Treatment and prevention of constipation after childbirth while breastfeeding the mother

Factors of occurrence

Constipation after childbirth during breastfeeding is manifested by a violation, or rather a complete absence of bowel movements for 2-3 days. If the mother does not feel discomfort about this, then there is no need to worry, this is a feature of the body.

Nausea, pain in the lower and upper abdomen, a feeling of fullness, constant discomfort - this is constipation, a persistent bowel disorder that torments during lactation for a variety of reasons. Treatment must be carried out using pills that are safe for the mother, diet, exercise and non-traditional remedies.

An even more unpleasant phenomenon is when constipation and hemorrhoids immediately appear after childbirth. In this case, you need to treat your condition very carefully and, for adequate therapy, go to a doctor who will tell you what a nursing mother can do to quickly return to normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Constipation after childbirth during breastfeeding occurs due to the following factors:

• severe hormonal imbalances;
• congenital diseases of different parts of the gastrointestinal tract;
• return of the pelvic organs to their usual place;
• pressure of the uterus on the organs for the first time during breastfeeding;
• failure of peristalsis;
• lethargy and stretching of the perineum.

Constipation after cesarean section while breastfeeding is aggravated by the presence of sutures. Then you can’t delay, it’s important to quickly find out the cause and eliminate it.

Constipation after childbirth also has psychological factors:

• during the lactation period, mothers have many new worries, they spend all their time on the child, which can cause fatigue, severe overwork, insomnia, which leads to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• when a woman deliberately suppresses the urge for a long time, the organ gets used to it and signals are not produced;
• depression, which affects many mothers after childbirth;
• it may be due to the stitches, which the woman is worried about, which is why constipation often occurs after a caesarean section while breastfeeding.

Main reasons

If a nursing mother does not have constipation, this is the exception rather than the rule. This unpleasant condition occurs to most women after childbirth.

One of the main ways to combat constipation is sports.

There are several reasons for constipation; they are associated with both physiological and psychological problems:

• fear that the stitches will come apart after a cesarean section or after ruptures. It can be so strong that it keeps the intestinal walls in constant tone, causing pain during bowel movements and slowing down the movement of feces through it.
• poor nutrition. During lactation, the mother must strictly monitor her diet in order to provide both herself and the baby with the necessary nutrients. Even if you give up some foods, you need to make sure that the menu has enough fiber and water, which will help improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• lack of physical activity. This is especially true for those who have gone through a cesarean or difficult birth. Lack of movement slows down bowel function, causing constipation in a nursing mother;
• medicines. If a mother is prescribed medication for postpartum complications, one of the side effects may be constipation;
• intestinal dysfunction. During pregnancy, the uterus puts quite a lot of pressure on all the organs surrounding it, including the intestines. This can change its shape and impair passability. Usually everything returns to normal after a few weeks, when the uterus restores its size;
• the hormone progesterone, which is increased after childbirth;
• diseases. Postpartum constipation can be caused by hemorrhoids, neoplasms or inflammation in the intestines, metabolic disorders or endocrine diseases.

Having found out the cause of constipation, it will be much easier to find a safe way to solve the problem, because with hepatitis B, conventional laxatives are usually contraindicated.

Manifestations

Constipation during breastfeeding in a mother needs to be identified in time, and specific manifestations help with this. The symptomatic complex gradually increases; if you do not pay attention to it, there is a possibility of serious complications. At the initial stage, when constipation during lactation has just begun to make itself felt, it can be treated with safe means, so there is no need to interrupt feeding. Later, more serious measures may be required.

A woman can recognize constipation during breastfeeding by symptoms such as:

• lack of bowel movement for several days;
• pain in the lower abdomen (mainly on the left);
• loss of appetite;
• discomfort in the area of ​​the outlet;
• dyspepsia – belching, heartburn;
• distension in the intestinal area;
• constant feeling of nausea;
• excessive gas formation, bloating;
• feeling of fullness and heavy heaviness.

Treatment of constipation in a nursing mother

General recommendations for relieving constipation for mothers are as follows:

• Lead an active lifestyle and do light physical exercise every day.
• Include more fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet, do not abuse fatty, spicy and sweet foods.
• Eliminate fixative foods from your menu - rice, legumes, jelly.
• Avoid white bread, animal fats, baked goods, crackers, which also contribute to stool consolidation, gas formation and, accordingly, lead to constipation.

The diet of a nursing mother should include fermented milk products, vegetable oil, liquid soups, and more fiber. Dried fruit compotes and rosehip decoction are very helpful for constipation.

