Infant Constipation
Treatment and
Prevention
Most books
about breastfeeding do not contain a section on
constipation. Breast milk is a natural laxative;
therefore constipation in a fully breastfed baby is very
rare. In fact, most experts agree that if a breastfed baby is
constipated, there is something medically wrong.
Reasons for constipation in a breastfed baby:
1. Illness that requires medical care (call
your doctor)
2. Formula consumption
3. Starting solids
Is Your Baby Constipated? Know the symptoms.
1. The American Academy of Family Physicians
defines constipation as "a delay or difficulty in defecation
(pooping) for more than two weeks."
In a newborn (less than 6
weeks old), the AAFP recommends that parents contact their physician
if their infant has had "fewer than five bowel movements per week
over a two-week period."
2. Hard, pebble-like stools
3.
Excessive straining and crying in pain. Some straining, grunting, and fussing
is normal. Grunting, straining, and fussing that results in a soft bowel movement
is not constipation and does not need to be treated.
Remedy/Treatment for babies younger than 6 months:
1. If you have been exclusively
breastfeeding, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of
a more serious problem and your baby needs to be evaluated.
Constipation along with weakness, a weak cry, and reduced
eating could indicate botulism. While very rare, this is a life
threatening disorder and requires prompt medical care.
2. If your
baby had formula as a supplement, but usually only
has breast milk, this could be the cause.
Cow’s milk protein is very irritating to a baby’s tummy and
intestines. Providing only breast milk will help sooth that
irritation.
3. If your baby has
only had formula, consider giving breast milk another
try. Re-lactating is easiest if your baby is less than 2
weeks old, but it is possible no matter how old your baby
is. Even if you have never breastfed or given birth
before, you will most likely be able to produce milk. Even a small
amount of breast milk could help your baby. Contact an International
Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
for help with re-lactating.
If breastfeeding is simply
not an option for you, consider using donor breast milk from a bank
or a trusted friend. Some health care providers discourage
using milk that has not been pateurized and processed; however if you trust
the donor and your baby is healthy, you most likely have nothing
to worry about.
While you can
try an alternate formula, they are not derived from human milk,
therefore it is likely the problem will not be solved or could
even get worse. Talk to your doctor before changing formulas.
Babies older than 6 months:1.
More breast milk. If you are in the process of
weaning, go back up on the number of breast milk feedings per day
until the problem resolves. As you increase breast milk feedings, you may also need to reduce how much solid food or formula you
are giving. See a Registered Dietitian
to discuss solid
foods that are less constipating for your baby.
2. Time . Constipation will usually go
away without any help from special foods or medications. Although
there are over the counter treatments for constipation, talk to
your health care provider before using them. Repeated bouts of
constipation can be a sign of a more serious problem.
Using a medication or remedy when it is not needed can harm your
baby.
3.
Juice. If you are certain it is constipation and you
have approval from your health care provider, the American Academy
of Family Physicians states that “Parents may give infants 1 oz of
sorbitol-containing juice (such as prune, pear, or apple) to treat
constipation.” This should only be given to babies over the age of 6
months.
4.
Corn Syrup.
Some health care providers recommend giving corn syrup for
constipation. This is not necessary as the other treatment options
mentioned will usually work better. In fact, many babies end up with diarrhea
and electrolyte imbalance when given corn syrup.
If you decide to give your baby corn syrup or
if your health care provider recommends it, put 1 teaspoon of corn
syrup in
2 oz. of water. Do not put the syrup directly into formula or pumped breast
milk and do not use more than 1 teaspoon unless directed by
your physician. Corn syrup works by drawing water into the intestines
and stimulating the intestine to move stool on through.
References:
Parent
Corner Q & A:
OTC medicinces-American Academy of Pediatrics
Instructions for
new parents-American
Academy of Family
Physicians |
