What medicines are safe to use while breastfeeding? Stool softeners like Miralax or Dulcolax? Acid blockers like Zantac or Pepcid? What about anti-inflammatory medications or antibiotics? To help answer your questions, we put together a list of commonly used medications, along with safety considerations during breastfeeding.
If you need additional information, the National Library of Medicine is an excellent resource concerning any additional medications. In fact, Pepcid and Zantac are commonly used by pediatricians for babies. Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen : These are anti-inflammatory medications of choice. There are no known problems for baby due to extremely low levels found in breast milk, much lower than amounts used for babies by pediatricians.
Aleve, Naproxen : These medications are less commonly used while breastfeeding because they are longer acting. There are no serious complications noted with Naproxen, and levels are extremely low in breast milk, but studies are limited. The relation between Miralax and breastfeeding is not fully investigated. Whether you are taking Miralax or opting for other laxatives, it is important to consult your doctor beforehand. Any of these signs should send you to the physician immediately:.
When you are hydrated, your stools will be more likely to be softer and easy to pass. Consume a great deal of water while breastfeeding — as your body makes more milk for the baby, it draws from your own hydration reserves, so you must replenish them. In addition to six to eight glasses of water daily, try to drink warm liquids first thing in the morning.
Prunes or prune juice is well known in treating constipation. Rather than dealing with Miralax and breastfeeding questions, turn instead to prunes. They have three grams of fiber for every five pieces of fruits. The sorbitol content in prunes is a natural laxative. High fiber foods can help relieve constipation. Whole grain cereals and breads, brown rice, vegetables and fresh fruits are good choices.
You can also try legumes, navy beans, chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans and soy beans to add soluble fiber. Exercise can help the bowels move properly. The more you breastfeed your baby, the more your uterus will contract. These contractions can also help loosen up the bowel, making movements easier. There are several foods that make constipation even worse, including white bread, donuts, potato chips, fast-food burgers, sausages, chocolate, unripe bananas and foods high in sugars and fats.
These also include dairy products, ice cream and cheese. Before dealing with Miralax and breastfeeding issues, try self-massage to loosen the bowels. Lie on your back and use your fingers to massage around your belly button. Use clockwise rotations, and start with light pressure, increasing as you go. Fortunately, lifting your feet—so that your knees are higher than your pelvis—will relax the puborectalis muscle and straighten the kink, giving your poop a smoother route out, says Dr.
When nature calls, try sitting on the toilet and putting your feet on a step stool. The large intestine likes a regular schedule. To prevent postpartum constipation, note the time of day when you typically feel the urge, and have a snack or meal around then, along with a little coffee or tea. No caffeine? No problem. A cup of warm water or herbal tea can also be effective. Making a low humming sound or slowly repeating a mantra also helps some women with postpartum constipation.
If you know where to apply the pressure, abdominal massage can be a simple and effective way to stimulate a bowel movement , says Dr. Your fingers should follow the path of the colon itself: Press over the hip bone on the bottom right, move up across the belly to just below the rib cage, go down again toward the left hip bone, then back to the belly button, and finally straight down to the pubic area.
For best results, perform the massage directly before or after a meal. You can ask your OB-GYN for a referral to a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic-floor health, or find one on your own at the American Physical Therapy Association. A physical therapist will do an assessment of your pelvic bones, muscles, and nerves, then teach you exercises that can help facilitate a bowel movement.
Sometimes postpartum constipation warrants further medical attention. Dibble notes. All rectal bleeding should be brought to the attention of your doctor. How to Relieve Postpartum Constipation. Updated October 18, Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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