pregnancy, she will experience it again after childbirth. In one hundred percent of cases they develop due to the individual characteristics of the large intestine with elongated sections. When passing along a larger “path,” feces lose liquid and their removal from the body becomes more difficult.
Treatment of constipation
Obstetrician-gynecologist Svetlana Litvinova recommends a comprehensive approach to solving this delicate problem. A woman has the power to correct the situation without resorting to medications.
Diet
A diet enriched with coarse fiber should be followed not only if there is a problem, but also to prevent it. The following will help a nursing mother relieve constipation:
- cereals - oat bran, pearl barley, buckwheat, millet, muesli;
- bread - black or with bran;
- vegetable oil - sunflower, olive, flaxseed;
- vegetables, fruits - pumpkin, zucchini, carrots, all types of cabbage, beets, apples, cherries, apricots, plums, raw and cooked;
- fermented milk products - natural homemade yoghurts rich in lactobacilli.
Drinks made from dried fruits are delicious and especially healthy now. They supply the body with vitamins and gently cleanse the intestines.
Medications
When breastfeeding, you should choose a laxative based on its safety for your baby. Most of the products presented in the pharmacy chain are not suitable for mothers. You should use only those that are not absorbed in the intestines and into the blood, and therefore do not pass into breast milk.
These drugs include new generation drugs.
- Preparations based on lactulose (syrups). Laxatives for lactation are “Duphalac”, “Lactulose Poly”, “Normaze”, “Portalak”, “Romphalak”. The active ingredient of these medicines is lactulose (fructose or disaccharide). According to the medical reference book, E-LACTANCIA is a natural compound that, when passing through the digestive tract, is not absorbed in the small intestine. Once in the large intestine, the osmotic laxative effect ceases, that is, without affecting peristalsis, it increases the volume of feces, which causes the natural process of their passage. It is excreted in feces and in small amounts in urine. There is an absence of the drug in the mother's blood plasma, so penetration into breast milk is unlikely. Medicines based on lactulose can be prescribed to young children.
- Preparations based on macrogol (powders for suspension). The active ingredient macrogol is contained in the following drugs: Forlax, Fortrans, Forteza RomPharm, Tranzipeg. Each laxative for lactation contains the synthetic component macrogol (propylene glycol). Its molecules are linear in shape and absorb water. It does not change in the body; it reaches the large intestine, where it has an osmotic laxative effect. Does not cause irritation to the walls of the large intestine, does not stimulate peristalsis. Feces are removed naturally due to an increase in their volume and saturation with moisture.
- Senna preparations. The pharmacy chain offers medicines such as Senade, Glaxenna, Sennalax, and Regulax. Made using Indian or Alexandrian senna, a shrubby plant. Domestic medicine does not recommend that nursing women use products based on this herbal preparation to treat constipation. They are believed to irritate the intestinal wall, stimulating similar processes in the newborn's intestines. The international directory E-LACTANCIA indicates that this information is not confirmed. And he suggests using senna-based preparations as a safe and fully compatible product with breastfeeding. The plant has a laxative effect and is not absorbed in the intestines. The American Academy of Pediatrics allows drug treatment of the mother with these drugs without the need to interrupt breastfeeding. Senna-based products are included in the 2002 WHO Model List of Essential Medicines Compatible with Breastfeeding.
Taking any laxatives for a long time is not allowed, no matter how safe they are. Over time, their effect decreases and the dosage needs to be increased. Therefore, according to doctors, a laxative during breastfeeding for a mother is an “ambulance” and not a solution to the problem. After taking it once, you should find out the cause of constipation and begin to eliminate it.
Suppositories as a laxative during lactation are less effective than oral medications. They act only in the lower part of the large intestine, while solutions of lactulose or macrogol also affect the feces located above.
Healing infusions
Instead of medications, you can use natural laxative infusions. Simple ingredients are used to prepare them, and they are completely safe for the baby.
Infusions will help eliminate spastic constipation caused by spasm of the intestines:
- freshly squeezed potato juice with water in a 1:1 ratio, take 50 ml thirty minutes before meals three times a day;
- figs infused in water, taken cold three times a day.
Decoctions will help reduce the severity of atonic constipation caused by poor diet or injury to the abdominal muscles after cesarean section:
- anise, cumin and fennel, taken a tablespoon and brewed in a glass of boiling water, three times a day;
- blackberry leaves, nettles, rowan fruits, fennel- one spoon of the mixture per glass of boiling water, take three times a day after meals.
“One of the safest remedies for treating constipation in a nursing mother is prunes,” notes obstetrician-gynecologist Svetlana Litvinova. - There are no allergies to this product. You can take it as an infusion of berries poured with a glass of boiling water.”
Gymnastics
“The simplest and most effective way to combat constipation for a nursing mother is special gymnastics,” therapist Anna Ivanchina comments on the problem. “Physical exercise helps quickly restore tone to the abdominal muscles, which stabilizes the functioning of the intestines and increases the intensity of uterine contractions.”
To prevent constipation and eliminate it, you can perform a simple exercise:
- lying on your back, bend your knees and take a deep breath;
- inflate your stomach as much as possible, hold;
- exhale forcefully through your mouth, draw in your stomach.
This exercise can be performed starting from the first day after birth. It is contraindicated in women who have had a caesarean section or have deep perineal tears.
