Seeking Advice for My Newborn as She Is Constipated

My son is almost 5 months old now, but when I brought him home, he was on Similac and was VERY constipated as well. I was told it was okay to give them a half ounce of prune juice mixed with a half ounce of water once a day to clear it up. Also, I switched him to Nestle Good Start Supreme and has been doing great ever since. Good luck !

Hi T.,

I am having a very similar problem w/ my 4 month old, she is formula fed as well, however, not totally constipated. Try the Dark Karo Syrup (1 tbs mixed in w/ her bottle), it really worked for a while with my baby girl.

Good luck!

I had my son via c-section and because of that I didn't get to breast feeding him soon enough. By the time I pumped and tried to give it to him he had already adjusted to formula and refused the breast milk. I was giving him the regular enfamil from the hospital when he started to get constipated all the time. I spoke with my son's doctor and she recommended the suppositories and the little bit of either prune or apple juice in his formula and possibly changing the formula all together. We tried not to use the suppositories too much but we did try changing his formula. In the end he was best suited with the Wal-Mart brand Parent's Choice Lactose free. We tried soy but it made his stomach upset and he would spit it all up as soon as he drank it. The great thing we found about the Parent's Choice brand was that it was double the size of the name brands but half the price. After a week or two of changing the formula and the suppositories he was just fine. Good luck and hopefully you'll find a bit of info to help.

Lord people give really scary advice!! DO NOT add mineral oil to her bottle!! I have no clue where pediatricians get their degree from anymore. This is why babies are supposed to be breast fed. You don't have much of these issues...and when they *do* show up, they are easily ( and naturally!! ) resolved, so you don't hurt them more. Call a lactation specialist, NOT a pediatrician. Most pediatrician's don't seem to know a whole lot about breastfeeding anymore, because most people are choosing bottles ( sadly ) over breast.

Who told you to stop nursing with a breast infection???? Nursing is the BEST ( best, best, best ) thing to do for a breast infection. It helps to clear it out, and create more antibodies. She is constipated because she's just gone through tummy trauma of going from breastmilk ( which is *literally* made for them ) to heavy formula that's not as good. : (

Put her back on the breast. Breastfeed as OFTEN as possible on the side that is infected, pointing her chin to the infected site. Use heat and massage in the area of the infection. And no, you cannot give your baby any suppositories...you'll end up hurting the poor thing more.

Christy
Assistant midwife and mom who extensively nursed 3 babies.

She will never be constipated if you start babies magic tea. I had the same issue with my boy and he got relieved from constipation and gas trouble just using this tea.

My son was really constipated once and didn't poop for like 7 days. This was when he was 4 months old. The Dr. advised me to give him prunes. I did that for 3 days and it did nothing. They said I could use like a 1/4 of a glycerine suppository if I had to. I would check with your Dr. first. The glycerine suppository will work, but you don't want your baby to depend on it to have bowel movements. Depending on the age of your little one - you might want to see if there is something else you can give her. When they get a little older you can just give them some apple juice or peaches or apricots. That will naturally regulate them.

I sympathize with you my son (20 mos) is horrible for constipation. I've tried so many things, one that worked for me after I switched him from breastmilk to Similac was to add more water & less formula. What I did was 2 scoops in an 8oz bottle instead of 3-4. He was a smart little stinker & knew if I tried prune juice & wouldn't take it, same with Karo syrup which is what my pedi recommended.

A warm bath with Epsom salts can also help along with bicycling her legs if she's gassy and uncomfortable. I've also had to resort to suppositories for my son but I didn't attempt them till he was around 10mos old and only after 10 days of no poops.

I know it's so hard when they're really little, I called a Dr. help line about my son & she told me that breastfed babies can go up to 21 days without poops! Unless there's fever or vomiting they told me there wasn't much cause for concern & the body would take care of itself. Not very comforting huh?Good luck momma!!

Check with your PED but I used to put a small amount of DARK Kayrp Syrup to stop my daughters constipation from formula.

