TMI - Laxatives?

I'm guessing it's hormonal changes that are making me constipated. I'm not in pain, not straining or anything, just finding I'm going too long between bowel movements and getting "backed up". Sorry! TMI, I know.
I've been upping my intake of fruit and veg and drinking lots of water (I get really thirsty while BF anyway) and taking metamucil caps but nothing seems to be working. I've just started walking again to see if the excersise will help (up til now if I walked then my bleeding came back).
I'm getting kind of desperate. I don't want to make things worse by leaving it to see what happens, so I figure I should get some laxes. I've never had this problem before and so haven't had to take them. Is there a type or brand that anyone can recommend? How long do they take to take effect? Do you end up on the loo all day if you take them?
TIA for any help anyone can give me.

hi snacks,

Laxatives are best avoided in my opinion (speaking from personal experience) and they can cause long term problems, and some may cross to breast milk which i'm sure you wouldn't want if BF. But I found an awesome alternative!

Mix about a tsp or a little less (i guess) of bi carb soda with water- and drink rather quicky as tastes horrid, also good for heart burn!! And have it as often as needed.

Anyway thats just my opinion, hope it helps.

Get fybogel from the chemist. It was what they used in my hospital & it sure worked, nice and gently too.

Prune juice darling, just prune juice. It'll work a treat !

Thanks all for your suggestions. PB - I forgot about prunes! Might give that a try first.
Dunno what I'd do without this place.

Snacks- Try drinking pear juice if u like pears.

Lactulose syrup is a gentle, mild but effective laxative to 'help' things along. It is a natural sugar and works by increasing water in the gut. Doesn't rob your body of vitamins like some other laxatives and does not cause cramps. Different brand names like Actilax, Genlac. You can get it from your pharmacy. You can also try microwaved pureed pears. HTH

Thanks girls. I started off with the prunes yesterday and I think that is working for me.
Is juice supposed to be more effective than the fruit itself? I ask because I've been eating pears on my cereal every morning, Bridg - I'd heard they are good and fibrous...