How Do I Know if my Baby is Constipated?
Adults aren’t the only ones who may suffer from constipation. An infant or child who has not had a bowel movement in three or more days is most likely constipated. Typically, breastfed babies are less prone to constipation than formula-fed babies. According to Dr. Jay Hoecker of the Mayo Clinic, infants generally pass around four stools a day. The frequency of bowel movements starts to decline to about twice daily by the time the child turns two years of age. The switch from breast milk to formula or from baby food to table food can be a contributing factor to constipation.
What Causes Infant Constipation?
Often caused by the large amounts of iron in infant formulas coupled with a diet deficient in fruits and vegetables, constipation is a common problem in infants and young children. According to Healthlink, the online resource of the Medical College of Wisconsin, infant constipation occurs when liquid is reabsorbed from stool that remains in the intestine for too long. The stool then hardens, becoming more difficult to pass and worsening the condition.
How to Treat Infant Constipation
The physicians of Hyde Park Pediatrics, who care for roughly 4,500 patients in Massachusetts, recommend treating infant constipation by adding 1-2 teaspoons of prune juice to each bottle until a soft stool is passed. Adequate fluid intake is key in addressing dietary issues in infants and children, as it helps promote regularity. Also, a little exercise can often go a long way. Try bicycling baby’s legs or giving him or her a tummy massage to help get things moving. If your baby is eating solids, try incorporating some pears or strained fruit into his or her diet (steer clear of bananas or apples, as they may make the condition worse). If constipation persists or is accompanied by vomiting or noticeable irritability, call your baby's doctor.
New Moms and Constipation
Constipation is also a common problem amongst new mothers. The Nutrition Fact Sheet published by WIC (Women Infants and Children) Program states that constipation can be caused not only by a diet deficient in fruits and vegetables, but also from slack muscles following delivery. Among the emotional and physical changes a new mother experiences, she may face physical complications including constipation.
According to the Nemours Foundation, one of the nation’s largest children’s health systems, the first postpartum bowel movement is typically delayed to the third or fourth day following delivery. Irregularity and sore delivery muscles may cause sensitive hemorrhoids to develop and can contribute to painful bowel movements. To combat constipation, the Nemours Foundation recommends drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water a day and supplementing prunes and prune juice to your diet as natural digestive aids. Light physical activity such as walking, as tolerated, may also help to get things moving.