It is important to determine the type

Postpartum constipation, like all others, has its own characteristics, causes and symptoms, which is why they are usually classified according to certain criteria. This is an important point, since the type of disorder will determine which laxative products and medications are recommended.

Spastic constipation with hepatitis B has the following features:

• occurs due to psychological phenomena;
• accompanied by increased tone;
• compacted dense feces are formed in small portions;
• leads to nausea, apathy, neuroses, flatulence.

Spastic disorder in women after childbirth can be eliminated by adjusting the diet. You need to establish a regime, select certain products. Usually this is enough to eliminate the spasm. But we must not forget about the main factor – the psychological problem. You also need to work with her, perhaps a good option would be to go to a psychotherapist.

Atonic postpartum constipation has other manifestations:

• characterized by decreased intestinal tone;
• peristalsis is sluggish and slow;
• caesarean section, medication, nutritional failure are provocateurs;
• symptoms include apathy, nausea, soreness, gas formation, loss of appetite;
• the consequences may be cracks in the anal canal, the appearance of blood clots in feces.

The atonic type of disorder is more difficult to eliminate; it cannot be done at home, so you need to go to a specialist. When the disorder is caused by congenital or acquired diseases, it is not included in any group and is considered individually. Then the treatment is selected by the doctor according to the symptoms.

Exercise for constipation

Exercise may be effective in stimulating intestinal motility and improving gastrointestinal function.

"Inhale - exhale"

First you need to lie on your back, raise your legs and pull them as close as possible to your stomach. Inhale deeply, inflating the abdominal cavity, pause for ½ minute, then exhale sharply through your mouth and lower your legs. Repeat this exercise 10 times.

"Bike"

Bend your knees in a lying position. Rotate your lower limbs, simulating the rotation of bicycle pedals. The circle made by rotating the legs should be as large as possible. It is necessary to perform this exercise 10 - 15 times, speeding up and slowing down.

Leg tilts

The starting position is lying on your back with your arms extended above your head. You can lock your fingers together while holding your head. When inhaling, bend your knees and pull them towards your stomach. Bend your lower limbs without separating them, first in one direction, then in the other. It is necessary to ensure that your knees touch the surface.

Features of therapy for hepatitis B

After the examination, the specialist will explain how to get rid of constipation after childbirth without harm. He will recommend which foods during breastfeeding will not harm the baby, but will help to cope well with the disorder. Suppositories will also be prescribed for constipation after childbirth during breastfeeding, which do not change milk.

How to improve bowel movements after childbirth without consequences for the newborn:

• a safe laxative is selected for a nursing mother;
• suppositories for constipation after childbirth during feeding are used on a natural basis;
• products for breastfeeding are selected with a nutritionist;
• you can use some alternative medicine;
• laxatives for constipation in tablets are prescribed by a doctor;
• the diet should not contradict the nutritional characteristics of breastfeeding.

Diet change

There are useful foods for constipation during breastfeeding and unacceptable ones. The list is compiled in such a way that it does not affect the baby.

Ways to solve the problem

Treatment of constipation in a breastfeeding mother after a cesarean section or standard childbirth should ideally be prescribed by a doctor. This way a woman can achieve the best result without consequences. You can do an enema for constipation during lactation with cool water.

It is possible to eliminate stool retention without the use of medications. To do this, you should follow a diet with a predominance of laxative foods, drink plenty of fluids, do physical exercise, and you can take folk remedies for constipation during lactation.

Diet of a nursing mother for constipation

To prevent the development of constipation, a young mother should adhere to a balanced diet, which should include foods that help normalize intestinal motility.

A breastfeeding woman is advised to familiarize herself with some recommendations for creating a menu for breastfeeding:

1. It is advisable to eat baked fruits and vegetables.
2. Cook porridge from various grains in water.
3. Avoid consuming fried, spicy foods, as well as smoked and pickled foods.
4. Eat fermented milk products regularly.
5. Season dishes with olive or flax oil.
6. Drink still drinks.
7. There is dietary meat prepared by stewing, boiling or baking.

It is worth noting that daily consumption of fiber helps improve intestinal motility, prevents the development of hemorrhoids, and relieves bloating.

Foods and drinks allowed for constipation

During breastfeeding, it is recommended to eat/drink:

1. Flour products (small pasta, bread).
2. Porridge cooked in water, from buckwheat, millet, flax, oatmeal.
3. Soups cooked in vegetable or non-rich meat broths. A minimum amount of cabbage may be added.
4. Natural honey, dried fruits, marshmallows, nuts.
5. Apple juice, rose hip decoction, compotes.
6. Lean sea fish, chicken, rabbit, turkey meat.

