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Constipation from milk in babies


How to Introduce Whole Milk to Baby

by Center City Pediatrics

Got Milk? Our providers and nurses field a lot of questions from caregivers about how to introduce whole milk to babies. Here, you’ll find some of the most popular inquires – from timing to intolerance to decoding the differences in the various types:

When should I introduce whole milk to baby?

Whole milk is traditionally introduced at the first birthday. There is nothing magical that occurs on that very date, but this is a good time to anticipate introducing whole milk. If formula is running low or the mother needs to stop breastfeeding due to supply issues or other factors, whole milk may be introduced a couple of weeks early. It is also fine to delay the introduction of whole milk by a couple of weeks.

How do I introduce whole milk?

Some children have no issue taking whole milk right away. Other children require more of a weaning process. Weaning is simple in principle (but not always in practice), and just involves adding in some breastmilk or formula to whole milk until your child is used to the difference in taste. There is no exact percentile, however, the goal is to add less formula or breastmilk into the mixture over time. Whole milk can be warmed if you think this will help your child transition to enjoying whole milk.

How much whole milk does my child need daily?

Children should receive between 16-24oz of whole milk per day. Greater than 24oz per day may cause tummy troubles and other problems including constipation, poor appetite for solids, or low iron levels (anemia). If you have been introducing whole milk for over one month and your child is still not taking at least 16oz per day, please discuss this with a medical provider at the one-year visit or call the office to speak with a nurse if the one year visit has already passed.

Does it have to be whole milk?

A child should receive whole milk only until his or her second birthday unless specifically directed by a medical professional. Once the child is older you may introduce other types of milk with less fat and less caloric value (like 2%, 1% or skim milk).

What about other types of milk?

Whole milk is fine to introduce to children who do not have any medical condition or allergies that would contraindicate giving dairy. If your child has an allergy to dairy, milk choice should be discussed with a medical provider. Other types of milk (almond, coconut or rice milk) may not have the fat, nutrient or vitamin content necessary for a growing child.

Is organic milk better for my baby?

Buying organic is a family choice. Theoretically, grass fed cows may provide more omega-3s in milk, but there is no evidence-based practice that shows only providing organic whole milk is better for the child.

Should I be worried that my child is lactose intolerant?

Lactose intolerance is exceedingly rare in children less than two years of age. Infants are born with lactase in the gut and infants with lactose intolerance typically have severe diarrhea, dehydration, failure to thrive and are often admitted to the hospital.

Does whole milk cause constipation?

Whole milk can initially cause constipation in some children. Make sure not to exceed the limit of 24oz of whole milk daily and include a diet high in fiber as well as other sources of hydration like small amounts of water.

Have a question not covered by FAQ?

This is a great topic to discuss at your child’s one year well visit. Non-urgent messages may also be sent to the office via Follow My Health online health portal.

Do you need some additional resources?

  • “Making the Switch to Cow’s Milk for 1-year-olds” from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
  • “Cow’s Milk Alternatives: Parent FAQs” from HealthyChildren.org

Filed Under: Blog

Constipation

Is this your child's symptom?

  • Can't pass a stool or pain when passing a stool
  • Crying when passing a stool (bowel movement or BM) or
  • Can't pass a stool after straining or pushing longer than 10 minutes or
  • 3 or more days without passing a stool (Exception: Breastfed and over 1 month old)
  • Caution: any belly pain from constipation comes and goes. Most often, it is mild. Use the Abdominal Pain (Stomach Pain) care guide if there is constant belly pain.