My oldest had a lot of problems with constipation. He would scream every time he had to go. It got so bad that I would just cry with him. We changed formula from Similac and went to Good Start that helped some but we still had a hard time. Eventually his doctor put him on Miralax and we just mixed it in whatever he was drinking. That was the miracle fix. We stayed on it for about a week solid and used it every once in awhile for about another week and he was back on track. We haven't had a problem since and he is three now. You just have to be careful... That stuff worked too good. It ended up causing exploding diapers. So make sure that he is well hydrated so that it doesn't cause him to be sick from dehydration. I hope it all works out for you the way that it did for me. But I really would take him off of the Similac right away. My doc. said that even though it was supposed to have somewhat of a laxitive in it, that he saw many kids with this problem while drinking that formula. He said that Good Start was best...(and it costs less too!!!!)

The best thing that worked for my son at that age was diluted apple juice or white grape juice.

Hi T., don't feel bad, you are doing your best! I just wanted to second the recommendation of talking to a Lactation Consultant so you can start breastfeeding again. Mine was so very helpful. I think it would be good to get support on this so do call a La Leche League leader for more info. Here's a webpage where you can find a leader:
http://www.lalecheleague.org/leaderinfo.html

Here is the link to the LLL resource page:
http://www.lalecheleague.org/nb.html?m=0,0,0

Of course, talk to the doctor. In the meantime, you can smear a little vaseline outside the anus a couple times a day. An ounce of extra water after a feeding should help too. A little water always helped my little one when consitpated. Good luck!

I have been there. I had to switch my son to formula at 7 weeks and he had a hard time with bm's. However my Ped. said to add a little tiny amount of prune juice to his formula. Then to stimulate his muscles by using a thermometer with some vaseline and insert into bottom (just the tip)and doing a circular motion to get the muscles working. We still were having the issue and the Dr did a procedure of dilating the rectum. We still had to stimulate the muscles for about a week but since then we haven't had any problems. Talk to your Dr and see what he thinks. Good luck

we just had this problem and went to the doctor today! she said to get saline suppositories - KIDS SIZE. gave him one and within 2 hours he had 2 bowel movements and is much much much happier. you can get them at any drug store - they were only $2 at albertsons. good luck

Have you tried a different formula? I know sometimes babies have different adverse reactions to formulas. You may have to try a few. Most doctor offices have free samples you can try. Maybe one made with soy? Also, I've heard that just the simple (slight)probe from a rectal thermometer can do the trick. Good luck!

My daughter was constipated all the time when she went on solids (at 5 months or so). There are children's suppositories that are really easy to use. Get the glycerine kind and just shove it in there. It will stimulate her pooping and also "grease the skids" so to speak to help her poop. You can also try the kind with no iron, that tends to bind them up. experiment with different formulas, maybe even soy. Good luck

I am sorry to hear that. Hopefully you can continue to breastfeed after you infection clears up. Have you tried soy milk? I gave 2 of my children, because of intolerance to similac and it worked great. He is too young for pureed prunes, or juice. There are also suppositories for babies, but not recommended to use too much. Good luck.

It's called babylax. You can get it at Walmart. My doctor told me about it when my daughter was constipated after my knee surgery and I couldn't breast feed her for a week. You give it in 1/2 the dosage. Any questions please contacct me at ____@____.com. M. Petersen

We went through this with my daughter as well. I ended up mixing prune juice into every bottle and that helped (most of the time). Occasionally we had to use the glycerine suppositories, but it was traumatic for both of us. I would also talk to your doctor about switching formulas to one with less iron. Good luck!

I had a similar issue with my daughter, and I would put her in a warm bath that covered her tummy, and I'd hold her up with her head in the crook of my elbow, and bend her knees up to her tummy. It worked every time. Good luck.

When one of our twins was constipated we gave her 1 oz. of pear juice mixed with 1 oz. of water & it took care of the situation.

Good Luck!

Try giving her a bottle of warm water or adding a very small (baby spoon amount) of pureed prunes into the formula. The prunes are the only thing that worked for my baby - she was on breast milk - with a poorly developed digestive track - - - I froze the prunes into a very tiny ice cube tray and added one to 2 feedings a day - - - but use the prunes as a last resort - try the water first

I had that same problem and I switched my daughter to Isomil Advance (Soy) it worked wonders. Its much easier on their digestive tract. Hope it works for you too.

