Newborn Constipation
Newborn Constipation Common Causes
That’s because they wouldn’t be smiling the whole time. When a little one cries a lot, he or she may actually be experiencing pain and serious discomfort.
The common causes of discomfort in babies are colic and newborn constipation. Newborn constipation is a condition that entails serious and dangerous complications if not attended to properly.
The little ones are truly a gift from heaven. All mothers and family members could feel the warmth and the joy when they see their babies smiling and laughing. But caring for babies does not only involve playing with them and being enchanted and delighted by their smiles.
The first stool that newborns pass out after their birth is called a meconium, a soft dark green to black stool. Newborns pass out meconium within the 24 hours after their birth up to the third day. Normal stool will start to be passed out by newborns when they start to have their regular bowel movement, which is usually on the third day after birth.
Babies’ digestive system is very weak when born. A few are troubled with intestinal problems, which can be dealt with effectively using minimal medical intervention.
Production of dry and hard stools that are difficult to pass is called constipation. Newborn babies rarely have constipation as it generally occurs when you change from breast milk to formula feed.
However, if a newborn has constipation, seeking a doctors advice is recommended. Rarely, constipation is due to an underlying condition. However, if this persists even after dietary changes, medical intervention will be required. Babies should never be given laxatives.
Newborns tend to have very frequent bowel movements, with breast fed babies soiling nappies up to five times a day, usually after every feed. Babies that are formula fed generally have just one bowel movement per day and their stools are quite smelly. Breast milk often stimulates bowel movement causing such babies to pass motion after every feed.
Babies with newborn constipation may not be able to pass out meconium within the 24-36 hour time period and may extend up to the fourth day. Blood on the stool or meconium may also occur because of a tear on the rectal wall caused by hard stool. These babies experiencing newborn constipation are seen usually crying, red faced, grunting and kicking.
Causes of constipation in babies vary. Breastfed newborn constipation may occur if the mother stopped breastfeeding and switched her baby’s milk to formula from breast milk. There are many different formula milk types available for babies. Some of the formula milk may not be compatible with the baby’s digestion capabilities and cause newborn constipation.
Aside from the milk formula, another cause of newborn constipation is the frequency of milk feeding. The feeding schedule should reflect enough time for babies to digest the milk before another milk feeding is done. Baby’s digestion time is short.
Some babies are able to pass out stool fifteen minutes after feeding. If the baby is fed from time to time without enough rest time in between feedings, the baby may find it difficult to digest the milk, especially cow’s milk which is harder to digest than breast milk.
Newborn Constipation Treatment – Home Remedies
Newborn constipation treatment includes home remedies which involve diet and feeding method change. Adding an additional bottle of water for babies who are bottle-fed may help them to pass out their stool easier.
Instead of formula milk, mothers should think about giving their babies their breast milk for easier digestion plus supply of more nutrients and protection. If the cause is the formula milk, it is best to consult with a pediatrician to take note of what may be the right formula milk to give to their babies. Massaging of the baby’s stomach may help.
Infant Baby Care Tips : How to Treat Newborn Constipation
To treat newborn baby constipation, insert suppositories into the baby’s rectal area, try laxative drops, move the baby’s legs in a bicycle motion, or give the baby a tummy massage. Consult a doctor if constipation persists in a newborn with advice from the mother of three young children in this free video on parenting.
Do the massage during bathing so the baby is relaxed more and the bowel movement will be stimulated. Most of the time after the massage, babies with newborn constipation pass out stool right in the tub during or after the bathe massage.
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