Causes of Constipation

  • High Milk Diet. Milk and cheese are the only foods that in high amounts can cause constipation. It causes hard pale stools. This is why you want your child to eat a well-balanced diet.
  • Low Fiber Diet. Fiber is found in vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Fiber keeps stools soft, bulky and easy to pass. A low fiber diet causes hard, small stools.
  • Low Fluid Intake. This can also cause stools to be dry and harder to pass. It's rarely the only cause of constipation.
  • Lack of Exercise. Exercise also keeps the bowel from slowing down. Not a cause in children unless they are confined to bed.
  • Holding Back Stools Because of Pain. If passing a stool causes pain, many children will hold back the next one. This can happen with a Strep infection around the anus. It can also occur with a bad diaper rash or anal fissure (tear).
  • Holding Back Stools Because of Power Struggles. This is the most common cause of recurrent constipation in children. Most often it's a battle around toilet training. If they are already trained, it may begin with the start of school. Reason: some children refuse to use public toilets. Some children postpone stools because they are too busy to sit down.
  • Slow passage of food through the intestines. Most often, this type runs in families. Called slow transit time.

Stools: How Often is Normal?

  • Normal Range: 3 per day to 1 every 2 days. Once children are on normal table foods, their stool pattern is like adults.
  • Kids who go every 4 or 5 days almost always have pain with passage. They also have a lot of straining.
  • Kids who go every 3 days often drift into longer times. Then, they also develop symptoms.
  • Passing a stool should be free of pain.
  • Any child with pain during stool passage or lots of straining needs treatment. At the very least, the child should be treated with changes in diet.

Imitators of Constipation: Normal Patterns and Stools

  • Breastfed and Over 1 Month Old. Stools every 4-7 days that are soft, large and pain-free can be normal. Caution: before 1 month old, not stooling enough can mean not getting enough breast milk.
  • Straining in Babies. Grunting or straining while pushing out a stool is normal in young babies. They are learning to relax their anus after 9 months of keeping it closed. It's also hard to pass stool lying on their back with no help from gravity. Babies also become red in the face and draw up their legs during straining. This is normal. Key: they continue to pass normal size stools every day. Just not every time they have some straining.
  • Brief straining under 10 minutes can occur at times at any age.
  • Large Stools. Size relates to the amount of food eaten. Large eaters have larger stools.
  • Hard or Dry Stools. Also can be normal if passed easily without too much straining. Often, this relates to poor fiber intake. Some children even have small, dry rabbit-pellet-like stools.

When to Call for Constipation

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

  • Stomach pain goes on more than 1 hour (includes crying) after using care advice
  • Rectal pain goes on more than 1 hour (includes straining) after using care advice
  • Vomits 2 or more times and stomach looks more swollen than normal
  • Age less than 1 month old and breastfed
  • Age less than 12 months with recent onset of weak suck or weak muscles
  • Your child looks or acts very sick
  • You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

  • Age less than 2 months. Exception: normal straining and grunting.
  • Bleeding from anus
  • Needs to pass a stool but afraid to or refuses to let it out
  • Child may be "blocked up"
  • Suppository or enema was given but did not work
  • You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

  • Leaking stool
  • Suppository or enema was needed to get the stool out
  • Infrequent stools do not get better after changes to diet. Exception: normal if breastfed infant more than 1 month old and stools are not painful.
  • Stool softeners are being used and have not been discussed with your doctor
  • Toilet training is in progress
  • Painful stools occur 3 or more times after changes to diet
  • Constipation is a frequent problem
  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

