Top 10 Best Stool Softeners for Postpartum Reviews 2023
Constipation often seems challenging for some new mothers, while others face no issue to deal with it quickly. If you are someone who feels uncomfortable while pooping, there are a few remedies that you can try for postpartum constipation relief. Over-the-counter laxatives and stool softeners are most often recommended as remedies for postpartum constipation.
Finding the best stool softener for postpartum requires a lot of effort. The good news is there are some safe and effective stool softeners that you can take during postpartum. Even they are safe while you’re breastfeeding. But we recommend you to use it after your doctor allows you to do so.
Safe Stool Softeners For Postpartum
Our Top 3 Picks
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MIRALAX Stool Softener
Do you want to try the safest stool softeners to relieve yourself from postpartum constipation? Then, check out the MIRALAX stool softener. This gentle product has made it effortless to get relief from constipation. It has been the go-to anti-constipation product for new moms over the years. That is because it is not only gentle and harmless but also odorless and tasteless.
One single serving into the MiraLAX cap is enough to produce a proper bowel movement in your internal body system. In general, one capful is enough to start bowel movements within a few hours. However, some people require more than one capful daily. The harder your stool is, the more amount you might need to take. It mainly depends on your condition. You should talk to your OB/GYN to find the ideal dosage for you.
The formula comes in tasteless to make you feel comfortable while drinking it. You are free to mix it with anything from hot liquid refreshments to cold drinks. It blends well with all. Most importantly, it doesn’t cause any side effects during the postpartum period. You won’t experience any cramp, nausea, sudden urgency, and gas. With the 26.9-ounce bottle, it should last a while.
Dulcolax Gentle Relief Stool Softener
Dulcolax Pink Stool Softener is a brilliant pick when you want to avoid bloating, cramping, or discomfort during the postpartum period. The product comes in soft-gel form for convenient usability. One main ingredient of this tablet is docusate sodium. It helps to prevent and treat constipation and irregular bowel movements. Also, the ingredient ensures sufficient absorption of water to your stool so that your stool can pass easily.
The active ingredient acts gently to offer gentle bowel movements. Moreover, the product is free from the stimulant, making it safer for postpartum mommies. So, you don’t have to worry about unpleasant side effects. The manufacturer suggests taking 1-3 doses daily. You can take it by mixing it with a glass of water. As we always recommend, you should ask your OB/GYN before taking it.
This stool softener starts working within 12 to 72 hours. Plus, it can help with both moderate and extreme cases of constipation. You will enjoy peace of mind knowing that it contains an OB/GYN-recommended ingredient.
Colace 2-in-1 Stool Softener
Postpartum constipation can steal the joy of bringing your new baby home. Instead of trying stool softeners and laxatives that barely work, try Colace 2-IN-1 Stool Softener. With this effective stool softener, you will feel relieved within 6-12 hours. This stool softener works gently to boost regular bowel movements. Even better. It shows quick results without causing any side effects.
One key ingredient of this stool softener is docusate sodium. It comforts you by allowing sufficient water in stools to pass your body system easily. Most importantly, it is safe to take while you are breastfeeding your baby. Colace recommends that you take 2-4 tablets before going to bed. However, you shouldn’t take the risk of taking stool softeners before consulting an experienced healthcare provider.
It comes in three different distinctive formulas to fulfil an individual need. And, you will hardly feel any signs of bloating or cramps.
Stool Softeners For Postpartum
Rated Highly by Parents and Experts
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Kirkland Signature Stool Softener
Kirkland needs no introduction in the medicine industry. The brand produces private-label high-quality products from postnatal supplements to hair growth solutions to postpartum stool softeners.
The Kirkland Signature Stool Softener is also an excellent alternative to Colace or similar name brands for your constipation problem. One single pack includes as many as 400 soft gels to help you address the constipation issues of both you and your family members for months to come. It has the same stool softener ingredient, Docusate Sodium, that helps your hard, dry stool easily pass through your system.
All the inactive ingredients in this stool softener, such as polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and titanium dioxide, are safe for postpartum and breastfeeding moms. These ingredients help to collect enough water for the stool softening process. Also, it is a gluten-free stool softener.
The soft gels are easy to swallow since they come in a tiny size. The soft gels make your body act naturally when you take them. Therefore, you are less likely to experience any side effects such as cramping or gas.
Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia Laxative
If you are looking for a liquid stool softener, stop looking around and try the Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia Laxative. Aside from being affordable, it works like magic to give overnight constipation relief. Most importantly, it gets the job done without incurring any side effects. Plus, you can easily get it from both online and offline stores.
One key ingredient of this laxative formula is Magnesium Hydroxide. The formula helps relieve constipation by causing sufficient water retention with the stool. You can let go of any concerns since it doesn’t affect breastfeeding moms and is perfectly safe for the baby. The stool softener comes in three different flavors keeping in mind individual preferences: original, wild cherry, and fresh mint. Whatever you pick, you won’t experience a chalky taste like some other brands on the market.
This stool softener is expected to show a quick result, even in less than one hour. You can take it with water or mild juice. However, you shouldn’t take any postpartum laxatives to overcome constipation before consulting with a healthcare provider.
