Constipation is a situation where the stool is firm,
dry and pebbly. This can last for an undetermined
amount of time but is usually not serious if treated
properly.
Signs?
• Infrequent, irregular
bowel movements or very large stools with hard consistency.
• Long gap or interval with no bowel movement
• Blood in or on stools
• Pain and discomfort when passing motion
• Reduced appetite
• Crying while passing motion
Causes?
• Inadequate fluid
• Formula type
• New foods
• Low fiber
• Lack of activity
• Food intolerance
• Medications
Milk facts?
It is considered normal for bowel movement in infants
(0-6 months old) to be several times a day or as
little as once a week. In rare cases, there can
be up to three weeks between bowel movements. Breastfed
babies usually have frequent bowel movements because
breast milk is more easily digested. Their stools
are softer and typically yellow. Excretion is further
aided by the presence of hormones that increases
the movement of the bowels. Conversely, bottle-fed
babies frequently suffer from constipation because
formula milk is harder for a baby to digest. A baby
who receives only formula milk will typically have
fewer bowel movements than a breastfed child. Their
stools will be thicker and have a different, more
greenish color.
Solids?
The stools of babies four months up will depend
on the food they eat. Your baby's stools will begin
to look a bit more like ordinary stools in consistency
and smell. Once your baby starts eating solid food,
the pattern in bowel movements will change. Your
infant will have movements several times a day or
as infrequently as once every two to three days.
Constipation is more rife. This is because the intestines
have to get used to the new composition of the nutrients.
Constipation may be caused by dehydration. Introduce
more water, bran-rich foods and increase your child’s
activity. Also pay attention to any new foods introduced.
A vicious circle
Constipation can set off a vicious cycle. This is
because passing the large hard stools that have gathered
in the intestine becomes a painful experience. Cracks
around the anus may appear; these may start to bleed
and cause more pain. To avoid the pain, your baby
may subconsciously start holding back stools, which
makes the food stay longer in the large intestine.
This in turn causes water from the stools to be absorbed
making stools even harder. Your baby continues to
remain constipated. In some cases, the child may not
want to eat and may even retch a little.
Treatment?
•
Tummy massage
Start at the belly button and then massage outwards
in circles in a clockwise direction. Some oil or cream
on your fingers can also help. Only continue if your
baby enjoys the massage and is comfortable and relaxed.
•
Cycling
Place your baby his back. Hold legs and turn them
gently in a quick cycling motion. This will make the
stomach muscles move and, in turn, put gentle pressure
on the intestines to make them move.
•
Bath
A warm bath can relax your baby so the stools are
passed more easily. Once your baby has relaxed in
the bath, you can also massage their stomach (see
above). After cleaning your baby's bottom, apply some
cream or petroleum jelly (Vaseline) around the outside
of the anus
•
Avoid
Don't put a thermometer, suppository or enema or anything
else inside your baby's anus to stimulate bowel movement,
because this may cause damage. Still, check with your
doctor for advice.
•
Formula
If your baby is on formula milk, you should follow
the instructions on the package carefully. Making
the mixture too thick by putting in more than the
recommended amount of powder can lead to constipation
and other medical problems. It's best to stick to
the same brand, because different formulas may require
different dilutions. Switch to a low-iron or soy formula
until constipation clears.
•
Fluids
Give your baby plenty of fluids preferably cooled,
boiled water.
Prevention?
Once your baby is between four to six months old,
you can start introducing more bran-rich cereals and
fruit or vegetable purées into their diet.
These are rich in fibre and will help prevent constipation.
Prune purée is particularly good for this purpose.
Stubborn constipation?
If the above suggestions don't work for your baby,
consult a doctor about special laxatives for chronic
constipation.