  • Mild constipation

Seattle Children's Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

  • Bellevue
  • Everett
  • Federal Way
  • Seattle

Care Advice for Constipation

  1. What You Should Know about Constipation:
    • Constipation is common in children.
    • Most often, it's from a change in diet. It can also be caused by waiting too long to stool.
    • Passing a stool should be pleasant and free of pain.
    • Any child with pain during stool passage or lots of straining needs treatment. At the very least, they need changes in diet.
    • Here is some care advice that should help.
  2. Normal Stools:
    • Normal range: 3 per day to 1 every 2 days. Once children are on a regular diet, their stool pattern is like adults.
    • Kids who go every 3 days often drift into longer times. Then symptoms start.
    • Kids who go every 4 and 5 days almost always have pain with passage. They also have lots of straining.
  3. Diet for Infants Under 1 Year Old:
    • Age over 1 month old only on breast milk or formula, add fruit juice.
    • Amount. Give 1 ounce (30 mL) per month of age per day. Limit amount to 4 ounces (120 mL).
    • Pear and apple juice are good choices. After 3 months, can use prune (plum) juice. Reason for fruit juice: approved for babies in treating a symptom.
    • Age over 4 months old, also add baby foods with high fiber. Do this twice a day. Examples are peas, beans, apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, or plums.
    • Age over 8 months old on finger foods, add cereals and small pieces of fresh fruit.
  4. Diet for Children Over 1 Year Old:
    • Increase fruit juice (apple, pear, cherry, grape, prune). Note: citrus fruit juices are not helpful.
    • Add fruits and vegetables high in fiber content. Examples are peas, beans, broccoli, bananas, apricots, peaches, pears, figs, prunes, or dates. Offer these foods 3 or more times per day.
    • Increase whole grain foods. Examples are bran flakes or muffins, graham crackers, and oatmeal. Brown rice and whole wheat bread are also helpful. Popcorn can be used if over 4 years old.
    • Limit milk products (milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt) to 3 servings per day.
    • Fluids. Give enough fluids to stay well-hydrated. Reason: keep the stool soft.
  5. Stop Toilet Training:
    • Put your child back in diapers or pull-ups for a short time.
    • Tell him that the poops won't hurt when they come out.
    • Praise him for passing poops into a diaper.
    • Holding back stools is harmful. Use rewards to help your child give up this bad habit.
    • Avoid any pressure or punishment. Also, never force your child to sit on the potty against his will. Reason: it will cause a power struggle.
    • Treats and hugs always work better.
  6. Encourage Sitting on the Toilet (if toilet trained):
    • Set up a normal stool routine, if your child agrees to sitting.
    • Have your child sit on the toilet for 5 minutes after meals.
    • This is especially important after breakfast.
    • If you see your child holding back a stool, also take to the toilet for a sit (if cooperates).
    • During sits, stay with your child and be a coach. Just focus on helping the poop come out.
    • Do not distract your child. Do not allow your child to play with video devices, games or books during sits.
    • Once he passes a normal size stool, he doesn't need to sit anymore that day.
  7. Warm Water to Relax the Anus:
    • Warmth helps many children relax the anus and release a stool.
    • For straining too long, have your child sit in warm water.
    • You can also put a warm wet cotton ball on the anus. Vibrate it side to side for about 10 seconds to help relax the anus.
  8. Flexed Position to Help Stool Release for Babies:
    • Help your baby by holding the knees against the chest. This is like squatting for your baby. This is the natural position for pushing out a stool. It's hard to have a stool lying down.
    • Gently pump on the lower belly with your fingers. If no stool release in a few minutes, stop.
  9. Squatting Position to Help Stool Release for Older Children:
    • The squatting position gives faster stool release and less straining.
    • Squatting means that the knees are above the hips.
    • For most children who sit on the toilet, a foot stool is needed.
    • It is an important part of treating constipation.
  10. Stool Softeners (Age Over 1 Year Old):
    • If a change in diet doesn't help, you can add a stool softener. Must be over 1 year of age.
    • Use a stool softener (such as Miralax). It is available without a prescription. Give 1-3 teaspoons (5-15 mL) powder each day with dinner. Mix the powder in 2 to 6 ounces (60-180 mL) of water.
    • Fiber products (such as Benefiber) are also helpful. Give 1 teaspoon (5 mL) twice a day. Mix it in 2 ounces (60 mL) of water or fruit juice.
    • Stool softeners and fiber should produce regular soft stools in 1 to 3 days.
    • Discuss dosage and how long to use with your doctor.
  11. What to Expect:
    • Most often, changes in diet helps constipation.
    • After your child is better, be sure to keep him on high fiber foods.
    • Also, have your child sit on the toilet at the same time each day.
    • These tips will help to prevent the symptoms from coming back.
  12. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Constipation lasts more than 1 week after making changes to diet
    • You think your child needs to be seen
    • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 11/10/2022

Last Revised: 09/18/2022

Copyright 2000-2022. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Constipation in children | Nestlé Health Science

  1. Nestlé Health Science
  2. health care
  3. Constipation

Constipation is a delay or difficulty in passing stools that is present for two or more weeks.
It is a common problem in infants and young children and may begin within the first year of life.