Physical activity, proper nutrition and a safe laxative during lactation in case of urgent need will not only help get rid of the problem of constipation. They will allow you to quickly get your body in shape after childbirth and will become the basis for a nursing mother’s good mood and self-confidence. The delicate problem can be solved, you just need to pay a little more attention to yourself.
Not only pregnant women, but also women after childbirth suffer from problems with bowel movements. Such a nuisance can be caused by a large number of factors, which at first, due to the large number of problems and worries, the young mother does not notice. But at some point the problem will make itself felt with unpleasant sensations in the abdominal area.
Causes of constipation
Before a woman starts using laxative, you should find out why there are problems with bowel movement. It may be possible to cope with the disease without medication.
Problems with going to the toilet in women during breastfeeding can be caused by both psychological and physiological factors. Since childbirth is a colossal stress for the body, it cannot pass without a trace.
Some ladies become depressed after their baby is born. Women are often haunted by the thought that they do not meet the “ideal mother” standard. In addition to this, there are worries about the child, worry about his health, all this does not pass without a trace. All these emotions affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and negatively affect the mother’s nervous system.
There are also women for whom the process of bowel movement has long been associated with childbirth. Such women are afraid to go to the toilet because they think that they will experience pain from this process. Such thoughts, of course, inhibit the natural processes of the body.
Poor nutrition during breastfeeding can also cause absence of bowel movements for a long time. Not all mothers consult a doctor about proper nutrition during lactation. It is the wrong menu that can provoke a number of health problems, including the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
A sharp refusal by women who have given birth to vegetables and fruits, frequent and “harmful” snacks can provoke a lack of stool for several days.
In addition, immediately after childbirth, women are prohibited from engaging in physical activity, which also negatively affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, causing many problems.
Treatment of the disease
Not everyone knows, but problems with bowel movements in the mother can negatively affect the health of the baby. Therefore, you should not take the absence of bowel movement lightly; if the problem is present, then it must be dealt with. Moreover, a laxative during lactation is not the only way out of the situation. You can try to solve the problem without medications by changing your diet and lifestyle. To do this, use the following tips:
- try to move as best you can. Of course, serious physical activity is prohibited for you, but no one has canceled walking with a stroller. Do not sit on the benches at the entrance at this time, take a stroll to the square or park, make a circle at the stadium, etc. In general, move!;
- eat fruits and vegetables. Of course, you should not eat all the fruits, since, for example, tomatoes and some exotic fruits can provoke allergies in a child. But a small piece of boiled beets should not cause any trouble, but this root vegetable has an excellent laxative effect;
- don't forget about fiber. Products containing it will have a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- drink water. But remember that if you suffer from edema, then this advice will not suit you;
- accustom your intestines to the regime. Try to have a bowel movement at the same time, for example, when you wake up in the morning.
If all these tips do not help you cope with the problem, then you need to choose safe laxative for mother while breastfeeding. It is not recommended to do this without consulting a doctor, since not all medications can be used during lactation.
Laxatives
If you turn to the opinion of experts regarding the use of laxatives during breastfeeding, you can hear a number of opposing opinions. Some doctors say that taking medications is completely acceptable and, with the right choice of medication, will not harm either the mother or the child. Other doctors are categorically against laxatives and insist that they are harmful to the baby’s body. This dislike for medications is due to the fact that many of them contain components that, once they penetrate into a woman’s milk, can negatively affect the child’s body.
In addition, when used frequently, laxatives are addictive; the recommended dose no longer helps to cope with constipation, and increasing the amount of the drug will only worsen the problem.
Therefore, you cannot use any medications without consulting a doctor; only a specialist can determine the optimal dose and frequency of administration, as well as recommend a safe drug.
Among the laxatives that are most often prescribed to women during lactation, the following can be listed:
1. Duphalac. This drug is available in syrup form and consists of water and lactulose. It is considered the safest for the child and mother. Moreover, the medicine not only helps with bowel movements, but also promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the body. Duphalac does not penetrate into milk, which is certainly a big plus.
2. "Fortrans". The drug contains several active ingredients that do not pass into breast milk. It is worth saying that the instructions do not contain any information about the use of the drug during breastfeeding, but doctors often prescribe the medicine, considering it effective and safe.
3. "Relax". Available in syrup form, the main active ingredient is lactulose. The uniqueness of this product is that it is not addictive. It begins to act only on days 3–5, after which it is necessary to reduce the dosage.
4. "Forlax". The drug is not absorbed into mother's breast milk, which makes it safe during lactation. A positive effect is observed approximately one day after taking the medicine;
By the way, glycerin suppositories can be a very safe remedy for constipation during lactation; they act only on the rectum and help cope with the problem within a quarter of an hour.
No matter how good they are
A woman's health is put to the test when she decides to become a mother. Unfortunately, with the birth of a child, health problems do not disappear. Half of pregnant women suffer from constipation. Every third woman notes such conditions after childbirth. This intestinal pathology worsens the quality of life of both mother and child. Due to the sensitivity of the problem, women often do not immediately come to therapists for help, but self-medicate or turn to pharmacists, which entails complications. Mothers who are breastfeeding should be especially careful when choosing medications, as some drugs are excreted in breast milk.
The problem of constipation in nursing women
Constipation syndrome is a chronic condition in which stool retention occurs (for 2–3 days or longer) or the intestines are not completely emptied. It is quite common in women during the postpartum period, including those who are breastfeeding.