Hello! A good friend of mine just went through the same thing you mentioned. She put a teaspoon of prune juice in the bottle. I believe she only did this once a day.
Hope this helps and good luck.

Hi T.,
I wont hesitate to consult my pediatrician.
How old is your baby?
I remember my cousin gave his constipated 10 day old one tea spoon of olive oil, doctor recommended. It is a natural source of Vit A and E. But call your doctor first.
Best, L.

T., if at all possible go back to breastfeeding! There is NO reason for anyone to stop nursing when they have a breast infection. That is very old and outdated advice. If your milk supply has dried up, you can relactate - email me privately and I can tell you how. (I am a Lactation COnsultant)

All the respondants who said to talk to your Dr were right on the money. In cases like these it is important to NOT try just because someone else suggested it. Adding extra water to the formula is dangerous as then the baby will be getting too much water and not enough nutrients. Adding other things into the baby's diet (prune juice, oils, etc) may be OK for some babies but not for yours - your Dr. can help you with that.

Your Dr. may recommend switching formulas - he may go ahead and suggest a suppository - he may suggest something else. But he does need to be consulted so he knows what is going on with your baby and can help appropriately.

Again, if this is a new thing - I would heartily recommend putting baby back on the breast ASAP. Get that milk supply increased. That will most certainly take care of baby's constipation! :)

Good luck! Let us know...

Try getting some lotion or baby oil and massage her tummy in a downward motion.start from the top of her belly and massage gently down. every so often put her feet together & push her knees up.i had to do this w my 3 girls & newphew & the poo came right out-i hope she feels better soon.

Formula is thicker than breastmilk. I'd try either using extra water, or giving her a few ounces of water every day until the problem is resolved. I think that laxitives or suppositories would be tough on her little system.

Hello Tracey,

Both of my kids got constipated after I put them on formula. The reason is "too much IRON!!!" So I switched to a formula with low iron. I used Similac (the mint green label) that indicates low iron. My dr also recomended to put a teaspoonful of a syrup called KARO syrup (they sell this at every grocery store in the isle where they sell maple syrup) in 4oz of water and give to baby. My babies pooped 5 minutes later!! Make sure to use the syrup that is clear. You can ask your dr about this. My mom had originally told me to do this because the same thing happened to me as a baby. So I asked my dr and he told me "your mom is smart that's exactly what you need to do!!" So ask your dr and see what he says.
Also you can massage your baby's tummy lightly and also his lower back. That helps for his stool to come down.

My dr told me to stay away from prune juices, mineral water, or diluting formula. He told me that all those methods are bad for the baby.

I hope this helps and good lucK!!!!!

S.

Please don't give your newborn an enema! From a mom who has had that problem, it's the pits. It's also not very safe for you to do onw on that young of a child. I took my son to the Dr for constiption around 2 mo. The Dr did the enema, but they canonly have a very small amount because they are so small and have delicate systems. Your child digestive/ bowel issues are not to be taken lightly. With my son they switched his formula around a bunch of times and honestly I think it made things worse. It is true formula is thicker than breast milk. With all 3 of my kids I have always put in 1/2 a scoop less than what you're supposed it. All my ped's have said it is perfectly fine because they're still getting enough nutrients. I would try that before switchin around formula's Karo syrup does work, we did that with my son until he was about 1 yr. I then ended up in the ER with him because he was so sick and blocked up. He has a pediatric gastroenterologist now and is medication. I don't want to scare you, totally not my purpose! I just want you to be aware. Don't try to much on your own. There may be a deeper problem that is arising, not because she's off the breast, but just because of the stage her growing system is at. I hope everything works out for you.

Hi T.,

When I stopped nursing the same thing happened to me. The Dr. told me I could give him 2oz of baby prune juice, but he hated that so I had to get Fleet child suppositories. You cut them in half for an infant. They are in the normal suppositive secton, but have a light blue jar. It worked like a charm. They say not to worry unless it's been more than 3 days with no BM, but I know that doesn't help the discomfort.
I also tried Similac, and the nurse said Enfamil was the best. It took a little time to get him regular, but now he's adjusted and LOVES his bottle! I agree with the others though. Go back to breastfeeding asap! I made it 7 months. Yeah!

