Constipation in a 1 month old

Choco80

Our DD is one month old today and she has been struggling to poop for the past day or so.  She did go earlier today a few times, however she had to really push and struggle for a while to get anything out - her face turns purple, she makes awful faces and it looks like she's about to cry but is instead silent, or she moans.  This evening she wasn't able to go after feeding a couple of times, and she gets frustrated and cries.

We feed her 50% breastmilk, 50% formula, and this is an increase in the % formula, so that might cause the problem.  Also, I'm worried she's dehydrated because it's been very hot here lately.  I do my best to keep her hydrated but it is hard because I can't just give her a bottle of water.

What do you guys do for constipation in a baby this young?  I will call the pedi on monday, but since its the weekend i was hoping you guys could give some advice....Thanks! 

Mrslove78

Mine went through this about the same time too...  I gave LO Gripewater and it fixed it.

baylorflamingo

First off, if you're truly concerned, call your pedi. Otherwise, know that it is perfectly normal for infants to go up to a week between bm's. As long as your LO doesn't have a fever, is still eating normally, and is wetting as usual, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. That being said, if (when poo is passed) it is hard, pancake like, or formed, you should call your dr. If it is just a matter of struggling, it could be something as simple as gas. Try rubbing LO's tummy in a circular motion, taking a rectal temperature, giving a long and warm bath, use gripe water or mylicon drops, bicycle pump their legs, and give extra tummy time. These things will hopefully help. But, again, if you're truly worried, call your pedi.

tyarbrough

DD had this problem too. My Mom told me she used to add Karo syrup to my bottles to help. We started adding one teaspoon of it to DD's bedtime bottles and it has helped alot! GL!

baylorflamingo

tyarbrough:

DD had this problem too. My Mom told me she used to add Karo syrup to my bottles to help. We started adding one teaspoon of it to DD's bedtime bottles and it has helped alot! GL!

Giving Karo to infants is no longer recommended because of the sugar content and potential for botulism,  Check out this mayo clinic article for more info.

zanesmama!

My DS has constipation every now and then also caused to switching of formula....we are also 50/50 with the feedings. He does not do well with formula but we have done several things.....we give him 1 oz. prune juice and 1 oz water which works well. We have givin him and enema (sp?). And we to give him water every now and then we he is constipated. Water won't hurt him......its water. But I don't recommend the Karo because of the sugar. GL.

JLS0320

I give DS a little prune juice once in awhile (your LO is most likely too young for this one), we take a rectal temp to try and move it along, or if it's been a really long time and he's in pain we have done glycerine suppositories (they work fast)

TimsMayBride

zanesmama!:

And we to give him water every now and then we he is constipated. Water won't hurt him......its water.

I'd be VERY cautious when giving water - they're much more susceptible to water intoxication, which is why it's generally recommended not to give water to infants.