Each child has their own stool patterns; it is common for a child to have periodic, hard stools, and some infants may have only one bowel movement per week. There is usually no cause for concern if the child is constipated as it rarely has a medical reason.

Babies have up to 3 bowel movements a day between 0 and 3 months of age
Why is my baby constipated?
In some children, prolonged constipation may be associated with Allergic to Cow's Milk Proteins (CMP) . Some babies may have a slow digestive tract (which is also normal) so they won't have very frequent stools either.

Symptom analysis

Could my child have CMPA?

Constipation is a common symptom in infants with CMPA.
Children with CMPA usually have more than one symptom, and these symptoms can be very different from each other.
If you think your child is constipation , it could be CBM.
You may notice symptoms other than constipation that may affect other parts of your child's body.
For a simple and easy way to check for typical symptoms associated with CMPA, you can use our
Symptom Checker.

It will allow you to select all cow's milk symptoms your baby may have. You can then discuss this with your doctor.

In any case, if you have any doubts or concerns about your child's health, you should consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Other symptoms of cow's milk protein allergy

ANAPHILACTIC SHOCK

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CRYING AND COLIC

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COUGH

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DIARRHEA

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ECZEMA

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GROWTH DISTURBANCE

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urticaria

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REFUSAL TO FOOD

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RASH

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REFLUX AND BUCK

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Runny nose and sneezing

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EDITEC

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VOMITING

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HRIP

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IMPORTANT NOTE: : It is possible to continue breastfeeding if the infant is allergic to cow's milk protein. To do this, the mother needs a special diet with the exclusion of all sources of cow's milk protein. Only if these measures do not bring the desired effect, the doctor recommends the use of a special therapeutic mixture intended for children from 0 to 1 year old. It is important to follow the correct methods of preparing the mixture: using boiled water, sterilized bottles and following the rules for diluting the mixture. Medicinal mixtures intended for diet therapy of CMPA should be used under the supervision of a physician.

What to do with constipation in a month-old baby while breastfeeding?

Author, editor and medical expert - Klimovich Elina Valerievna.

The number of views: 455 996

The date of the last update: 10.2022 G.

Average reading time: 17 minutes

9 constipation in an infant

Digestion of an infant

A newborn is constantly in a state of adaptation to new living conditions. Its organs and systems continue to develop, and the physiological mechanisms of defecation are being improved.

In an adult, the retention of feces in the rectum is provided by involuntary and voluntary, that is, subject to the will, contractions of its muscles - sphincters.

The urge to defecate occurs when feces come into contact with the lower intestine. An adult is able to restrain the urge, but a newborn child is not.

Milk enters the stomach and triggers the gastrointestinal reflex, generating a wave of peristalsis throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The stool descends into the rectum and causes the urge to defecate. Not realizing that the conditions for defecation, to put it mildly, are not suitable, the baby tightens his legs and strains. A bowel movement makes room for a new portion of food.

The frequency of stools in a newborn often coincides with the frequency of feeding, but may be twice a day 3 . Cal at the same time has a yellow or yellow-brown color, sometimes with a greenish tinge, a mushy texture with an admixture of foam and inclusions resembling cottage cheese, and the smell of sour milk.

