Infant Constipation

What Is Constipation?

Most of us know what it is like to feel constipated. In fact, this is a common condition of many pregnant women. Basically, the contents of the bowel back up into the intestines. Since babies' intestines aren't all that long, you might think that they can become constipated easily. This isn't necessarily so. Constipation occurs when the stools sit longer than normal in the colon. Since the colon's purpose is to remove water from the stool, stools that sit longer than normal in the colon may tend to get much harder, making it difficult to pass them.

Breastfeeding and Constipation

In the first few weeks after a baby is born, breastfed babies usually have several bowel movements a day. Although you may be changing a lot of diapers, the good news is that breastfed babies' stools really don't have a bad smell. It is only after solid foods are introduced that baby's poop will smell more, well...stinky. After those first few weeks have passed, however, you may worry because your baby's bowel movements are only occurring every few days. There typically isn't any reason to worry, however. Babies' bodies use almost all of the breast milk, so there isn't much waste. Because of this, your baby may not have a bowel movement for several days, and this can be completely normal. Since breast milk doesn't change much over the period of time that your baby is exclusively breastfed, her stools won't change that much either.

Formula Fed Babies

If you feed your infant formula, the chance of constipation may be more likely than in a breastfed infant. Formulas simply don't digest as well as breast milk, so there is more waste in the colon. The residue that is left in the colon by the formula can be difficult for baby to process, causing constipation at times.

Symptoms of Infant Constipation

Just because your baby grunts, strains, and turns red in the face doesn't mean that she is constipated. When a baby is a newborn, his anus is very tight, although it will loosen over time as it becomes stretched from bowel movements. Until then, it can be easier for an infant to seem constipated because he grunts and gets red-faced before a bowel movement. If your baby appears to be in pain, however, as she attempts to have a bowel movement, or she cries while straining, she may indeed be constipated.

Treating Constipation in Newborns

While many doctors recommend using a small amount of Karo syrup, you should never attempt this without the recommendation and guidance of your pediatrician. If your baby is old enough for fruit juices, you might want to increase her intake for a day or so. Adding more fruits to your baby's diet, if she is already eating solids, can serve the same purpose.

Glycerine suppositories are sometimes recommended. It is important to note that these suppositories are not drugs. Glycerine is actually found in candy, so it is a type of food. Glycerine enemas, like Babylax can work wonders, and they are usually simple to use. You should not change your baby's formula to one that has less iron, however. The amount of iron in formula is not enough to cause constipation, but your baby needs an iron-enriched diet. Finally, if the constipation continues, or if your baby hasn't had a bowel movement in several days and appears to be in pain, see your doctor immediately. While bowel obstructions aren't all that common in infants, they can lead to serious medical problems if left untreated.

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