Classification of causes leading to constipation in women during lactation:
- Consequences of recent childbirth:
- postpartum hemorrhoids and anal fissures,
- seams on the crotch,
- painful stomach after childbirth;
- Nutritional nature:
- diet deficiencies,
- low intake of dietary fiber and fiber from food products,
- habit of eating dry food and drinking small amounts of water,
- abuse of strong tea and cocoa;
- Lifestyle:
- insufficient physical activity,
- systematic suppression of the urge to defecate due to lack of time;
- Psychogenic factors:
- mental stress due to sleepless nights,
- postpartum depression;
- Taking medications:
- use of iron-containing drugs for anemia (Maltofer, Ferretab),
- inappropriate use of laxatives;
- Health problems:
- disease of the digestive tract (ulcer, gastritis, appendicitis) and genitourinary system (pyelonephritis, diseases of the female genital organs),
- problems of the endocrine glands (diabetes, hypothyroidism),
- intestinal pathology (tumor, adhesions, lymph nodes).
As can be seen from the list, there are many reasons that can lead to constipation in a nursing woman. Most of these causes have nothing to do with recent pregnancy and lactation, so an important task for the therapist is to make an accurate diagnosis, and not simply eliminate symptoms.
Systematic constipation spoils the quality of life of any woman
Consequences of systematic constipation:
- self-poisoning of the body with toxins,
- risk of fecal stones,
- intensification of decay processes,
- development of intestinal dysbiosis,
- stomach ache,
- decreased physical performance,
- sleep disturbance,
- headache,
- constant feeling of anxiety and discomfort.
Typically, the treatment of constipation should be comprehensive and reflect the principles of non-drug and drug therapy. In the postpartum period, treatment methods for constipation are much wider than during pregnancy, due to greater physical activity, a less strict menu and the ability to drink enough fluid. The only limitation is breastfeeding. Many drugs pass into breast milk and cause diarrhea and colic in children. In this regard, treatment of constipation in a nursing woman should begin with non-drug therapy.
- Correction of nutritional pattern:
- normalization of diet,
- eating foods containing dietary fiber,
- consumption of foods that irritate the intestines (beets, prunes, dried apricots, carrots, fresh dairy products),
- increased fluid intake,
- drinking cool drinks on an empty stomach;
- Lifestyle changes:
- formation of a healthy psychological climate in the family,
- eliminating lack of sleep,
- refusal of drugs that negatively affect intestinal tone and motility,
- development of a reflex to defecation (preferably in the morning, immediately after breakfast),
- the use of elements of physical therapy and gymnastics,
- any physical activity (long walks outside, swimming),
- self-massage
Eating plenty of fiber foods and physical activity can help relieve constipation.
If these measures have no effect, the prescription of laxatives is required. The choice of laxatives for a nursing mother is significantly narrowed, since medications must be harmless not only for the woman, but also for the child who is breastfed. Treatment of constipation during lactation should comply with the principle of safety with sufficient effectiveness.
Laxatives for constipation for breastfeeding women
Laxatives are medicinal substances aimed at facilitating the process of defecation by accelerating the passage of feces through the intestines and simplifying its evacuation.
Laxatives are usually divided according to their mechanism of action:
- bulk (ballast) - rich in plant fibers, increase the volume of feces:
- wheat fiber,
- bran,
- seaweed,
- manna,
- plantain seed shells,
- flax seeds;
- softening (softening) - promote the penetration of liquid into the feces, stimulate the desire to defecate:
- mineral oils (almond, castor),
- rectal suppositories (with glycerin, Vaseline);
- stimulating (irritating) - irritate the epithelial structures of the intestinal tract and trigger its peristalsis:
- senna (cassia),
- rhubarb root,
- herbal laxatives (chamomile, mint, valerian);
- osmotic - enhance peristalsis,:
- salt and polyhydric alcohols,
- Carlsbad salt,
- macrogoli,
- lactulose,
- polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight of 4000;
- auxiliary:
- prokinetics - stimulate peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract,
- antispasmodics - reduce spasms,
- bile acids - stimulate the motor-evacuation function of the intestines.
- with lactulose - obtained as a result of milk processing, they promote the growth of the number of lactobacilli in the intestines,
- with polyethylene glycol - consist of indigestible molecular chains and can be taken for a long time,
- some herbal preparations,
- softening candles.
Before using any medication, consultation with a physician is required; only an experienced doctor can determine the cause of constipation and prescribe effective and safe treatment.
Uncontrolled use of laxatives and self-medication can cause:
- abdominal discomfort
- flatulence,
- diarrhea followed by persistent constipation,
- disturbances in the body's water balance,
- development of edema,
- avitaminosis,
- hypotonicity of the colon,
- severe dependence on laxatives.
For ease of use, laxatives are available in the following forms:
- pills,
- jellybeans,
- syrups,
- rectal suppositories,
- microenemas,
- powder for dissolution,
- drops,
- granules for oral administration.
Anyone who is faced with the problem of constipation will find a laxative form that is convenient for them.
Candles for constipation
Laxatives for constipation in the form of suppositories will help quickly, effectively and with minimal side effects with stool retention. This release form is suitable for people of all ages. Rectal suppositories act at the level of the rectum, so their effect is achieved in the shortest possible time - from 20–30 minutes to 2–3 hours, depending on the severity of constipation. The main purpose of suppositories is to stimulate and start intestinal motility.
