Post-delivery Issues 5 Months Later

I take Benefiber tablets, they are yummy and also help somewhat to fill you up between meals. Works like a charm for me.

My baby has this problem and so do I. We have started taking flax seed oil. 2 Tablespoons for an adult and 1 teaspoon for a baby. It has helped tremendously and doesnot have the dangers of mineral oil. It seems to work best if I mix it with something though because it tastes like your eating a big helping of grass.

R.
www.roxannebruce.pureromance.com

I completely feel for you! And it makes it worse since it's such a taboo subject. I had the same problem after my last baby and the Rx that I got didn't help hardly at all. I didn't want to go to a GI doctor so I took matters into my own hands and started taking probiotics. I got mine at a health food store, but I'm pretty sure you can get them at your local drug store or anywhere that carries vitamins. I also eat an entire bowl of oatmeal every morning on top of all the fruit and whole grains that give you lots of fiber. This is what personaly saved me. Don't stop until you get some relief! Good luck!

In addition to all the reasons that might be associated with childbirth, I wonder if you should temporarily limit/eliminate the wheat/grain fiber. When I was dealing with chronic constipation, I thought that upping my fiber with wheat and grain products and Metamucil and Benefiber should help. It actually made things much worse because I had an undiagnosed gluten intolerance. (I thought that I had hemorrhoids, and my doctor had to check my colon for blockage.)

This isn't necessarily the source of your problem, but there could be some minor connection. Oftentimes, these intolerances show up during times of stress...or fiber overkill.

I've lived with this or similar issues all my 40 years, not just during pregnancy or after delivery. I have tried fiber, water, stool softners, exercize...every trick, medication, etc...recommended or rumored to work.

Recently I discovered that if I drink 1-2 cups regular coffee WITH a bowl of oatmeal, I am regular for a few days afterwards. I try to do the protocol every other day (since I don't really *love* coffee), I also dust my oatmeal with cinnamon (to boost metabolism) and use Local Honey (for allergies) instead of sugar.

Basically, everybody's system is different and you have to keep looking for YOUR key. AND... it might take a while. This is a great site for suggestions to TRY... hopefully, something will work and get you relief. Congrats on your baby! :-)

Good Luck!

T.

Hey there,
I have dealt with this issue for several years now. I can tell you that the "typical" recommendations have never worked for me. I have found that "UDO's" Super 8 Hi-Potency Probiotic has worked well (available at health food stores) and NEWCHAPTER Perfect Prenatal vitamins. They are both a little pricey but have seemed to do the trick. I also buy EZekiel bread and use it for sandwiches, toast etc. If one piece doesn't help, try two ~ I've really grown to love this bread and it's especially healthy. It too can be pricey, but I have found it at Sun Harvest for $3.99, whereas HEB charges $5.29 or $5.99 ~ too much!! Both stores keep it in the freezer section and I keep it in the fridge at home. I hope this helps ~ I know just how difficult and stressful this can be ~ it affects your whole life! Take Care and congrats on your new little one :-)

Do you have hemorrhoids? If so, suppositories (Preparation H type) could help.

Have you tried stewed prunes? Even 1 or 2 could help. I put the dried plums or prunes in a pan with just a little bit of water, bring them to a boil and turn off the heat. They soften and are good on toast or with cottage cheese. Carrots are one of the best sources of fiber.

My company has an herbal product, Herb-Lax, to cleanse the colon and promote regularity Fiber tablets to promote colon health, digestion and regularity. If you want to check out my website and/or call, I can tell you more. I represent the company and use the products but I am not a salesperson. I just tell and let you decide what is best for you. I represent Shaklee whose goal it to provide a healthier life for everyone.

I believe you are on the right track to find a natural, food based solution but if you need help, I can give you more information. I wish you the best and I know you are enjoying your baby boy.

One thing I know, different people have different needs. I rarely need anything but my food for regularity but I have a long list of people who depend on Herb-Lax!..smile

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HI, I know what you mean. The same thing happened to me. I was in tears every time i had a bowel. I did go to my doc and she said I had hemorrhoids. She had me drink stool softeners to the point it was like water, (her words), but it made a HUGE difference. Drink lots of water and increase your fiber intake, lots of fruit. Hope you get better.

I say no its not. Go to a different doctor. I went to three different doctor before I got the right answer!

Hum.... did you have a vaginal delivery or a c-section? Sometimes this can be a problem after surgery. Is it painful because the fecal matter is dry and hard? Do you have hemroids? Do you have regular bowel movements (every day)?
The solutions might be to get your bowel movements softer. You might try to simmer about 5 prunes in a little bit of water for about 10 minutes and eat them warm just before you go to bed. Don't forget to drink the juice also.
I find taking KAL Brand calcium/magnisium gelcaps at night helps me. The key is to get the gelcaps. It is actually liquid calcium.
Hope this helps.

J. Dirmeyer
Midwife

Do you have hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are a very common symptom during pregnancy and sometimes they don't get better after delivery. There are over the counter medicines to help shrink them. If that doesn't work and they are severe, sometimes surgery is an option. I'd see your doctor again to have them evaluated. Also, did you have an episiotomy with the birth of your baby? This could also be factor. Good luck!

I had the same issue and in all honesty, I still have the issue if I do not eat 100% fiber in the morning.

I could not believe it. I had never had this issue until I had my daughter. She is now 16 months old and I find if I do not have my 100% in the morning lets just say it is not comfortable.

I have a bowl of bran flakes (just plain bran flakes, "All-Bran") in the morning. When I get to work, I eat a fiber one bar.

Ever since I have started this almost a year ago, I have not had any issues.

Also, I read that if you eat your daily serving of fiber, your food will pass thru before all the calories can be absorbed. It definitely got me off of eating the sugary cereals so I guess that is not such a bad thing.

I had great difficulty having bowel movements after my C-sections and was afraid to push very hard. TMI, I thought once I was headed to the ER with a fecal impaction, but was stuck in such a predicament, I wasn't going anywhere until things happened. I'll stop there. Anyway, the doctor recommended mineral oil. Increasing my water and fiber intake did not do the trick. The mineral oil coats your intestines and throws the water into your stool and makes a substantial difference. I also used Miralax. Mineral oil is extremely cheap. Miralax can be rather pricey, but worth it. The two together was like heaven!!!! Now whenever I get backed up, I can make things work fine with mineral oil. The amount is different for everyone. Anywhere from 1 tsp to 4-5 tbsps, just depending on your body.

Good luck and happy pooping!

I had a different type of problem with my bms after my last child. It took about a year to be more manageable and 2 years to not be a regular problem. I still have some bad days, but rarely. Evidently there was some muscle and/or nerve damage issues. I chose to wait it out instead of going to a specialist and it did improve on its own. But, after each child I made sure that I got a prescription for stool softeners until I knew that I had healed from the delivery. Plus, especially if you're breastfeeding, you need extra water. Make sure you're getting plenty of water.