Constipated 1 month old???

Question

I just switched my 1 one month old to Similac Advance from breastmilk. (I dried up.) It's been over 48 hours simce she's gone poop. She's been pushing (hard) for the last hour and when she pushes turns red in the face and acts like it's hurting her when she's pushing. Last time she went a little over 24 hours without pooping I gave her a bottle with karo syrup in it and the next am she went. Could she be constipated this time since she seems uncomfortable when she's pushing?

Answer 1

I think you should consult with your doctor but i think its the formula. I have a 7 week old and she has the same symptoms as your child. I was also feeding her similac advance and enfamil lipil , and these seemed to cause her alot of pain and caused lots crying . I think its alittle too much for her. I am currently on Wic and they introduced the nestle goodstart formula. Since trying this she has little gas but no screaming and pushing like before and she is having regular bowel movements . I saw a change within a day. I suggest asking your doctor about the formula, your child will be much happier.

Answer 2

When switching from breast milk to formula a baby becomes constipated. Most doctors will not see the baby unless it has not had a bowel movement 4-5 days (because it is not unusual). Using a rectal thermometer, stick the tip (up to the line) in the rectum and do a little swirl motion. I would say no Karo syrup because it has a fair amount of sugar in it and is not good for a newborn. From my experience my in-laws gave and continue to give my 8 month sugary drinks and now all he wants is juices, not water.

Answer 3

The change over from breastmilk to formula could have caused the poor little thing's constipation. From what you describe, it certainly sounds like it. An old mom's (me) suggestion would be to place your index and middle finger together and place them about 2 inches below her belly button. Then, massage in a circular motion for about 5 mintues. Wait a few minutes, then repeat. This can help her pass the stool. I went thru the same thing with my daughter (over 20 yrs ago) and besides a bit of Karo, the massage helped. Good luck.

Answer 4

How did your milk dry up if you were exclusively nursing?? That's strange. Were you only pumping or something? This is what burns my noodle. Breastmilk is so much better. Next time, just nurse your baby and hopefully it wont happen in the first place. But, DO NOT give her Karo syrup - it is corn syrup - which is on the list of the 5 WORST foods you can eat! It is absolutely awful stuff and terrible for a one month old! It's going to make her problems worse! She cant digest that stuff yet! Try coating a rectal thermometer in petroleum jelly and sticking it up her bottom and wiggling it around a little bit. Should help loosen the stool and get things moving. good luck!

Answer 5

It is most likely from the switch, but I really hope you got your ped's ok for the karo syrup first before giving it.

I would call ped ASAP, because that can cause some problems for her.
It may work out on it's own in the next day or two while babies GI adjusts, but to be safe, get a professional's opinion before doing anything on your own.

Answer 6

They say not to give baby's Karo syrup in bottles anymore they could have an allergic reaction. My daughter doesn't have a bowl movement everyday, sometimes for a couple of days. When you think she is trying, push her legs up to her belly that helps or take her temp rectal, that always made my baby's go. But you need to contact her doctor if your really concerned.

Answer 7

I have a six wk old. One little hint. if your similac has iron in it...switch it. Unless it's doctor recommended that your child needs iron. It will constipate your baby! I just delt with this issue with my nephew's kid. My doctor recommended sterile water...but don't do that either. As long as she poops in a 24 -48 hr period it's ok, anything after that you can consult your doctor. I asked the same thing to my health nurse...my daughter did the same thing. and her poop changed colour, but she is breastfed, so i think that is a difference for the colour...Good luck

Answer 8

Um...just to be sure I would ask a doctor. As babies get a little older, it may be a couple of days between poops. I don't think mine did at one month, but some babies are different. She may have a problem with the formula itself. Again, I would ask a doctor, but it does sound like she could be constipated. A different type of formula might help that.

Oh, and good job for trying to breastfeed. I knew a couple of women who tried to breastfeed and they dried up, too, so don't feel bad. It happens more than you think.

Answer 9

Yeah, she's probably constipated. Similac will do that to infants. Try switching her to Infamil, and until you can get some, dilute the formula with some water. It won't hurt her.

Water is the best way to beat constipation. Try a diluted solution (say 50/50 of formula with water) and get her on infamil as soon as you can. It costs about the same as Similac.

Hope this helps. I have two children, and I can assure you it works.

Answer 10

Absolutely she could be constipated. I suggest keep on with the Cairo syrup because it worked wonders for my three children. However, monitor and record her bowel movements to ensure she continues to go. Long periods of time can be a symptom of something more serious. And yes, I am sure it hurts her when she tries to push. It is very pitiful to watch and is a helpless feeling not to be able to help them. If things don't get better, see your pediatrician. Good luck!