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Natural cure for constipation in infants

constipation in breast feed infants, he has not pooped in two days today being the third. What can I do to either help him or what can I eat that will go through my breast milk. He is only 7 weeks old. thank you Kristine
( 9 Mar 2008)

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Constipation Treatment for Infants

Breast fed infants have more bowel movements per day, rather than formula fed infants. No bowel for almost three days shows the degree of constipation in infants. Transition from breast milk to artificial milk or milk powder causes constipation.

Intake of solid foods apart from strained foods, also result in constipation.

For infants above 2 months about 4 ounces of water is given at regular intervals. About four ounces of fruit juices are given, in case of lack of improvement of the condition, apple, pear, grape and cherry juice.

Sorbitol in prunes is a non digestible sugar that results in water retention. For infants, older than 4 months, high fiber foods are effective. Spinach, pears, plums, beans, peaches, beans and peas are recommended foods. In some cases, constipation in infants is also due to underlying conditions, such as hypothyroidism or Hirschsprung's disease.

Water based lubricant is applied on the child's anus helps in easing the stool passage. Enema, laxatives and mineral oil are better avoided in infants. Corn syrup is given only under the guidance of a paediatrician. Lactulose is given under the guidance of a gastroenterologist.

answered by Dr C on 9 Mar 2008, 11:10:17

Natural cure for constipation in infants

constipation in breast feed infants, he has not pooped in two days today being the third. What can I do to either help him or what can I eat that will go through my breast milk. He is only 7 weeks old. thank you Kristine ( 9 Mar 2008)

constipation in breast feed infants, he has not pooped in two days today being the third. What can I do to either help him or what can I eat that will go through my breast milk. He is only 7 weeks old. thank you Kristine
( 9 Mar 2008)