Starting at about 2 months, the frequency of stools begins to gradually decrease. By the time complementary foods are introduced (by 4-6 months), most infants empty their intestines 2 times a day, and some even once every 2 days 3 . The stool thickens and takes on a sausage-like shape - this is how it should be in all young children.

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What should be considered constipation in an infant

It is quite understandable that the lack of stool in a baby causes concern for parents, often becomes the cause of unnecessary self-treatment. On the other hand, the lack of basic knowledge about the proper frequency of bowel movements in children sometimes leads to a delay in the necessary treatment and complications. So first, let's figure out what constipation is.

According to the generally accepted opinion, constipation in babies up to three months of age is considered to be a delay of stool for 2-3 days. If difficulty with bowel movements persisting for two or more weeks, they speak of chronic constipation. 2.3 . At the same time, the frequency of stool decreases (in comparison with the individual characteristics of 3 ), the feces become dense, fragmented, and acquire an unpleasant putrefactive odor.

To empty the intestines, the child strains hard and for a long time, his face turns red, his legs are drawn up to his stomach. Sometimes the contents of the rectum are so hard that they injure the delicate mucosa and cause painful cracks to form. In this case, the baby cries, and a strip of scarlet blood appears on the surface of the feces.

Constipation affects the general condition of the baby. He has pain and bloating in the abdomen, popularly called "colic", he does not eat well, becomes lethargic and capricious.

It is the appearance of general symptoms in constipation in a breastfed newborn that serves as a guideline for the diagnosis 4 . If they are absent, the child eats well, does not spit up, gains weight normally, the condition is considered to be “pseudo-constipation” that does not require any intervention 4 .

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Why a newborn may have constipation while breastfeeding

Difficulty emptying the bowels and lack of stool in infants in 95% of cases is caused by various functional disorders in the bowels 1.5 . The remaining 5% are due to diseases that disrupt the formation, promotion and removal of feces to the outside 1.5 .

Organic constipation

This type of defecation disorder is more often found in the first days or months of a baby's life 1.3 . It is caused by anomalies in the development of the intestines and rectum in particular, various neurological diseases accompanied by slowing down and discoordination of the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract, metabolic disorders against the background of a reduced function of the thyroid gland and brain centers of regulation of the endocrine system, cystic fibrosis, Hirschsprung's disease 1.3 .

In case of constipation in children from birth to 3 months, it is best to consult a doctor immediately in order not to miss these diseases. If the examination does not reveal any organic pathology, we are talking about functional constipation 3 .

Functional constipation

In the regulation of stool, the nervous system is of great importance, and since it is not yet sufficiently developed in a newborn, there is always ground for constipation. Functional constipation against the background of intestinal dyskinesia, accompanied by a weakening of peristalsis or spastic contractions of the intestine, which impair its patency, is the most common type of disorders 3 .

Other causes of functional constipation in infants:

  • immaturity of the child and his digestive system, accompanied by a late "start" of digestive enzymes, prolonged retention of food masses in the stomach and intestines, imperfection of the receptor apparatus of the rectum, which triggers defecation 3 ;
  • consequences of intrauterine oxygen starvation affecting the functioning of the central nervous system and the regulation of intestinal motility;
  • general muscle weakness of the baby due to prematurity, iron deficiency or active treatment of rickets with vitamin D 3 ;
  • intestinal dysbiosis, which occurs, for example, under the influence of antibiotics and pathogenic microbes on a weak and unstable microflora of the children's intestines 3 ;
  • Allergy to cow's milk proteins: it can already appear during breastfeeding if the mother loves dairy products and consumes them often 4 .

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Temporary stool problems

Defecation problems may be temporary. Many babies have difficulty with bowel movements - straining, grunting, whimpering during bowel movements, although their stools remain soft, mushy. This condition is quite normal for children of the first two months of life, is associated with the immaturity of the nervous system and is called "dyschesia" 4 .

