Successful treatment of constipation in the immediate postpartum period in 93% of White patients and 96% of Coloured patients was achieved in a clinical trial of standardized senna tablets (Senokot; Reckitt & Colman). This is significantly better than the success rates of 51% and 59% achieved in White and Coloured controls treated with a placebo. Minor abdominal cramps occurred in some 13% of the patients treated with standardized senna, and in 4% of the controls given the placebo. There is no evidence to suggest that standardized senna has any effect whatsoever on a breast-fed baby if taken by the mother.