Postpartum Constipation and Hemorrhoids — Gentle Relief

It is not the most glamorous topic, but it is one of the most common — and most quietly miserable — parts of early recovery: postpartum constipation, often with hemorrhoids alongside. Almost every new mother deals with some version of it, and almost no one warns them. As a postpartum doula, I’d rather talk about it plainly than let you suffer in silence, because gentle relief is very achievable.

None of this replaces your own provider’s advice, but here is the honest, practical picture — and where the warm, fibre-rich confinement table genuinely helps.

Why is this so common after birth?

It usually isn’t one cause but several at once:

• Hormones from pregnancy are still settling, and they slow the gut.
• Less movement in the early days slows things further.
• Dehydration is easy to slip into, especially while breastfeeding raises your fluid needs.
• Labour itself, and sometimes iron supplements or pain medication, contribute.
• Fear of the first bowel movement — understandable with stitches or hemorrhoids — can make everything tighter.

Knowing it is normal helps. It almost always eases with fluids, fibre, gentle movement and a little time.

Gentle relief that works

Most postpartum constipation responds well to simple steps:

• Fluids, steadily. Warm soups and water both count, and a breastfeeding body needs more. The confinement tradition’s steady flow of soups and teas is genuinely helpful here.
• Fibre. Vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and the soft congees of the confinement table. Dietitians of Canada has good plain guidance on fibre and digestion.
• Gentle movement as you are able — even short walks help the gut wake up (see returning to exercise).
• Don’t ignore the urge, and try a small footstool to raise your knees on the toilet — it makes things easier.

If these aren’t enough, ask your pharmacist or provider about a stool softener that is safe while breastfeeding rather than straining. HealthLink BC covers the basics.

Hemorrhoids: what helps

Hemorrhoids — swollen veins around the back passage — are very common after pregnancy and birth, and most improve over the following weeks. To ease them:

• Avoid constipation and straining (everything above)
• Gentle cleaning and cool compresses or a sitz bath for comfort
• Over-the-counter creams your pharmacist recommends as safe postpartum

See your provider if there’s significant pain, heavy bleeding, or no improvement.

When to see a doctor

Reach out if constipation lasts more than a few days despite fluids and fibre, if you have severe pain, if you notice significant rectal bleeding (more than streaks on the paper), or if hemorrhoids are very painful or not settling. These are almost always manageable with breastfeeding-safe options — you do not have to grit your teeth through it. Note that some rectal bleeding can also be confused with postpartum bleeding; if unsure, see postpartum bleeding and ask your provider.

Where the confinement table helps

This is one area where the Cantonese confinement diet quietly shines. Warm, fibre-rich, easy-to-digest food and a steady flow of nourishing soups are exactly what a sluggish, dehydrated postpartum gut needs — gentle congees, plenty of vegetables, and warm fluids all day. It is not medicine, but it is genuinely supportive nourishment, and it spares you having to think about it.

When the cooking is handled and balanced, warm meals simply arrive, staying hydrated and fibre-fed becomes effortless — one less thing to manage while you heal. That is what we do at Julia’s Kitchen, delivered fresh across Greater Vancouver. For the wider recovery picture, see the postpartum recovery guide.