Temporary disturbance of bowel movements in a child may be due to the following factors:

  • lack of fluid - in some cases, the child needs to be supplemented, although some mothers believe that when breastfeeding, the baby receives enough fluid in the form of milk 2.5 ;
  • general dehydration of the baby against the background of high fever, vomiting and diarrhea, for example, with an intestinal infection or SARS, when a large amount of water is lost with sweat, vomit and liquid feces 4 ;
  • malnutrition of a nursing mother: low fluid intake, unbalanced diet, low fiber content and a large amount of "fixing" foods in the diet 2 ;
  • underfeeding of the child due to deficiency of breast milk (at the same time, the woman may not even suspect that she has little milk) and "tight" breasts in the mother, general weakness and persistent regurgitation in the baby 2. 5 ;
  • too early and irrational introduction of complementary foods 2 ;
  • abuse of enemas and means of mechanical stimulation of defecation in a child (gas tube, irritation of the anus, etc.) 2 ;
  • psychological factors 2 , which include psycho-emotional problems of the mother, the absence of the mother and getting used to the nanny, moving, frequent contacts with new people;
  • any diseases and teething - they affect not only the well-being, but also the emotional and psychological state of the child, and at the same time - intestinal motility.

Elimination of all the above factors leads to spontaneous normalization of the child's stool.

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What to do about constipation in a newborn while breastfeeding

You need to act based on the cause of constipation. With diagnosed organic constipation, the treatment of the underlying disease is prescribed by a doctor. Solving the problem leads to the normalization of bowel movements.

For functional constipation, doctors recommend:

1. Breastfeed

2 .

Breast milk, containing the mother's immune factors, provides the baby's natural protection against infections, promotes the formation of its intestinal microflora and the development of the digestive system as a whole 2 . In case of weak lactation and lack of breast milk and unstable stool with a tendency to constipation in a child, doctors recommend supplementary feeding with adapted milk formulas with the addition of prebiotics 2 . They contribute to the maintenance of the intestinal microflora, on which digestion depends in part 2 .

2. Follow the diet of a nursing mother

The composition of breast milk directly depends on the mother's nutrition, therefore, by changing the diet, it is possible to influence the baby's diet 4 . For the work of the gastrointestinal tract of the baby, it is important to observe the water regime, vegetables, fruits, cereals, wholemeal bread eaten by the mother, that is, foods with a high fiber content 4 . You should limit the consumption of foods that provoke increased gas formation: cabbage, onions, tomatoes, rice, legumes, black bread, pears, grapes, mushrooms, pickles, smoked meats and spices 3 .

Prunes, dried apricots and simple boiled beets will help as a natural laxative for breastfeeding constipation in a newborn - you just need to include them in the diet.

Fermented milk products are useful for maintaining the intestinal microflora 2 . But if a child is diagnosed with intolerance to cow's milk, a nursing mother will have to completely abandon dairy products made from it 4 .

3. Keep your child physically active

A well-organized daily routine and physical activity is the most important factor in the treatment of constipation in a child 2 . Physical activities are selected individually according to the child's age 2 . For newborns and infants during the first 5 months of life, their natural activity and special exercises are sufficient 2 . It is very important that the clothes do not hamper the movement of the child and allow him to independently improve his motor skills in the process of learning the world.

4. Massage the abdomen

First of all, after feeding, it is necessary to keep the baby in an upright position so that he burps air, and then lay him down on his tummy.

Abdominal massage involves gentle strokes on the tummy in a clockwise direction, that is, in a circle, starting from the right iliac region and ending with the left iliac region. In this case, the child should lie on the back. At the end of the procedure, holding the ankles, alternately press the baby's legs to the tummy. This stimulates the passage of gases and defecation.

5. Wise use of gas reducing agents

A large amount of gas stretches the intestinal wall, weakens its peristalsis and leads to colic. Dill water, light fennel tea, simethicone preparations may relieve symptoms associated with constipation 4 .

