What stool softeners are safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Safe Stool Softeners During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of constipation, particularly in the postpartum period. The good news is that there are several stool softeners that are considered safe for use while breastfeeding, allowing mothers to manage their discomfort without compromising their baby’s health.
Recommended Stool Softeners
One of the most commonly recommended stool softeners is Colace, which contains docusate sodium as its active ingredient. This medication works by increasing the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, making it softer and easier to pass. Importantly, Colace is not absorbed into the bloodstream, which means it does not affect breast milk and is safe for nursing mothers.
Another effective option is macrogol, a high molecular weight compound that is also not absorbed or metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract. This characteristic makes it particularly safe for breastfeeding mothers, as it does not transfer to breast milk and thus poses no risk to the nursing infant.
Considerations for Use
While stool softeners like Colace and macrogol are generally safe, it is advisable for mothers to avoid stimulant laxatives, especially in the early postpartum period. Stimulant laxatives can lead to cramping and may affect milk supply. Instead, osmotic or bulk laxatives are preferred as they are gentler on the system and help to soften stools without causing significant gastrointestinal distress.
General Advice
Mothers should always consult with their healthcare provider before starting any medication, including over-the-counter stool softeners. This is particularly important as individual health conditions and circumstances can vary widely. Additionally, increasing dietary fiber intake and staying hydrated can also help alleviate constipation naturally, reducing the need for medication.
In summary, safe options for stool softeners during breastfeeding include Colace and macrogol, both of which are effective and do not pose risks to nursing infants. By prioritizing gentle treatments and consulting healthcare professionals, breastfeeding mothers can manage constipation effectively while ensuring their baby’s health remains uncompromised.

What stool softener is safe for breastfeeding?

Docusate and breastfeeding
If diet and lifestyle changes, such as eating more fibre, drinking plenty of fluids and exercising, do not help your constipation, it’s OK to take or use docusate if you’re breastfeeding. Always take or use it for the shortest time needed.

Which is better, Miralax or Colace?

Miralax works better than Colace for constipation caused by medications. But you may be advised to take them together. Colace may help soften stools to lessen straining if you have hemorrhoids, a heart condition, or if you’re recovering from recent surgery.

Is it okay to take Dulcolax while breastfeeding?

DULCOLAX nor its metabolites are passed into breast milk. Therefore, DULCOLAX can be used during breastfeeding. However, use the medicine only, if necessary, under the supervision of your doctor, after your doctor has assessed the expected benefit for you in relation to possible risk to the infant.

What are natural stool softeners for postpartum?

Think prunes, high-fibre foods like green vegetables and whole grain cereals. You can also add a fibre supplement like Metamucil to your meals to promote healthy digestive system function. Taking stool softeners (rather than stimulant laxatives) can also ensure that when you need to go, things go smoothly.

What constipation relief can I take when breastfeeding?

Any laxative can be used during breastfeeding as most are either not absorbed or minimally absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract leading to low or negligible levels in breast milk. Prucalopride can be used with caution whilst breastfeeding as it is excreted into breast milk in small levels.

What simple trick empties your bowels immediately?

Try These Tricks for Quick Bowel Movement Stimulation

• Drink coffee. Regarding drinks that make you poop, coffee is probably the first that comes to mind.
• Squat when you poop.
• Use a fiber supplement.
• Take a stimulant laxative.
• Take an osmotic laxative.
• Take a lubricant laxative.
• Try a stool softener.
• Use a suppository.

How can I soften my stool while breastfeeding?

Exercise – Walking, swimming, cycling, yoga will ease constipation and make you feel healthier. Try to be active and get some exercise every day. Fluids – Pregnant and breastfeeding women need to increase their fluid intake, so drink at least 7-8 glasses/day and even more in hot or humid weather.

Does stool softener affect milk supply?

Stool softeners such as docusate or osmotic laxatives such as lactulose, glycerol or macrogol are safe to use at the recommended doses while breastfeeding.

Why is my poop so hard while breastfeeding?

When you’re nursing, some of the water that would normally go straight to your colon—to help stool keep moving—gets used for milk production. Without the water it needs, your colon soaks up the fluid left in your food waste, resulting in harder stools that won’t budge.

Is Colace ok for breastfeeding?

It’s also considered safe to use Colace while breastfeeding.