baby constipated?

Question

i think my baby is constipated...shes one month old...constantly acts like shes straining and has bad gas. she hasnt had a bowel movement in a couple days either...i breastfeed her if that makes a difference. is there anything i can do for her?

Answer 1

Prune juice with a little honey in it (assuming no allergies) will help loosen up the stool. However, it will still need a little 'coaxing'. A child that age doesn't understand the need to have a bowel movement, so the best thing you can do is rub her stomach lightly (preferably up and down), and help loosen up the muscles. You will notice that it is very hard and tight when you start, but will begin to relax after a minute or two. From experience, this will get the highway moving again.

TO CLARIFY - As long as there is no Honey allergy, it is perfectly fine. Anyone with half a brain would realize that honey does not "pass through Bee Bodies", as honeycomb is made by pollen collected and stored on bees' legs - not through their bodies. Always be mindful of allergies, and research advice and methods suggested, so you know you are getting ACCURATE information.

Answer 2

NEVER GIVE HONEY TO A BABY UNDER A YEAR OLD! It can cause strange reactions and allergies because it's not processed enough after passing through bee bodies! My baby will be one month on the 14th, and she's gassy too, so I can relate. I formula feed now but was breastfeeding w/ formula supplimentation, and what worked wonders for us was a quarter sized dallop of dark karo syrup in 3 ounces warm water in a bottle as a feeding. You could use warm breast milk too, but it's gotta be warmed enough to dissolve the thicker syrup. We did that once a day for two days in a row and she's been having a bowel movement every couple of days, although sometimes she still strains and whatnot. She's gotta learn how to use those muscles in the right sequence, all you can do is soften it enough to help her out a bit. When she's fussy, bicycle her legs and play w/ her, also rub her belly when she'll let you, or lay with her on your chest facedown and pat her but, sometimes just being flipped over for a few minutes will help. Good Luck!

Answer 3

I had the same problem with my son when he was younger, I always assumed that babies should have a bowel movement everyday, but it's not the case. My son would sometimes go up to 4 days without one, and everytime I would call the doctor to see what I should do because I was worried, but I was told that breastfed babies don't have a bm everyday because they're bodies use almost everything out of your breastmilk and there is hardly any waste. There are suppositories that you can get for her, but make sure you ask your doctor first. If she does have a bm and it's a different consistancy, like if it's harder than usual, then she may be constipated and your doctor will tell you what you can do for her. I know that prune juice will help, but I'm not sure about a baby that young. So your best bet would be to ask your doctor.

Answer 4

NO SYRUP. I don't know were she heard that. I thought my baby was constipated too at that age. i bottle feed. I mentioned it to the doc and he said maybe colic. He didn't act to worried about the situation. I honestly say let it go. I think all baby's may go threw this as there bodys are still adjusting to food intake. (its been asked a lot on on YA) Again, my son had it and out grew it. We could hear him grunting and straining. If you pump you may want to warm the milk up a little bit more than normal it may help. Worst case call your doc. Good luck!

Answer 5

you've just described my 6 week old boy. I took him to the ER when he has not gone in 2 days. They said stool patterns change and that's all. However, they did a belly x-ray and saw lots of gas. In his case it was not "obstructive". I guess sometimes it could be. His pediatrician told me to use a children's suppository (half). I did and a few hours after that I put in a thermometer and held it in. He finally went. Boy was it stinky ;)
For gas, I give him Mylicon. It's supposed to break up the gas and make it easier to pass. Sometimes, when he's straining, I push his knees to his belly to help him out.

Answer 6

The iron in formula can most definately constipate a baby. I have been fortunate enough to not encounter major problems with constipation with my 2 boys, but in the first few months it is very easy for their bowls to be hardened by the formula and nearly impossible for the baby to pass. I recommend talking to the baby's doctor and getting a formula for sensitive tummy's. Good Luck!!

Answer 7

Give her plain water in a bottle. That will help hydrate her and probably help her have a BM. If she's acting the same way tomorrow, and no BM yet, give the pediatrician a call and see what they suggest. It could be some sort of partial blockage, so it's best not to wait around experimenting.

NO HONEY!!!!! http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infant-botulism/HQ00854

Answer 8

U can give the babby prune juice but u have to add water because it might be to strong.

or u can go to the doctor and they will give u something to make the baby use the bathroom

Answer 9

Diluted prune juice, Gerber, should help. Massaging the tummy also works.

Answer 10

Glycerin suppositories always worked for my kids. They are inexpensive and you can find them just about anywhere. Just put a little Vaseline on the tip and insert just the tip of it into her rectum and hold it there for a few minutes. It always worked wonders for my kids.