Hope this helps.

J.

When my son was eight weeks i started similac and he was constipated too. my doctor suggested a half water half apple juice mix. i ended up using only apple juice becuase he was constipated a while. he was uncomfortable for a little while but the juice really helped. good luck

The same thing happened with my son and all i had to do was switch to a low iron formula. Also, I don't know if there are suppositories for newborns but me pediatrician used to tell me to put just a little bit of prune juice in some water. ( 1 oz. prune juice to 3 oz. water)

good luck and I hope your little one feels better

Hi T., I had the same problem with my older baby when she switched to formula. I used the small glycerin suppositories and switched her to soy formula. She was allergic to lactose. Even now that she is five, if she eats any dairy she gets constipated. Good luck. M.

Hi T.,

I think one of the hardest things about being a mom is to have to see your child in pain or discomfort. We'd take it from them if we could.

My daughter had that same problem, but she was a little oler. I asked my Dr. and he said there are baby suppositories. They also have them to help stop vomiting. But let me tell you, it is scary and uncomfortable for them so expect a loud wail. My little daughter was crying and I was crying even harder. When kids are sick it's just the worse. They look at you like "what did I do to deserve this?"

Call your Dr. if you are super concerned. I called mine every other day. They say that is normal, so don't be self conscious about calling. We desperately want the best care for our babies so go to the best source and get your questions answered correctly.

Good luck T. and let us know how it "all comes out".

V. T.

Dear T.,

Don't feel badly, this is just something that you could not avoid. I know it must make you feel very upset for her. My great grand daughter just had that happen to her also. The doctor gave them a suppository, I think. I live 6,000 miles away and don't know all of the details.

A long, long time ago when there was no manufactured formula, we made the formula outselves at the instructions of the doctor. A certain amount of sterile (boiled) water, whole canned milk, and a tiny bit of Karo Syrup. I now know that the Karo was to avoid constipation. So I told my grand daughter to give the baby a tiny taste of Karo weakened, of course with formula. Also, she used suppositories and it is finally clearing up. The doctor did not seem to be upset about it and told her that it could take 2 or 3 days before she pooped. That is all I know, C. N.

(No, I am not advocating your going back to the homemade formula, but just to let you know the history of formula).

i had the same thing happen. our ped told us to wait two days and if they (we had twins) hadn't pooped on the third day to give them a prune/water mixture bottle. that worked for ours. it was about a 3 ounce mixture of prune juice and water for each baby. hope this helps!

Hi T.,

I also had similar problem with my son when I developed a yeast infection on my breasts. The formula is high in iron but also doesn't have the extra water that your child is used to. Not to mention the antibodies. I would recommend giving your baby some infant probiotics in the bottle 1/8 of a tablespoon once a day. That will provide lacto bacilus and other very importeant bacteria that helps the tummy and digestive tract. It will help them go to bathrooom easier. If the baby is under 4 months DO NOT give the baby water or prune juice. Their body is not ready for it. I learned this through various reputable pediatricians and lactation specialists.

I had difficulty breastfeeding past 3 months due to recurring infections that lowered my milk prtoduction so I recommend working with a lactation specialist, pediatrician and your OB-GYN. If breastfeeding doesn't workout feed the baby Enfamil Gentlease, Nestle Good Start or any soy based formula. Most milk based formulas are tough on little tummies that are used to breastmilk.

Good luck and I hope your infection heals quickly.

My daughters Dr said similar things. We tried to give her water, but she did not want it. We gave her water downed prune juice and that worked. She was constipated from newborn until we introduced fruit. Also what no one said work for us at first, was to take her temp in her butt. That would help stimulate the poop sometimes and is ok to do.