The menu of a nursing mother prone to constipation should contain foods high in coarse fiber, fiber, as well as dishes that have a laxative effect.

Drinking regime

It is very important to control the drinking regime, this will avoid intestinal dysfunction. It is recommended to drink up to two liters of liquid daily. This can be purified or boiled water, which should be 50% of the volume of all liquid consumed, as well as tea, compote, kefir, herbal decoction, natural drinking yogurt without adding flavors or preservatives.

Important! Chemical compounds found in many products have a negative impact on the health of infants.

Medicines for constipation

Most medications that have a laxative effect are contraindicated for use during breastfeeding. Before using medications, therapy should be carried out using traditional methods. If the desired result is not achieved, you can proceed to taking medications.

Important! The use of any drug should occur after consultation with the doctor. This will help avoid negative consequences.

Approved medications for constipation during lactation

Laxative medications approved for use during breastfeeding are produced in the form of:

• candles;
• medicinal liquids;
• healing powdery substances.

When breastfeeding, it is highly not recommended to use medications containing senna as a base. They can penetrate into mother's milk and negatively affect the child's body. Senna herb can cause colic, epigastric pain, and diarrhea in infants.

The most popular are glycerin suppositories, the effect of which is aimed at softening stool and painlessly removing it. Suppositories are contraindicated in the presence of anal fissures and hemorrhoids. If a young mother suffers from these pathologies, sea buckthorn suppositories should be used.

Among the laxatives for constipation for nursing mothers, produced in the form of a liquid dosage form, we can highlight:

• Lactulose;
• Duphalac;
• Normaze (used for prolonged constipation).

The above medications should be taken with caution if you are prone to bloating, which may worsen while taking the medication.

If stool retention occurs in mother and child, Microlax microenemas should be used at the same time, which are approved for use even for newborns. The product has a minimum number of contraindications.

Herbal medicine

Herbal medicine is beneficial for both mother and baby. The use of folk remedies will help improve digestion and absorption of food, eliminate colic and abdominal pain. Medicinal herbs approved for use during breastfeeding do not have a negative effect on the child's body.

Anise and fennel

To obtain the desired effect, it is necessary to consume decoctions of anise and fennel three times a day for 3 to 5 days. To prepare the medicine, you need to brew 0.2 liters of boiling water, 2 tbsp each. l. the plants in question. This healing drink improves intestinal motility and eliminates bloating.

Violet

A decoction of tricolor violet can help normalize stool and improve breast milk production. To make it, you need to pour 10 g of prepared raw materials into 0.2 liters of boiling water. Simmer in a water bath for 1 hour, then filter and leave until completely cooled. Use the finished medicine 1 tbsp. l. three times a day after meals.

Gooseberry

To prepare a folk remedy for constipation from gooseberries, you need to pour 1 tbsp. l. berries with boiling water (0.2 l). Leave for 30 minutes. Drink the finished drink ¼ tbsp. 3 times/day.

Folk laxatives

Doctors recommend using prunes as laxatives in traditional medicine, which should be eaten on an empty stomach. To do this, the dried fruit should be ground in a blender until a mushy state appears. In the morning after waking up, drink 1 tbsp. clean water, then eat prune puree. If constipation is short-lived, the result will not take long to arrive (the effect will occur within 3 hours).

Figs are considered an equally effective laxative. To make the medicine you need to prepare 2 tbsp. l. chopped dried fruit, pour 0.2 liters of hot milk over it. Leave in the room until completely cool. Drink the finished product up to 4 times a day before meals, 1 - 2 tbsp. l. In addition, figs help restore all systems of the female body after the birth of a baby, strengthen immune qualities, and normalize digestion.

Herbal infusions

Strawberry leaves, mint, valerian roots, chamomile flowers, and nettle leaves are excellent for treating constipation. Prepared dried plants need to be crushed. A couple of st. l. Place the resulting raw materials in a thermos, pour ½ liter of boiling water. Leave for 10 hours in a closed container. After time, strain the drink. Use 1 tbsp. l. before eating.

A decoction of chamomile can also help relieve constipation caused by impaired functioning of the digestive tract. To do this, it should be taken 1 tbsp. l. up to 4 times/day before meals. Chamomile helps relieve inflammatory processes in the intestines and improves the production of breast milk.

