This is exactly how I've been able to improve my digestion without ever having to use more extreme interventions like colonics or laxatives. Let me explain how this was possible. But first, here is some context. I’m a doula, a massage therapist and I’ve given birth half a dozen times. So this is your warning if you can’t stomach this conversation: I’m going to be honest.
Whole 30
I discovered in 2014, by doing a Whole30 that I am sensitive to dairy. If you don’t know what a Whole30 is, it's a 30 day elimination diet with a 21 day reintroduction period. I’ve lost weight between pregnancies with Whole 30 (10-14 pounds per Whole 30 and 25 pounds overall). During the 30 days there is absolutely no grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol or sugar. It’s intense, but quite effective at balancing my hormones (as identified by regular, painless menses, increased milk supply and milk-fat content) improving my sleep quality and stress response as well as clearer skin. It’s very nutrient dense and intense in terms of food preparation & clean up.
When I reintroduced foods, I noticed that dairy slows down my digestion and lots of dairy (especially if combined with sugar) is linked to increased eczema. Eczema flares take quite a bit of dairy and sugar, so while unsightly and uncomfortable it’s not as inconvenient as bloating, gas and difficult bowel movements.
Six Births
I’m really good at giving birth. It’s not a skill you need every day (thankfully) and over time I’ve gotten really good at pushing. With my first baby: it was nearly 4 hours of pushing,with my second it was 26 minutes, with my third I don’t know the minutes but it was 3 contractions. With my fourth it was around 30 minutes (he was 1 pound bigger than the others). With my miscarriage it was wonky and hard to describe and with my youngest, it didn’t feel like pushing. It was the FER and it felt to me like dry heaving, to me it didn’t even feel like pushing be cause with FER she came so far out my midwife had to tell me to give a little push outside of a contraction to get her all the way out and prevent facial bruising.
Y’all my pelvic floor has seen some things. There isn’t quite the integrity as it ought to be. So if my digestion slows down.
Ouch.
It can mean painful constipation. It can mean hemorrhoids. It can mean being in the bathroom longer than a husband. It’s not lovely at all.
While pelvic floor therapy is indicated and I do practice my exercises, they are really no match for backed up bowels.
What about Fiber?
Fiber, especially in food form, is good. It’s good for our intestinal bacteria to have a variety of high fiber foods, and it’s good for moving things along. However, if the body lacks proper hydration: even a healthy diet can lead to too much bearing down.
Water is the key
How our intestines work, in a simplified state is this.
Food is broken down first in the mouth by chewing then by enzymes, acids in the stomach. Next it’s broken down in the small intestine via peristalsis (the muscle movement of the organs) digestive juices, bile and breaks down fats, carbohydrates and proteins. HERE is a key: the small intestine moves water from the blood stream into your GI tract to help break down the foods. It also absorbs some of that water before sending contents to the Large Intestine. More water is pulled from the bloodstream into the intestines to further breakdown remaining nutrients and then create waste.
Water is crucial to digestion. And you know that I love me some Digize, peppermint or fennel oil to soothe noisy (or stinky) digestive processes. They are very gentle, natural ways to soothe occasional digestive issues. But if the body doesn’t have enough water, I’ll be stuck in a “poor digestion + add oils” loop.
But when the body has enough water to perform regular processes and digestion, you don’t end up with hard stools. You don’t have painful, long bowel movements. You don’t usually end up with hemorrhoids.
Water is Key.
If you need support with your digestion, let’s start with a simple habit that’s basically free (i mean are you really counting your ounces and comparing it with your water bill?) Join me in the 7 day Sip & Shine Challenge
You're probably so excited about welcoming your baby into your home, if you're like most moms you're probably flipping through a few books, you've download some apps, and listening to your friend's and family's experience. You're probably doing your part to be a star patient for your doctor or midwife.I totally get that, and this is actually a problem because you're going to get you varied, sometimes conflicting advice that might not even work for your circumstance, and here is the kicker: lots of time's it not evidence-based guidance.
Instead of that, I want to offer you that working with a doula from your first trimester through your postpartum time is actually going to give you what you really need: cohesive information, expert guidance and the emotional support that every new mom deserves. It's like having an a doula in your pocket (or purse if that's where you keep your phone)
Hiring a Digital Doula is the best way to have a positive experience during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I would love to be your digital doula.
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