Hi T.,

My daughter has/had the same problem. She was 5 months when I made the switch from breastmilk to formula (due to long work hours). Soon after she wasn't pooping and one day she was screaming and we took her to her pediatrician who helped us help her get the poop out. We had to push her legs back to help with her pushing and a lot of KY jelly. A lot of crusty poop came out...poor baby. It lasted about 2 days. Our doctor had told us to switch her formula to Simalac Lactose Free (think it's called Simalac Sensitive but it says it used to be called Lactose Free) and to add 1 ounce extra of water when giving her formula to help hydrate our daughter. We also started feeding her prunes once a day (she liked the prunes with apple better than just prunes) She poops daily now (watch out, it's a lot) and she's happier.

I asked our pediatrician about the suppository and the doc said she preferred that to be the last resort since she's so little.

Good Luck!

Hi T.! :)

Try to get that breast infection cleared up ASAP if you can and get her back on the breast. I used to suffer TERRIBLY with breast infections. My doc. recommended taking colostrum tablets and I havnt' had a single infection since. Every time I start to get one, I take 3 tablets and it's gone in 3 hours or less!
http://www.cocoonnutrition.org/catalog/page_colostrum_NL.php
Meanwhile, increase the amount of water you mix with the formula. My son, who was bottle fed had the same problem and that fixed it.

Best of luck to you!
M.

I had the same problem with my son when he was on formula and I put a little apple juice (a natural laxative) in his bottle or even a small amount of apple sauce for texture as well, and we no longer had that problem. It was a life saver and I didn't have to keep switching formula's and messing up his stomach even more so. Good luck!!! Even just a warm bottle of water if your child will take it will help with the constipation.

Hi T., although i would suggest confirming this with your pediatrician, my youngest child (now age 4) had constipation problems and my pediatrician suggested giving her mineral oil in her formula to help with the constipation. i think it was only about a tsp a bottle but it worked really great!! she told me it was better to keep the flow going the 'right way' rather than do the suppository. although, in some cases, i know this is necessary. good luck!!

Hi T.,

I don't know why Christine F. discouraged the mineral oil idea, but my pediatrician suggested the same thing for my son. It was actually when he started solids that he had constipation problems. Giving him a suppository would only help for that bowel movement, because some babies just have trouble breaking down food properly. I still put 1 tsp. of mineral oil in his juice bottle every day, and now he poops like a champ! I am SOO glad I started doing this because when I stop, my son gets very hard poops. My ped. said I can gradually wean him off this once I wean him off formula. Try it! It has helped us SO much! I couldn't bear hearing him scream and yelp from the pain!

Good luck, and I hope everything works out for you!

My son was on an iron supplement when he was a newborn and that made him very constipated and uncomfortable. The doctor told me to try several things: a little apple juice diluted with water may help, a warm compress on the tummy also is good. They do make suppositories for newborns. I found some at CVS. They did not work for my son because he was constantly pushing and I couldn't get it to stay inside long enough to melt all the way. Another trick that I found to work is to use a rectal thermometer. It may stimulate her enough to have a bowel movement. Hope I was of some help. Hope your daughter feels better.

Hi T.. Ok I didn't get a chance to read everyone's responce but what worked well for me was either the littel bit of diluted prune juice or you could switch the formula to something else. My daughter had the same problem when she was 5 weeks old (at 3 weeks my body quit producing milk)so the doctors had told me to chg her formula. Well i did for months and it only got worse. But it wasn't until I had found the Nestlie Good Start formula. that seemed to regulate her In fact to this day she stil uses it. the Wic ppl that we had gone to are urging to switch her formula to the Wic authorized but I'm refusing.(not going to plug up my little one ever again) But maybe you should try to switch to that one. Hopefully She'll come to feeling a bit of relief if you switch to that one. Good Luck

~M..

Before you do anything that you are not sure of, call your pediatrician. They will be happy to talk to you about any questions you have. I still call my doctors help line whenever I have any questions and they are always very helpful. Good Luck :)

I did not produce enough milk for my baby and after 3 weeks I had to switch to formula. I was crushed also. My daughter was constipated and we gave her 1ounce of apple juice mixed with 3 ounces of water and within one hour she had a large bowel movement. I hope this helps.

J.