Proper use of rectal suppositories for constipation:
- the doctor's consultation,
- compliance with the dosage and frequency of administration (do not put suppositories too often due to the risk of addiction, in the morning, once a day, no longer than a week),
- stop using the drug if unpleasant symptoms are detected (itching, burning, redness) and immediately contact your doctor,
- compliance with the correct technique for inserting the suppository (on the left side, legs tucked, with clean hands).
Table: suppositories with glycerin, sea buckthorn and belladonna
| Drug name | Compound | Action | Side effects | Use during lactation | Price |
| Suppositories with glycerin |
|
|
| 130–180 rubles | |
|
|
| Approved for use in nursing women | 70–110 rubles | |
|
|
| Not recommended for use during lactation | 30–60 rubles |
Suppositories with glycerin are the safest remedy for constipation for a nursing mother
During lactation, suppositories with glycerin are most preferable. This is the most gentle drug for a nursing woman. Suppositories are most effective in situations where the rectum is full and the stool is hard.
Sea buckthorn oil in suppositories has a wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effect
Suppositories with sea buckthorn oil are not very effective in combating constipation, but they are completely safe for a breastfed baby. Preferred in the early postpartum period, when defecation is complicated due to recent childbirth (sutures, fissures, hemorrhoids).
Belladonna suppositories have an antispasmodic effect and are good for anal fissures, but their use is not recommended during breastfeeding.
Table: rectal suppositories Evacue, RectActive, Dulcolax
| Drug name | Active substance | Action | Side effects | Use during lactation | Price |
Non-chemical active substances:
|
| Allergic reactions | Approved for use in nursing women | 450–600 rubles | |
| Triterpene saponin escin (horse chestnut extract) |
| Brief burning sensation in the rectum | Approved for use in nursing women | 400–450 rubles | |
| Prodrug Bisacodyl |
|
| May be used in breastfeeding women in special cases when other drugs are not suitable or effective | 220–250 |
Evacue suppositories help restore regular bowel movements in a nursing woman
A unique drug for the treatment of constipation in pregnant and lactating mothers
RectActive is a modern herbal preparation. The active substance does not accumulate in the body, which means addiction is unlikely.
The use of Dulcolax suppositories during lactation is possible only after consultation with an experienced doctor.
Dulcolax is one of the most widely used laxatives. The result of the drug occurs within an hour. It is most effective in situations where the stool is soft.
All three drugs do not pass into breast milk, so they are often prescribed by therapists to treat constipation in nursing women (Dulcolax in special cases).
Microclysters for constipation
In the last decade, laxatives in the form of microenemas have gained widespread popularity. The microenema is a small tube with a long flexible applicator spout that ensures painless administration. The active substances of microenemas facilitate the act of defecation by peptizing feces and stimulating the flow of fluid into the intestines. At the same time, microenemas do not have a systemic effect on the entire body.
Advantages of this form of release:
- impact directly on the rectum,
- no irritant effect,
- medicinal components do not penetrate into other internal organs,
- Ease of use,
- hygiene,
- does not require preliminary antiseptic treatment,
- small volume compared to a conventional cleansing enema,
- no severe side effects,
- quick and mild effect after 5–20 minutes.
Table: microenemas Norgalax, Microlax, Normacol
| Drug name | Active substance | Action | Side effects | Use during lactation | Price |
| Norgalax | Docusate sodium Excipients:
|
|
| Use in breastfeeding women is possible with special prescription from a doctor. | 400–500 rubles |
| Microlax |
Excipients:
|
|
| Approved for use in nursing women | 350–450 rubles |
| Normacol |
|
|
| Use in breastfeeding women is possible in case of urgent need | 450–550 rubles |
Microclysters quickly and gently cope with intestinal disorders
Microlax microenemas are fully approved for use in nursing women. The drugs Norgalax and Normacol can be prescribed in special conditions according to the doctor’s decision.
Syrups with lactulose for constipation
Preparations with lactulose are officially approved for constipation in pregnant and lactating women. Lactulose is not absorbed or broken down in the small intestine; this allows it to reach the colon in its original form, where, under the influence of bacterial decomposition, it breaks down into fatty acids (butyric, propionic, lactic and acetic). Due to this, peristalsis is stimulated.
Advantages of drugs with lactulose:
- no irritating effect on the intestines,
- mild laxative effect,
- addiction is excluded,
- osmotic and prebiotic effect.
Table: Normaze, Duphalac and Portalac syrups
| Drug name | Active substance | Action | Side effects | Use during lactation | Price |
| Normaze | Lactulose |
|
| Approved for use in nursing women | 200–300 rubles |
| Duphalac | Lactulose |
|
| Approved for use in nursing women | 250–300 rubles |
| Portalak | Lactulose |
|
| Can be used in breastfeeding women according to indications | 200–280 rubles |
The mechanism of action of syrups on the intestines is close to the action of dietary fiber contained in fruits, vegetables and grains
Senna-based laxatives come in various forms.
Preparations based on senna (cassia, Alexandria leaf) Agiolax, Senade, Depuraflux and Regulax should be taken with caution by nursing women. Despite their naturalness, these medications can harm the health of a breastfed baby. Taking senna preparations during lactation is possible with caution, only under the strict supervision of a doctor.
