So I hope this isn't nasty, but my baby (5 months old) is going on day 3 without pooping. This is extremely odd for her; normally, she is a big time pooper (multiple times per day). She doesn't seem extremely uncomfortable, but I would like to help her poop BEFORE she is extremely uncomfortable. So I'm wondering what I can do?
A couple factors to consider:
1) She is on 2 reflux medications: prevacid (which causes diarrhea) and zantac (which causes constipation)
2) She was on a diet of about 1/2 formula (Earth's Best) and 1/2 breast milk. We just switched her to all formula, which I think could be one cause of the sudden BM change.
Any tips on ways I can help her to poop?
We have poop!! Only one dirty diaper, but poop is poop! A little juice (she wasn't a huge fan...only drank about an ounce) and some leg pumping seemed to work. Poop was definitely thicker than it usually is, but I assume that's because she's on all formula now and not breast milk as well. I will keep an eye on it nonetheless. Thanks, everyone!
my dd went 5 days without pooping when I started her on solids. The pediatrician recommended 2 oz of water mixed with 2 oz of apple juice. I think breastmilk causes more poop than formula so you're probably right about the cause.
How old is she?
-prune juice
-itty babies, press your thumb (covered with a wipee) to their anus (really)
-press their knees to their belly while they're on their back (the press helps)
-baby suppository
Yep. That'll do it ;)
My nephew had problems going and it may sound mean and hurtful but the doctor had his mom taking a q-tip, lay them on their back push the legs back and push the q-tip into the anus. You can place it in up to half of the q-tip without hurting her.
She could be constipated and doing this gets the muscles moving.
It's OK for babies to go without pooping for up to 7 days, according to my ped, so it may just happen on it's own.
However, don't be afraid of a good old fashioned glycerine suppository. We gave my son one when he was about 2 months old and constipated. Took about 15 minutes and we had a good ole pooping!
It doens't hurt them. The old thermometer in the butt trick never worked for my kids.
You can also insert a thermometer into the anus while pushing her legs towards or tummy.
I agree that switching to all formula is probably what is causing the constipation. Her system will adjust.
My little girl also had reflux and i found a natural vitamin supplement that has been wonderful for her. I still have on it. It also helped with the reflux. Private message me if you want more info
I know how worried you are. Try to relax and think of how normal it is to raise children. Billions of women before us raised children and we are all here with our children now.
I guess working makes breast feeding impractical. Now there will be an adjustment period and then you need to consider removing her from these medications. Her stomach is much more developed than when you had her put on them. Have you had her tested for celiac disease.
I have a suggestion which I hope you can follow up on. Baby swim often given at the Y and at some health clubs helps the mother and child to relax and bond more closely outside of the feeding and diapering routine.
peaches pears and prunes help poop.
a bit of pear juice for a couple of days should get her going.
My oldest had occasional constipation and our pediatrician used to have us mix a teaspoon of Karo Syrup in her bottle with the formula.
My son had the same problem and prune juice is the easiest and was fastest way for us. Gave it to him everyday and it kept him regular. Also gas drops are verrry helpful too.
i would try juiice, or feeding her a can of prunes. Also, if you are very desperate, you could buy baby suppositories and cut it in half, then insert half. This WILL NOT harm your baby. Also, the pediatrician suggested soaking in a warm bath to relax the bowel....
good luck
Karo corn syrup should help also. Put some in her bottle 1 tablespoon.
