Your Baby and Constipation - What it Really Means
Your baby and constipation can be a barrier to happy times with your little one, and unfortunately, there are a many misconceptions about constipation and its significance in babies.
So, that is why every mother should know the important basics about the troubles with pooping.
True constipation occurs when the stool in the baby's intestine is hard and dry and causes significant difficulty and discomfort when being eliminated from the body.
It is important to remember that there is no "normal" when it comes to the schedule or to the number of bowel movements.
What is important is to understand what is "normal" for your child.
Your baby's bowel movements will be based on her level of activity, how much she eats and drinks (remember, babes who are breast fed exclusively are rarely constipated) and even how her little body works to process waste products.
If you are having a hard time dealing with your baby and constipation, there's no need to worry.
Here's a few suggestions that you can try in order to help your baby find relief from constipation.
You might consider talking with your baby's pediatrician to see about switching to a different formula.
Some babies experience less constipation with different formulas.
Your pediatrician might also suggest that you add a little Karo syrup to the formula to help with the constipation.
Other baby constipation relief tricks include massaging the tummy, reducing the intake of constipating foods like rice, cooked carrots and even bananas, and increasing your baby's overall intake of fluids.
In extreme cases, and after talking with your little one's doctor, you might use a glycerin suppository to help stimulate the rectum and help the stool to move through.
Although it can be a normal thing that happens in babies, it is better to ask for advice and have your baby checked by your regular pediatrician when you first notice issues of constipation.
This should certainly be done especially when the infrequent, hard stools seem to be causing significant discomfort to your baby.
Also before trying any medication or treatments, you "must" seek medical advice from your pediatrician in order to make sure that you develop a collaborative management plan.
Your baby and constipation can cause any parent to worry, but know that there are helpful and easy to implement options that can provide your baby with relief and you with much less worry!
So, that is why every mother should know the important basics about the troubles with pooping.
True constipation occurs when the stool in the baby's intestine is hard and dry and causes significant difficulty and discomfort when being eliminated from the body.
It is important to remember that there is no "normal" when it comes to the schedule or to the number of bowel movements.
What is important is to understand what is "normal" for your child.
Your baby's bowel movements will be based on her level of activity, how much she eats and drinks (remember, babes who are breast fed exclusively are rarely constipated) and even how her little body works to process waste products.
If you are having a hard time dealing with your baby and constipation, there's no need to worry.
Here's a few suggestions that you can try in order to help your baby find relief from constipation.
You might consider talking with your baby's pediatrician to see about switching to a different formula.
Some babies experience less constipation with different formulas.
Your pediatrician might also suggest that you add a little Karo syrup to the formula to help with the constipation.
Other baby constipation relief tricks include massaging the tummy, reducing the intake of constipating foods like rice, cooked carrots and even bananas, and increasing your baby's overall intake of fluids.
In extreme cases, and after talking with your little one's doctor, you might use a glycerin suppository to help stimulate the rectum and help the stool to move through.
Although it can be a normal thing that happens in babies, it is better to ask for advice and have your baby checked by your regular pediatrician when you first notice issues of constipation.
This should certainly be done especially when the infrequent, hard stools seem to be causing significant discomfort to your baby.
Also before trying any medication or treatments, you "must" seek medical advice from your pediatrician in order to make sure that you develop a collaborative management plan.
Your baby and constipation can cause any parent to worry, but know that there are helpful and easy to implement options that can provide your baby with relief and you with much less worry!
