Expert: ruth kraft - 11/24/2009

Question
Hi I am a new mom and breastfeeding my 5 months old baby. I am facing a terrible problem after delivery. I do have a BM once everyday but it is hard stool (apologies for being blunt) no matter what I do it stays this way. I have tried high fiber diet (still following it), exercise, increased water intake but nothing seems to work, I always have constipated stool (even though I go once everyday) and end up with refreshing my fissure which I got after a few days of delivery. Is it related to breastfeeding? I am depressed very depressed. I don't have any cramps or bloating or pain which might indicate other problems what should I do? Please help, it only softens when I use some type of laxative other than bulk laxatives which don't seem to work. I know that I can’t use laxatives for a long period of time but how can I deal with this agony?
Regards
Lakshami


Answer
Hello. I am sorry to hear you are going through such a rough time with this constipation issue. There is nothing about the breastfeeding that will cause constipation. That I know. So the good news is you don't have to stop nursing. However, I am not a GI professional. My opinion would be to see a specialist and have them look to find out more in detail what is going on. There is a tea out there called Smooth Move that people seem to find as very helpful. You can also drink a little bit of salt water which also helps clear things out more easily. Although, drinking salt water ( natural sea salt is best ) can dehydrate you and make the issue worse. SO you have to make sure you follow up with alot of regular water as well. Maybe some kind with electrolytes. At least until you see the Dr.

Good luck!