The preparations Fitomucil and Mucofalk have a mild laxative effect due to their completely natural composition
Plantain-based preparations Mukofalk and Phytomucin are fully approved for use in nursing women. These products have minimal side effects and are safe for both mothers and babies.
Basic rules for taking and using laxatives
When taking absolutely any drug, rules must be taken into account, compliance with which will minimize negative consequences, side effects and achieve the desired result:
- mandatory consultation with a doctor to make a diagnosis,
- careful reading of the abstract,
- admission in short courses,
- changing (alternating) drugs during forced long-term use to avoid addiction,
- combination of drug treatment with non-drug treatment to achieve the fastest possible effect of therapy,
- compliance with dosages,
- personal hygiene before using rectal suppositories and microenemas,
- careful monitoring of your well-being during therapy,
- for nursing women - monitoring the condition and reactions of the child during treatment.
Tips for non-drug treatment of constipation during lactation
Before taking any medications for constipation, it is advisable to try non-drug therapy, namely:
- change in eating behavior,
- use of traditional medicine advice,
- lifestyle correction.
Diet as a remedy for constipation during lactation
The diet of a nursing woman is already full of restrictions, and when the mother also has problems with bowel movements, her menu is significantly reduced. It is important to approach the daily diet wisely so as not to deprive yourself and your child of nutrients and vitamins.
Table: Foods that prevent constipation and lead to constipation
| Prevent constipation | Lead to constipation |
Dairy products:
|
|
Berries and fruits:
| Cereal decoctions:
|
Vegetables and greens:
| Flour products:
|
Rough vegetable food:
| Hot drinks:
|
Sugary substances:
| Beverages:
|
| Salt and salty foods | Decoctions from:
|
Cold drinks:
| Canned meat and fish |
Dried fruits:
| Chocolate and chocolate candies |
For a comprehensive effect on the body, in addition to diet, you can try advice from traditional medicine. It is important to exclude allergic reactions of both mother and child.
- drink cool liquid (water, juice, date decoction) on an empty stomach,
- eat honey, raw carrots or an apple with peel on an empty stomach,
- every day before the main meal, eat 100 g of raw vegetables,
- eat at least 500 g of fruits and vegetables per day,
- drink date decoction on an empty stomach,
- consume wheat bran,
- Before going to bed, drink a glass of cool infusion of rose hips without seeds.
An excellent remedy for constipation is to eat 2 raw apples with peel every day.
Self-massage as a remedy for constipation during lactation
Self-massage techniques will help you establish independent bowel movements:
- Go to bed (in the morning, on an empty stomach),
- Using your right hand (wrapped in a damp, cold towel), stroke the stomach on the right, moving up and down to the ribs, pressing lightly,
- Repeat 5–10 times,
- With your left hand (also wrapped in a damp cold cloth), stroke the stomach on the left, using down-up movements (to push feces into the rectum),
- Repeat 5–10 times,
- Change hands 3-4 times,
- After the massage, go outside or walk around the house, do active household chores,
- Repeat these manipulations every day.
Video: Improving Bowel Function with Exercise
You should not expect results on the same day. Gradually, the intestines will begin to work properly on their own, especially if, in addition to self-massage, you do light gymnastics.
Video: exercises for constipation
Light exercises as a remedy for constipation during lactation
You should do gymnastics in the morning, immediately after waking up:
- Go to bed,
- Raise your body without leaning on your hands
- Repeat 20–30 times, very slowly and carefully,
- Get on the floor
- Put your hands on your hips
- Do 30 squats, slowly.
You can do both self-massage and gymnastics, or choose one to your taste. The main thing is not to stop there. Even after complete restoration of intestinal function, preventing constipation will not hurt.
Many people, including nursing mothers, face the problem of constipation. It is advisable to begin treatment of a nursing woman with non-drug methods (diet, physical activity). If these measures are ineffective, the attending physician prescribes a laxative drug, which must meet high safety standards in relation to the mother and child.
Any woman knows well that during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, she should avoid taking any medications - it is during this period that all the organs and systems of the unborn baby’s body are formed. And in order for the child to be born healthy, the expectant mother should be especially careful.
But the baby has already been born. Does this mean that mom can feel calmer and that she can use different medications if necessary? In fact, if a woman breastfeeds her baby, then almost everything she consumes ends up in the mother's milk. This means that any medicine that the mother takes will end up in. But the question is, how safe are any drugs for a newborn?
What is constipation
Constipation, which doctors otherwise call constipation or obstipation, is insufficient bowel movement (insufficient bowel movements, or insufficient feces), which manifests itself as systematically slow and/or difficult, as well as incomplete excretion of feces from the intestines.
Attention! There is no single understanding of constipation (constipation) in medicine. “International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems. ICD-10, which was compiled by the World Health Organization, defines constipation as a disease (disease code K59.0), but the World Organization of Gastroenterologists and some national organizations of gastroenterologists, for example, the American Gastroenterological Association, consider constipation not an independent disease, but one of the symptoms of various diseases.
Constipation is considered not only a serious medical problem, but also a social problem, since this condition affects a huge number of people. According to medical statistics, only in countries with developed economies, constipation affects from 30 to 50% of the working-age population and up to 20% of children of different ages. Statistics show that with age, cases of constipation become more frequent; in older people, constipation is diagnosed approximately five times more often than in young people.
