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Should I Take Laxatives While Breastfeeding?
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Taking medications, including laxatives, can be a concern for a woman who is breastfeeding. Some of the medication a woman takes may make its way into her breast milk and affect her nursing infant. If you feel that you need laxatives while breastfeeding, you may do well to consult a doctor for advice. In general, however, stool softener laxatives and those that are mostly fiber are often recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Stimulant laxatives may be more of a concern.
Since medication you consume may make it into your breast milk, you may consider using natural laxatives the optimal choice while you are breastfeeding. For example, there are laxatives that are really just fiber in powdered or pill form. If you take one of these laxatives while breastfeeding, it is unlikely to harm your baby. The problem with this type of laxative, however, may be that it may not work as quickly as a stimulant laxative, and its slower action may leave you feeling uncomfortable if you have a serious case of constipation. Likewise, it may not be as effective for helping you to move hard, compacted bowel movements.
Stool softeners, which work to soften hard, difficult-to-pass stools, may be recommended for use while you are breastfeeding. It is generally considered safer to use stool-softening laxatives while breastfeeding than stimulant laxatives. In fact, doctors often prescribe stool softeners for use by both pregnant and nursing mothers. They may contain a range of ingredients, however, so you may do well to check that all of the ingredients in the stool softener you choose are safe for use while breastfeeding. If you’ve been given a prescription for a stool softener, you may also protect your baby's health by making sure your doctor knows you are breastfeeding before you take it.
Stimulant laxatives often contain harsh medications that are intended to not only help soften the stools, but also stimulate the muscle contractions that help to push stools out of the body. While these laxatives are usually effective, they may contain ingredients that are not safe for your nursing baby. They may also cause you to lose a good deal of water in the form of loose bowel movements. In some cases, this could lead to dehydration, especially when this happens while you are breastfeeding. In general, you may do well to avoid stimulant laxatives while breastfeeding, unless your doctor has recommended them.
Nicole Madison
Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.
Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.
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![Stimulant laxatives may cause dehydration.]()
By: MaridavStimulant laxatives may cause dehydration. -
![Natural laxatives are probably the best choice while breastfeeding.]()
By: KzenonNatural laxatives are probably the best choice while breastfeeding. -
![Fiber-based laxatives are generally safe to used while breastfeeding.]()
By: Anatoly TiplyashinFiber-based laxatives are generally safe to used while breastfeeding. -
![It may be best to consult a doctor for advice if you feel you need to use laxatives while breast feeding.]()
By: michaeljungIt may be best to consult a doctor for advice if you feel you need to use laxatives while breast feeding.
Discussion Comments
Any time you are wondering about breastfeeding and medications, you can check with a lactation consultant or a La Leche League leader. They have special training and usually have reference books on medication and breastfeeding. OB/GYNs aren't always as informed and may actually be over-cautious, advising you to pump and dump or even wean your baby if you need medications. It may not be necessary!
Before you think about laxatives, you might want to think about your diet while breastfeeding. Are you drinking a truly enormous amount of water? (Remember, a lot of it goes to the baby.) Are you eating a lot of fruit, nature's own stool softener? Plenty of fiber from vegetables and whole grains?
I was prescribed a stool softener when my baby was born, but I was able to avoid taking it by drinking lots of water and eating lots of fruit. When I was hungry in the middle of the night (something breastfeeding moms all know about!) and the hospital kitchen was closed, I snacked on some fiber bars my mother had brought me. If those steps don't work, then don't be afraid to take a stool softener if your doctor prescribes it and knows you are breastfeeding.
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