A decoction of young nettle leaves brings no less benefit. The plant needs to be brewed and left to steep for a while. Drink the resulting medicine 1 tbsp. l. three times a day before meals. The medicinal decoction has a positive effect on all systems of the female body after childbirth, prevents the development of anemia, improves lactation, and normalizes stool.

It is recommended to consult a doctor for the use of any folk remedy, since some medicinal plants have contraindications for use and can cause allergic reactions, thereby harming a baby or nursing woman.

Prevention measures

After normal bowel movements are restored, the mother may soon experience problems again. Therefore, even with normal gastrointestinal function, it is important to adhere to preventive measures so that you do not have to use medications in the future.

What to do to prevent problems with the gastrointestinal tract after childbirth, how to restore stool:

• forget about self-medication - using enemas and suppositories without following the instructions and dosage, you can end up becoming addicted, then natural bowel movement is disrupted;
• do not ignore the first urge to defecate, visit the toilet at the first opportunity;
• follow a special diet, taking into account prohibited and permitted foods, drink more fluids during the day;
• take care of your psychological state, try to rest more and get good sleep, make an appointment with a psychologist or psychotherapist;
• perform special exercises that are useful for everyone after childbirth;
• If you have any symptoms of a disorder, immediately consult a doctor;
• try to lead an active lifestyle, walk more with your child, do fitness, swimming or other sports.

Young mothers leave their reviews about the effectiveness of many treatments for breastfeeding. However, it is important to know that each problem requires an individual approach, and what is useful for one woman can be very harmful for another.

Traditional methods

Folk remedies also help with constipation in a nursing mother. Although not all of them can be used, there are some among them that normalize intestinal function well, but do not harm the baby.

• Mix equal parts of anise, cumin and fennel seeds. Take 2 teaspoons of the mixture and brew a glass of boiling water. The resulting decoction should be divided into 3 times and taken warm before meals.
• A popular and effective remedy for constipation is regularly taking a decoction of raisins, prunes or figs.
• Instead of tea, you can use herbal infusions. Oregano, fennel, chamomile, nettle, anise, valerian root, mint, and strawberry leaves are good for them. It is better to consult a doctor about which herbs and in what proportions to take.

There are many ways to treat constipation. But it is impossible to determine whether the medicine recommended by the doctor will help, or whether the proposed diet will suit the woman. Therefore, it sometimes happens that a woman tries different remedies for several months, changes medications, but constipation still torments her. Therefore, it is better to avoid the causes of their occurrence in advance and prevent this problem.

Laxatives for nursing mothers

For chronic constipation, it is necessary to use laxatives so as not to stretch the intestines and prevent intoxication of the whole body.

All laxatives are divided into several groups according to the international drug classification system:

• emollients;
• increasing the volume of intestinal contents and accelerating peristalsis;
• contact laxatives;
• enemas and suppositories.

Emollient laxatives act on the small intestine and soften stool, making it easier for them to pass through the intestines.

Bulk preparations, such as mukofalk, as well as figs and seaweed, are not digested in the intestines, expanding, retaining water and accelerating the act of defecation.

The laxative is recommended to be taken at night for natural bowel movements in the morning.

Enemas and suppositories are used for local effects on the rectum, diluting stool. As a rule, they do not have side effects, except for a possible allergic reaction to the components.

However, there is a list of some medications that are not recommended for a nursing mother to take, since substances in their composition with mother’s milk can harm the baby’s body:

Laxatives with irritating effects are not recommended during breastfeeding.

Laxative suppositories with glycerin are considered the safest method of combating constipation at the local level. Glycerin is not absorbed into the blood, does not penetrate into mother's milk, and therefore is safe for the baby. Suppositories do not have a comprehensive therapeutic effect on the problem of constipation; they act only once.

How to use suppositories for constipation

In order for rectal suppositories to be effective, they must be used correctly. For constipation, they are inserted into the rectum in the morning after breakfast. It is recommended to drink more liquid during meals and immediately after inserting the suppository you should also drink a glass of tea or juice.

Sea buckthorn suppositories can be used twice a day - after breakfast and before bed.

You should not use force when inserting a suppository; the suppository should pass through the sphincter freely without causing pain. To do this, you need to lie on your left side with your knees bent and try to relax.

After the candle is inserted, you should lie down for a while and then move at your usual pace. The duration of action of laxative suppositories is from several to 40-50 minutes.

Suppositories are not intended for continuous use; they can be used only once every few days, when other safe methods of stimulating bowel movements - diet and exercise - do not help.