To correctly understand the problem and to successfully solve it, it is necessary to understand what specific state of the body should be considered constipation, that is, how many bowel movements are considered normal. Gastroenterologists believe that the norm is an act of defecation that occurs from three times a day to three times a week. The frequency of normal bowel movements can be regulated by the body's functioning, characteristics and other factors. If defecation occurs less than three times a week, then we can talk about constipation, that is, constipation.
In addition to significant periods of time between bowel movements, constipation is characterized by other signs:
- Constipation is characterized by a small amount of feces;
- With constipation, stool becomes dry and hard;
- After defecation, with constipation, there is no feeling of complete emptying of the intestines;
- One sign of constipation may be a change in the frequency of bowel movements.
Attention! With constipation, not all symptoms may be observed, but only some of them. However, even the presence of one of the signs already indicates constipation.
It is known that constipation can often occur during pregnancy, but successful childbirth does not always mean that the problem has disappeared. In women who breastfeed, constipation is also quite common.
The causes of constipation in nursing mothers can be:
- Weakened abdominal muscles, because during pregnancy the muscles were greatly stretched and have not yet had time to restore their elasticity;
- In case of delivery by cesarean section, mechanical damage to muscle tissue is possible;
- It is possible that the uterus puts pressure on the intestines, which complicates the process of passing stool. We should not forget that even after childbirth, the uterus is still enlarged - its size and weight will not be restored earlier than one and a half to two months after birth;
- During childbirth, some parts of the intestine may become displaced. And until the normal arrangement of all departments is restored, the intestines may work with noticeable interruptions;
- In women in the postpartum period, intestinal motility may be impaired, which is caused by postpartum stress or hormonal changes in the female body. Impaired intestinal motility can cause spasmodic phenomena;
- The cause of constipation in a nursing mother may be a psychological condition, which is especially often observed in cases where the birth was difficult. A woman who has recently given birth may fear that the stitches placed after a perineal tear will come apart, so normal bowel movements often become impossible due to fear of straining;
- In some cases, the cause of constipation in breastfeeding women may be poor nutrition - a lack of foods rich in fiber and/or improper eating patterns.
In most cases, constipation in women who have recently given birth goes away on their own and does not require special treatment.
Attention! Even in cases where defecation does not occur for three or more days, but there is no discomfort and/or pain, immediate use of medications is not recommended. Medicines should only be started when constipation is accompanied by bloating, flatulence and/or pain.
Types of constipation
In modern medical science, two forms of constipation are distinguished, which have different natures and, accordingly, arise due to different reasons.
Atonic constipation is constipation that occurs due to muscle weakness and weakened peristalsis as a result of muscle problems, that is, wave-like contraction of the intestines. Atonic constipation can be a consequence of mechanical damage, therefore it is often observed in women whose delivery took place by cesarean section.
With atonic constipation, signs such as pain in the abdomen, a feeling of fullness and overcrowding in the intestines, nausea, flatulence, and decreased appetite are noted. If the act of defecation is still successful, then the feces are first hard and hard, and then become liquid and may have bloody inclusions.
Spastic constipation occurs as a result of increased intestinal tone, that is, as a result of increased intestinal motility, when the wave-like movements of the intestines become too active and, as a result, the intestines “pinches” itself as a result of the resulting spasm.
Spastic constipation is usually accompanied by pain in the left hypochondrium (left side), as well as general lethargy, nausea and loss of appetite. Fecal masses with spastic constipation are very dense and resemble small pebbles.
The cause of spastic constipation most often lies in a psychological state: postpartum depression, stress.
Attention! The results of observations confirm that if a woman had constipation before pregnancy, then after childbirth it will recur.
According to medical statistics, spastic constipation always develops as a result of certain individual characteristics of the large intestine, which has elongated sections. As a result, feces, while traveling a long way, lose a large amount of liquid, as a result of which excretion of feces is significantly complicated.
During lactation, that is, during breastfeeding, for the treatment of constipation, only those laxatives should be used that are not absorbed in the intestines, do not penetrate the bloodstream and, accordingly, do not penetrate into breast milk.
Attention! The use of any drug during breastfeeding must be safe for the baby, therefore laxatives for women who are breastfeeding must be selected with extreme caution .
Women who are breastfeeding can use medications for constipation that are made on the basis of lactulose and are in the dosage form of syrups.
During lactation, the use of the following laxatives is allowed: Duphalac, Portalac, Lactulose Poly, Romphalac, Normaze. The main active ingredient of these medicines is lactulose, which is fructose or a disaccharide.
Lactulose is a naturally occurring compound that is not absorbed in the small intestine. The laxative effect of lactulose has an osmotic effect in the large intestine, that is, it retains water, thereby increasing the volume of intestinal contents (feces). An increase in the volume of feces leads to stimulation of their natural excretion from the intestines.
Lactulose is excreted from the body along with feces and a small amount of lactulose is excreted in the urine. It is very important that lactulose does not enter the blood plasma, so it cannot enter breast milk. Medicines based on lactulose can be prescribed not only to women during lactation, but also to children at a very early age.
Women who are breastfeeding can use it for constipation and medications whose main active ingredient is macrogol . As a rule, such drugs are produced in the form of powders, which are used to prepare a suspension. Laxatives based on macrogol - “Transipeg”, “Forlax”, “Forteza RomPharm”, “Fortrans”, and all these drugs contain not a natural, but a synthetic base, which is otherwise called propylene glycol.
