What would you recommend for compacted stool as softeners are not helping?

Q. My Daughter is 21 and just gave birth. Every time she passes a stool, it is very large and compacted and seems to get stuck and she has bleeding. They are the size of a baseball. Stool softeners are not helping. She is in severe pain. What would you recommend?

A. Some of the problem is stemming from the trauma and changes related to pregnancy and childbirth. However, it could be directly related to any medications she was given during the delivery. Below are my recommendations.

• Take Probiotics—HLC Intensive for 20 days, followed by HLC High Potency for another 1-2 months daily. This will help re-colonize her gut with good bacteria which she may have lost in the hospital.
• Drink more water—if she is breastfeeding, much of her fluid intake is going to production of breast milk; There for she is left dehydrated. She should be drinking at least 10 cups of water/herbal tea daily.
• Increase fruit and vegetables—one large 5/6 cup salad daily plus 2 cooked veggies or a stir fry at dinner, and fruit in between. These provide fiber and water to help with regular bowel movements. She can also take PaleoFiber by DFH, however I recommend small amounts to begin, since you don't want to add too much fiber at once. Have her try 1 tsp daily with a large cup of water. If she isn't drinking enough water, too much fiber can make the problem worse, since it could make stools harder.
• Try functional foods like papaya, Coconut Oil by Nutiva, and ginger which all stimulate digestive function.
• PaleoGreens by DFH would be very helpful. It is a greens formula which will help with general gut rebalancing and enabling a healthier floral balance.
• Light exercise is always helpful to regulate the bowels.
• If needed and as a last resort, Digestive Stimulator by Blessed Herbs would be very helpful. If she is breastfeeding, first check with her doctor to see if Digestive Stimulator is permissible.