Equate – Stool Softener with Stimulant Laxative
Feeling overwhelmed or stressed is common among new moms. In addition, sitting a long time on the toilet can make you anxious. Consequently, the condition can lead to postpartum constipation. Sometimes the combination of two different OTC laxatives can turn out to be a lifesaver during these times. Try this stool softener with stimulant laxatives from Equate.
Achieving quick relief is quite effortless with this effective laxative. Along with Docusate Sodium, the inclusion of Sennosides make it more effective than dietary changes. Plus, this recommended product improves bowel movement to get the expected result within 6 to 12 hours.
Besides, it will relieve you from the horrible suffering and pain due to constipation issues. The unit comes with 100 liquid gels that will likely last for several months. However, it’s a little pricier compared to other similar products. As a safety measure, you should talk to your doctor before taking it.
Senokot-S Dual Action
Whether you have given birth vaginally or via Ceaseran, a smooth postpartum recovery is very crucial for you. Constipation can make this period trickier. This tablet is made from senna, a natural stool softener ingredient, plus docusate sodium. Whether you face occasional or regular constipation problems, it goes into effect quickly to give you overnight relief.
It adds sufficient water and fat to your stool to pass easily through your system. You will not experience excessive gas or abdominal cramps after taking the pill. The size of the pills makes them easy to swallow. Don’t worry about the taste. The tablets have no flavor. You can take them with water at night and you will hardly notice any taste or aftertaste.
Most moms like this stool softener because it does the job without any harsh side effects. In addition, it makes you feel comfortable as it is less likely to cause sudden bowel movements in the middle of the night. However, you should talk to your healthcare provider for optimal dose. The unit includes 60 tablets at a fair price.
Recommended Stool Softeners For Postpartum
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Wellness Basics Stool Softener
Are you experiencing irregular bowel movements during postpartum? Then you might also give the Wellness Basics Stool Softener a try. Who knows, it might work better than any other stool softeners you have tried before.
Irregular bowel movements can lead to constipation, making you always feel unfinished with no.2. This quality product combines stool softener and stimulant laxative in a single unit for improved effectiveness. However, customers claim that it works nearly as well as the Colace brand. Still, it is a good dal because it’s cheaper compared to Colace.
To relieve you from constipation, the formula acts gently on your internal body system so that it can pass stool easily. Wellness Basics is well-known for maintaining high product quality. So you can trust Wellness Basics for overnight constipation relief. Aside from eating the tablets, make sure to eat healthy foods to get the best results. You should consult with your healthcare provider for optimal dosage.
Prunelax Ciruelax Natural Laxative
Prunelax Ciruelax is a natural laxative that you can try to address your constipation problem. The tablets are enriched with active natural ingredients to give you quick and effective relief from constipation.
It is formulated with dried plums and senna leaves extracts, which are FDA-approved nonprescription laxatives to treat constipation. So you can let go of any concerns about the safety of these tablets. On top of that, it is safe for breastfeeding mothers since the formula doesn’t pass into the breast milk to cause any problem.
One bottle of Prunelax goes a long way since each bottle contains as many as 100 tablets. You should be cautious while taking laxatives, be it natural or not, because doctors advise against using them regularly since they may disrupt your natural digestive system. Though the manufacturer recommends taking up to 3 doses daily when you face too much stasis of the lower bowel, you should definitely talk to your doctor before taking it.
Amazon Basic Care Stool Softener Laxative
Here comes a stool softener from Amazon basic care. Compared to Colace, it is a cheaper option yet no less effective than similar name brands.
First and foremost, the product is safe for adults, including pregnant and postpartum mothers. It uses the same OTC active ingredients as Colace and other stool softeners. So you can expect excellent results without any side effects. You will get 100 soft gel caps in a small container for convenient storage.
New moms very often become concerned about harmful ingredients in over-the-counter products. The good news is Perrigo’s over-the-counter products go through an extensive testing process to ensure 100% safety. So you can be sure that it is free from gluten and other harmful additives. On top of that, as it is an OTC stool softener, it is free from stimulant laxatives. Once you start using the product, you will notice that there is no taste at all, plus they are super easy to swallow.
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Postpartum Stool Softeners
Questions & Answers
How to treat postpartum constipation properly?
If you’re struggling to pee and poo after giving birth, you’re not alone. The experiences are common for most women. Don’t worry; there is hope. Though your body needs some time to heal, postpartum constipation usually goes away within a few days of giving birth. However, you need to take proper steps to treat postpartum constipation.
There are some safe and effective ways to treat postpartum constipation at home.
- Drink plenty of water
- Start eating high-fiber foods
- Take short strolls around your home
- Give priority to your sleep and self-care
- Take a stool softener after consulting with your doctor or midwife
Following these tips, you will be constipation-free within days after giving birth. If you don’t take proper precautions early, it might lead to a bigger problem. Call your doctor if you are experiencing serious issues such as excessive bleeding, severe pain, or blood in your stool.
Are postpartum stool softeners safe?
Yes, some postpartum stool softeners are safe to take after delivery. Colace is one such stool softener. However, you should consult your health care provider before taking any postpartum stool softeners.
Conclusion
It is always said health is wealth. Unless your body remains fit, you will never be in peace. Women often struggle in post-pregnancy periods due to different types of health issues, and constipation is one of them. Dealing with constipation problems with postpartum stool softeners is effortless and trouble-free. All the stool softeners we picked are safe and have active ingredients to work precisely.