Constipation after childbirth during breastfeeding is a fairly common pathology, which many new mothers are shy of. They hope that the problem will be solved by itself, which, unfortunately, is far from the case. You need to be as attentive as possible to your health, especially during this difficult period of recovery after childbirth.
Today we invite you to discuss this delicate issue in as much detail as possible. Let's start with the fact that constipation can be of several types, for many reasons. Today we will deal with the issues of manifestation, treatment and prevention.
Kinds
As mentioned earlier, constipation after childbirth during breastfeeding is quite common. Do not rely on the resolution of the problem by diet or exercise - this is not always effective. Now we will try to deal with the varieties of this ailment.
In order to proceed with the treatment of constipation, it is necessary to understand the types and causes. In total, two large groups are distinguished from nursing mothers, read more about them in the table.
View | Atonic | Spastic |
a brief description of | Atonic constipation is associated with intestinal atony. Intestinal activity is markedly reduced in women who have recently given birth to a baby. This problem is especially true for puerperas who underwent caesarean section. What is the reason for this? The operation itself has a very negative effect on the intestines. After resolving the problem of feces, there is usually a lot and it is quite dense. | The whole problem in this case is connected precisely with the stress that a woman suffered during childbirth. There is a spasm of the intestinal wall. Unlike atonic constipation, spastic ones have frequent urges, but the stool is dry and meager. There may be slight pain during going to the toilet. |
Causes
Constipation after childbirth during breastfeeding should be treated immediately, because this problem negatively affects both the mother and the baby. The chosen method should not interfere with breastfeeding.
To begin with, it is worth paying attention to the fact that a nursing mother should eat only fresh and healthy foods. Many have to completely abandon the usual diet. It is necessary to eat vegetables and fruits daily, which are necessary for the proper functioning of the intestines. If you completely abandon fresh vegetables, then this will entail a number of problems with the intestines and stomach.
The first week after childbirth is quite difficult for almost all mothers. This is due to the fact that progesterone has a negative effect on the muscles of the intestines. After some time, hormone production normalizes, and problems with going to the toilet end. Complete recovery of the intestine is usually observed a month after the birth of the baby.
Now we will highlight a number of reasons that can lead to constipation. Among those:
- side effect of drugs;
- restraint of urge;
- lack of motor activity;
- the body lacks fluid;
- mom consumes a lot of fiber;
- metabolic disease;
- the presence of growths or other pathologies.
Manifestation
Constipation in a nursing mother can occur in many ways. They can be both single, and make up the whole complex. Now we list the most common symptoms:
- appetite is constantly absent;
- many gases are collected in the intestines;
- cramping abdominal pains are possible;
- bloating;
- severity
- there are some difficulties in the toilet;
- if we consider fecal matter in more detail, then we can notice the tuberosity and high density;
- constant stay of the patient in a bad mood;
- working capacity decreases;
- sleep patterns are disturbed;
- muscle pain may be observed;
- the patient may have headaches;
- bad taste in the mouth.
If you were able to identify at least a small part of the symptoms presented, then you can safely diagnose constipation after childbirth with breastfeeding. A specialist consultation and the correct selection of therapeutic agents are necessary.
Prevention
We begin this section with the fact that the problem is easier to prevent than to get rid of it. Prevention of constipation during pregnancy and after childbirth is a very important point, all expectant mothers are required to study this issue.
Prevention of intestinal disorders consists in proper nutrition and daily routine. It is very important to remember that products with a "fixing" effect are extremely contraindicated for newly moms. This list includes crackers, chips, rice, strong tea and so on. Pay more attention to fermented milk products, it is especially useful to eat live yoghurts. Be sure to include fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet.
Do not forget to move more. Further in the article you will find a small set of exercises that are useful for everyone to perform for prevention. All mothers must know that constipation can affect the well-being of the baby.
Food
Now we will discuss proper nutrition for constipation after childbirth. What to do if you encounter this problem? It is best to consult a doctor so that he prescribes treatment. In addition to medications, you should follow a diet. Now we will get acquainted with its main rules and norms:
- Drink more fluids: at least two liters per day. Please note that at least one liter should be represented by cold, clean water (preferably boiled).
- Introduce fresh vegetables and fruits into your daily diet. However, bean cultures that can cause the opposite effect should be excluded.
