Infant Constipation...any advice?

Alyssa is battling constipation...no question. Poor little thing turns red and strains to poop and all that comes out is a little rock. I have called the pediatrician, but he hasn't called me back yet. I want to give this poor baby some relief because she is not sleeping good and very fussy. I would be too if that was going on with me! Do any of you have any experience and advice you can send my way??? I would appreciate it!

I know Mylicon helps with gas, but I can't remember if it might help soften the little stools or not as well. It's worth a try, at least to give her some relief. Is she on formula or are you breastfeeding?

Stacey

I always gave mine 2oz of water 2 times a day. If that did not work I would give them 2oz of juice(water downed) and that would get it going. With her being a newborn it is a tough call. I would just wait for you Dr.

There seemed to be some helpful advice here:
http://baby.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Newborn_Constipation

I hope it passes soon!

When Ava couldn't go at all, I had to do the rectal thermometer thing. Just a little petrolium jelly on the tip of the thermometer, insert it only slightly (1/2" maybe) and slightly wiggle around for 30 seconds or so. Then watch the poop fly! Got her going every time.

If she is b/f'ing, its normal for them not to poop for days. B/M is absorbed into the blood stream quicker and doesnt come out always in the form of poop.

If she is formula feeding... it might be the iron in the formula. The doctor would tell you weather or not to switch formula's but typically they dont want to be put down on low iron. Try giving her a warm bath for a while, after use the thermeter in the bum with a bit of vaseline, try massaging her belly in a circular motion, also do leg lifts while she lays on her back. I didnt read the link yet.. but thats what i haev done in the past with lo's in my care and its worked out well.

Let us know what the doc says..

They have little baby enema thingies. My son is 3 and I have used these on occasion when he has had severe constipation.

When son was a baby, I massaged his tummy clockwise motion, with baby oil. Within a day his bowels would move.

DH has also manually pulled it out before (with gloves of course). He's a great Daddy! I don't think I could handle doing that!

Awww, poor lil Alyssa!!!
I would try the thermometer thing, I know they make the baby supositories, I've never really had to deal with infant constipation. she's so young, call the doc again.
my b/f babies were pooping all the time!
and it wasn't solid like that. Is she formula or boobie??

So sorry u have to deal with that, it's gotta be so frustrating and upsetting. the moving the legs and rubbing the belly should help if only to relieve some discomfort for her!

poor baby!

Her pediatrician recommended 1/2 oz. of apple juice with 2 1/2 oz. water. He also recommended 1/2 tsp. karo syrup in her formula along with the thermometer in the rear with vasoline. Poor baby. I did that...NOT FUN!! She is a formula fed baby, so I do suspect the iron in the formula. If that doesn't work by tonight, I am going to massage the belly before she goes to bed. Thanks for the suggestions ladies!!

Hey ladies...just so you know for future reference...kero syrup and q-tip with vasoline when they are straining works!!! It was almost like a sigh of relief came over her face when it finally came out. Yippee! Hopefully, we will have a good sleep night tonight, because last night sucked!

Awww! good!!
Glad to hear that she's feeling better!!

glad she got relief, Stephanie!

wow, here i am at 2:30 in the morning, thinking about all the questions and experiences that are going to come along with this baby... I need to start a file to keep the wealth of info that is only just beginning!! all I can say is thank goodness for you ladies and our March Mommies board.

Glad to hear she is doing better.

Amy.. Good thing about this board...you can ask a question as many times as you need to and you wont get slammed! So ask away! Someone on here is bound to know the answer! YOu will do fine!

SequoiaAutumn wrote:Glad to hear she is doing better.

Amy.. Good thing about this board...you can ask a question as many times as you need to and you wont get slammed! So ask away! Someone on here is bound to know the answer! YOu will do fine!

Amen to that one April! Even what someone would classify as a "silly" question is not really a silly question if you don't know!! That is my honest opinion. I would rather know than not know, and if someone can help, then that is what all of us are here for! This is so much better than the "bitchy" board!! I love you ladies and all the care, support and wisdom we have here!