Means to help mechanically remove gases from the intestines, such as a gas tube or enemas, are sometimes useful. 4 . However, their frequent use exacerbates the problem of constipation: the baby’s gastrointestinal tract begins to “get lazy” and ceases to perform its functions independently 3 .

6. Microclysters MICROLAX

®

Microclysters occupy a special place in the complex treatment of constipation in breastfed newborns. They promote bowel movements and thereby alleviate the suffering of the baby.

MICROLAX ® for children from 0 years old is designed for the smallest children, equipped with a special short nose and can be used from birth up to 3 years old 6 . The composition of the drug includes sodium citrate, which displaces water from the feces, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, which thins the contents of the rectum, and sorbitol, which stimulates the flow of water into the intestines 6 .

By reinforcing each other's action, the components of MICROLAX ® are able to soften the stool and facilitate defecation 6 . In this case, the effect of the drug may begin after 5-15 minutes 6 .

It is important that the action of MICROLAX ® is limited to the end of the intestine. It is not absorbed, does not enter the general circulation and therefore does not affect the functioning of other organs and systems 6 .

For ease of use MICROLAX ® is available as a disposable microclyster fitted with a shortened tip 6 . It is enough to break off the seal - and the microclyster with 5 ml of the drug will be ready for use.

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What Not to Do

First of all, don't wait for the problem to go away on its own. Repeated and prolonged stool disorders in infants always require the consultation of a pediatrician.

Also not recommended:

  • to feed the child strictly by the clock - the baby himself "knows" how much and when he needs milk; feeding on demand contributes to the normal functioning of the intestines and, in addition, stimulates lactation in the mother;
  • breastfeeding the baby after spitting up: this is a normal act to help the baby get rid of air and excess food that has entered the stomach;
  • to supplement the baby with a formula or completely switch to artificial feeding, believing that the baby lacks milk - the guide that he has enough food should be sound sleep and normal weight gain;
  • frequently use a gas tube, resort to enemas and other methods of stimulating bowel movements;
  • apply folk methods of stimulating the rectum, for example, insert a bar of soap into the anus: soap irritates the mucous membrane and can cause a chemical burn; a laxative effect can be achieved with gentle means, for example, microclysters MICROLAX ® ;
  • take medicines without consulting a doctor - all of them can penetrate into the child's body with milk and affect his body in general and the work of the gastrointestinal tract in particular.

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Prevention

Functional constipation in babies is easier to prevent than to treat. To avoid the problem, it is recommended to follow the following rules.

  • Breastfeed your baby for as long as possible and continue to breastfeed even when milk supply is low.
  • Maintain and maintain lactation by all means. Feeding on demand is the best way to regulate, as well as eliminating the need for pumping. The child himself "controls" the production of milk: it is produced as much as he sucks out during meals.
  • Folk methods for stimulating lactation have not been canceled either, but if they are ineffective, you should not give up - you need to contact a gynecologist. Today, there are safe drugs that enhance the work of the mammary glands.
  • Monitor nutrition. Everything that enters the mother's body ends up in her breast milk, and with it - in the baby's stomach. Abuse of astringent and fastening products affects the baby's gastrointestinal tract and can lead to constipation.
  • With the emerging tendency to constipation, you can include in the diet products that have a laxative effect: prunes, dried apricots, beets, kefir and yogurt. The mother’s stool will serve as a guideline: if her intestines are working normally, then the likelihood of constipation in the baby will be minimal.
  • Do not take any medications without the advice of a doctor - they can not only lead to constipation in the baby, but also affect the functioning of other organs of the developing organism.
  • Do not swaddle the baby or use wide swaddling. Nothing should put pressure on the tummy and hinder the movements of the baby. He should be able to freely move his legs, press them to the tummy - this is necessary for him to defecate.
  • Give your baby a tummy massage every time before meals or 50 minutes after meals. This will help maintain active peristalsis and regular emptying of the rectum.
  • To work with a child, that is, to improve his motor skills.

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