- If you do not like fresh vegetables and fruits, then you can bake them, because with this type of heat treatment all useful properties are preserved.
- Eat in moderation, natural laxative foods (prunes, beets, carrots, figs, and so on).
- It is necessary to improve the intestinal microflora and not harm the child. Sour-milk products will help us in this matter.
- Vegetable oils also have a laxative effect. To achieve the desired result, drink one teaspoon of olive or flaxseed oil in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Another important rule is not to overeat. Eat more often, but in small portions - this will lead to a quick recovery of the intestines.
- The last point should be noted and the fact that you need to contact a specialist. Diet is made for each person individually.
Exercises
Now we will talk about another effective method of combating constipation after childbirth. What to do? Of course, move more, but do not overwork. Absolutely all walks in the fresh air are useful, and if light gymnastics is not contraindicated, then do not spare ten minutes a day to do it. From physical exercises, not only problems with the intestines will pass, but also well-being will improve, muscles will be strengthened.
On the second day after childbirth, you can perform the following exercise: lie on your back, bend your legs at the knees. Take a deep breath and puff out your stomach, hold it for a while, exhale sharply through your mouth and draw in your stomach. Repeat at least five times.
On the third day, you can add the following to this exercise:
- The situation is the same. As you inhale, tighten your pelvic muscles and hold your breath. Exhale sharply with your mouth and relax your muscles.
- Get out of bed, feet shoulder width apart, arms extended forward. Take a breath and smoothly turn to the right, the right hand goes as far as possible in the direction of rotation. Take the starting position while exhaling. Repeat the exercise with the other hand.
Fourth day:
- Standing: clasp your hands in front of the castle. Turn the housing as far back as possible.
- Lying on the back: hands along the body, legs bent at the knees. Inhale - lift the pelvis, hold it, exhale - take the starting position.
Fourteenth day:
- Standing, feet shoulder-width apart, hands on shoulders, elbows forward. Connect the right elbow and the left knee, the left elbow and the right knee in turn.
- Lie on your back and alternately pull your knees to the body.
In addition to these exercises, you can use the following method:
- Atonic constipation - in the morning (lying in bed) for five minutes, intensively massage the umbilical region with your palms, gradually moving to the groin area.
- Spastic constipation - soft strokes clockwise.
Laxative
Now briefly about laxatives that are allowed during breastfeeding. Dufalac is the most common remedy. We will talk about it in more detail in the next section. In addition to the drug "Dufalac", with breastfeeding prescribed:
- Fortrans
- Forlax
- Transiner and so on.
Do not self-medicate, be sure to consult a specialist.
"Dufalac": instructions for use, price
As mentioned in the previous section, this tool is the most popular. This is due to the high appreciation of the price-quality ratio. The drug can be purchased for a not very large amount (from 300 to 500 rubles). As you can see, compared to other drugs, this is a very small price. Instructions for use "Dufalac" states that the drug can not harm the fetus during pregnancy and does not penetrate into breast milk.
Syrup can be drunk in its pure form or diluted with water. It is worth taking it once at the same time. The initial dose is 15-45 ml. To maintain the result, 15 to 30 ml are prescribed. The effect will be noticeable after 2-3 days of administration.
Folk methods
There is one very effective folk remedy for constipation based on gooseberries. To prepare the medicine you need to steam one tablespoon of berries with a glass of boiling water. This mixture should be cooked for another ten minutes and strain well. Use the product 4 times a day for ¼ cup. Do not forget to drink pure boiled water.
Enema
Now let's talk about another effective tool. How to do an enema for yourself and with what? Let's start with a description of the process. It is necessary to insert the tip of a special pear into the anus for a few centimeters and press - so you fill the intestines with liquid. Lie down a little on your side and empty the intestines. The tip is pre-lubricated with cream, oil or petroleum jelly.
What to do with an enema? You can use both ordinary warm water and tincture of flax seed. A tablespoon of raw materials need to pour a glass of boiling water. Insist at least three hours. To use three times a day, one portion should not exceed 50 ml.
Can I continue to feed the baby?
As you know, a psycho-emotional relationship is established between a mother and an infant, so if a mother suffers, then the baby suffers. In addition, with constant constipation in the mother, breast milk loses some useful properties, which can lead to problems with stool in the baby. It is necessary to continue breastfeeding the baby, but follow all the recommendations of the attending physician.