The laxative effect of laxatives based on macrogol (propylene glycol) is based on the fact that the molecules of this synthetic substance have a linear shape and are able to absorb large amounts of water.
It is very important that macrogol, entering the body, remains unchanged until it enters the large intestine. And only in the large intestine does macrogol begin to act, that is, it has a laxative effect, which is based on the osmotic effect. The drug molecules retain water, due to which the volume of intestinal contents increases.
It is very important that laxatives based on macrogol do not irritate the intestinal walls and do not in any way affect intestinal motility, that is, its wave-like contractions, leaving them completely natural. Feces after taking any drug based on macrogol are excreted naturally, which is ensured by an increase in the volume of feces due to significant saturation with moisture (water).
For constipation in women during lactation, medications based on senna, a natural component of plant origin, can also be used. The medicinal laxatives Glaxenna, Sennalax, Senade, Senadex, Regulax are considered popular.
Any of the senna-based preparations is made from plant materials - mainly Indian or Alexandrian (one of the types of shrubs).
Attention! Senna-based laxatives are not approved in all countries for use in nursing women, since it is believed that senna irritates the intestinal walls of a nursing mother and stimulates possible irritation of the intestinal walls of the baby.
Pediatricians and gastroenterologists warn that long-term use of any medications that have a laxative effect is unacceptable, even if such medications are considered completely safe. The fact is that the effectiveness of any laxative decreases over time, so the dosage of laxatives has to be increased.
Attention! The indicative list of drugs developed by WHO that are compatible with breastfeeding and completely safe for mother and child has included sena preparations since 2002.
Doctors point out that any laxative medication is a kind of first aid, and not a solution to an existing problem. If a nursing mother is diagnosed with constipation, then it is necessary to find out its causes and eliminate the real cause of constipation.
Gastroenterologists warn that laxatives in the form of suppositories are less effective than those for oral administration, since suppositories act exclusively in the lower intestine, while other drugs can affect feces throughout the entire length of the intestine.
Attention! International Medical Guide to Lactation and BreastfeedingE- LACTANCIAcalls laxative drugs based on Indian or Alexandrian sena safe and completely suitable for use during breastfeeding, since these drugs, while having a laxative effect, are not absorbed in the intestines.
How to prevent constipation during lactation
To prevent constipation during breastfeeding, it is very important to follow several rules. First of all, we should not forget that for the proper functioning of the intestines and the entire gastrointestinal tract, it is very important to have a sufficient amount of foods with dietary fiber in the daily menu.
It is known that intestinal contents and its volume largely depend on the principles of nutrition and on the presence in the daily menu of foods that take a long time to digest and the digestion of which requires significant effort from the body. In addition, to obtain the required volume of intestinal contents, the passage of mineral salts and water through the intestinal walls is very important. It has been proven that the presence of foods rich in dietary fiber in the daily menu helps increase the volume of feces and stimulate bowel function.
- Dietary fiber is a food component that is resistant to digestive enzymes and juices. It is very important that the daily diet contains enough dietary fiber, which can have a carbohydrate and non-carbohydrate structure.
- Dietary fibers with a carbohydrate structure are (cellulose), gums (water-soluble polysaccharides), mucilages, which are obtained from the shells of the seeds of various plants.
- Dietary fibers that have a non-carbohydrate structure are pectins (pectic substances) and lignin (a polymer of natural origin).
Attention! Dietary fiber contains a very small amount of calories - even if dietary fiber is partially digested, 25 g of dietary fiber releases only 100 calories, or 418 J.
To prevent and prevent constipation, an active lifestyle, including active movement, is very important. The undoubted benefits of physical activities such as swimming, walking, cycling, skiing and any other physical activity have been proven. It is known that intestinal motor activity very effectively stimulates intestinal peristalsis, strengthens the muscles of the abdomen and abdominal wall, increases the tone of the whole body and strengthens the nervous system, which is very important for healthy digestion.
It has been repeatedly noted that constipation is often observed when the drinking regime is not observed, that is, when there is insufficient intake of drinking water into the body. Doctors note that, despite individual needs for water, when less than one liter of water per day enters the body, the likelihood of constipation increases many times over. Dehydration can occur in hot weather, low indoor humidity, with certain diseases and conditions of the body (for example, diabetes), as well as in other cases, but a lack of water almost certainly leads to the development of constipation.
Attention! Taking any laxatives during lactation, even if such drugs are recognized as completely safe for the mother and child, must be agreed upon with the attending physician and pediatrician.
The most serious attention in case of constipation and a tendency to constipation should be given to nutrition. To avoid constipation, the menu must include raw (unprocessed) fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, bread made from rye flour and bread with bran, buckwheat, oatmeal and barley porridge, meat with a high content of connective tissue, and dairy products.
If you have constipation, you should avoid refined foods, as well as pureed foods, semolina and rice porridge (except brown rice porridge). Due to their high tannin content, cocoa, strong tea and coffee, dried blueberries, and natural red wines should be avoided.
For constipation, it is very important to eat small meals, but at least five times a day.
Attention! If a woman who is breastfeeding develops constipation, it is necessary to consult a doctor and take the measures that the attending physician advises.
It is no secret that a woman’s diet always affects the chemical composition of her milk, because a newborn receives all the same substances and elements that his mother ate the day before.
However, sometimes it happens that an unforeseen difficulty arises - constipation, and therefore it does not hurt to find out which laxative products during breastfeeding will come to the aid of both the baby and his mother. It’s worth noting right away that although they are conditionally divided into two different categories, essentially any ingredient from the list is suitable for a baby after six months.
A situation where an infant suffers from constipation, irregular bowel movements and abdominal pain is far from uncommon. But before you decide on suppositories and special medications, you can try to help your baby in a simpler way.
For example, there are a number of products that not only improve intestinal motility and promote proper stomach function, but also contain many beneficial substances and vitamins.
This information will also be useful to you if your baby experiences constipation and colic quite often. In this case, it is recommended to add such laxative foods to the baby’s diet in order to control the activity of his digestive tract.
If the child is too small and is still relying exclusively on mother’s milk, then she herself can often eat foods that are very weak in order to regulate the baby’s stool.
In fact, in the first months after the birth of a newborn, such difficulties are far from uncommon. Due to the immaturity of the baby’s central nervous system and the still unsteady activity of the digestive tract, tummy problems can occur with unpleasant frequency and regularity. In this case, laxative products for the nursing woman herself are exactly what will help solve the problem in the most gentle and natural way.
Well, if the child is already actively trying complementary foods and is not completely dependent on his mother’s breast, then it is quite possible to offer him a dish that is healthy for the tummy in order to avoid taking laxative drops and other medications.
What will regulate stool and relieve baby constipation?
Dried fruits
Prunes, dried apricots, raisins.
They are not only effective for combating constipation, but also incredibly useful. Dried apricots and prunes are rightfully considered one of the most vitamin-rich dried fruits. You can make compote or tea based on them for your baby.
Quail eggs
The abundance of easily digestible and hypoallergenic protein makes this product truly unique. Eating quail eggs is recommended for children with allergies and as a first introduction to egg yolk.
Quail eggs can also normalize the functioning of the baby’s digestive system.
Kefir, yogurt, curdled milk
Fermented milk products have always been the number one product in the fight against constipation and irregular bowel movements. In order to help your baby and save him from an annoying problem, it is enough to offer him a little yogurt or baby kefir before breakfast.
Fresh and canned apricots
Store-bought purees, which are sold in baby food departments, are also excellent for loosening the tummy. You can add this dish to your baby’s diet not only as a prevention and treatment for diseases of the digestive system, but also as a healthy vitamin dessert.
Plum puree
Plum is a fruit that is well known among people for its laxative effect. By irritating the intestinal villi, plum provokes increased peristalsis and also thins the stool, which is especially important for spastic constipation in a child.
Pumpkin
The healthy orange vegetable is rich in all kinds of minerals and vitamins, and also acts on the baby’s body as a mild natural laxative. You can make puree from pumpkin, bake it in the oven, or even offer pumpkin juice to your baby.
Oat groats
Oatmeal is a cereal rich in B vitamins, gluten and fiber, which has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the stomach. If the baby is worried about difficulties with the process of defecation or this act is painful, then it will be very useful to offer the child just such a porridge for breakfast.
Zucchini
The most easily digestible and hypoallergenic vegetable, moreover, works no worse than laxatives. If you feed your baby zucchini and dishes based on it every day, then any diseases of the digestive system will remain a thing of the past.
Laxative foods for mothers during breastfeeding
Sometimes such a sensitive topic arises even for the nursing mother herself. We suggest finding out which dishes and ingredients are guaranteed to weaken the intestines, so that you can use them if necessary.
This is not just a safe alternative to chemical drugs from the pharmacy; sometimes during lactation a woman has no choice but to look for traditional recipes, because most medications are strictly prohibited from being taken during breastfeeding.
Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds
These foods are rich in fatty acids and oils, which are not only beneficial for brain function, but also improve stomach function. To improve digestion, eat a handful of raw seeds shortly before breakfast.
Bananas
The soft and ripe fruit perfectly loosens the stomach. Banana can be given to both infants and used by nursing mothers themselves. To do this, it is best to make puree from the yellow fruit.
Vegetable oil
This product is extracted mainly from seeds and plants, and in our latitudes sunflower oil is most often used. Regularly season your dishes and salads with this healthy and nutritious ingredient, especially since vegetable oil is allowed even with the strictest feeding diet.
Like sunflower seeds, it gently loosens the intestines and makes it easier to go to the toilet.
Grape
Black, white and even raisins - all these varieties of grapes cause increased fermentation in the intestines, causing constipation to quickly go away.
It is important to remember that fresh grapes can play a cruel joke - many infants react poorly to the fruit and experience cramps in their tummy.
Therefore, it is better to prepare raisin water - pour boiling water over a handful of raisins, leave under the lid, and then drink instead of tea. This drink perfectly fights both flatulence and bloating, as well as constipation.
Beet
The red vegetable is a natural laxative, which is incredibly beneficial for the body of a nursing mother.
In the first months after the baby is born, you should not use beets and their juice to combat constipation, since the coloring organic substances contained in beets can cause food allergies in the baby.
But after six months, actively eating this vegetable and adding it to the baby’s menu is not only beneficial for the digestive system, but also for the blood vessels.
As you can see, laxative products for breastfeeding are quite simple and can often be easily found on sale in any store or supermarket.
If problems with stool constantly bother you or your baby, you can combine several laxative products at once in one meal to achieve a more pronounced effect. Of course, if we are talking about a baby, then these should be the ingredients that he has already tried before and that his body tolerates well.
