My son is constipated. Help? (longish)

SamanthaLynn1318 · August 2013

So recently I switched from breastfeeding to formula because unfortunately I am one of those moms who just can't produce enough for their babies. I'm trying really really hard to go on with my days happy and not beat myself up about it (because I wanted to stay dedicated to bf'ing so badly) but these past couple of days have been really hard. My son is really constipated. The past I don't know 1 or 2 poops he's had they were really hard and dark green. And today he's been pushing and straining since early this morning. This never really happens to him at night. He usually will eat 3-4 oz and then go to sleep. It's just ever really during the day. And I'm sitting here feeling terrible because when I was BF his belly seemed fine, his poops were yellowish and seedy like they were supposed to be. I'm really depressed about having to give him formula. I feel like right now I'm failing his little system and I'm failing him as a mom. It's breaking my heart.

Anyway this isn't about me. I'm worried about my son. He's six weeks old. When I put my ear up to his belly I hear bubbling and gurgling. I've tried giving him gas drops but those work only sometimes. I called his Pedi and they told me to try Prune, Apple, or Pear juice. None of which I have.
I'm going to try and give him some breastmilk that I had pumped and put in the fridge to see if that helps move things along.

Side note: I am pumping, but the more I pump the less comes out. When I first started just strictly pumping I was doing it every 2 hours but in a 24 hour period I was only getting about 3-4 oz. Still being on that same routine. I'm getting an ounce now... Maybe two. I hate myself for it but I have tried everything from Mother's Milk Tea to taking an obnoxious amount of Fenugreek. Nothing is helping. What can I do to help my son poop better?

Sorry this was a little longer than I had planned it to be.

Also posted in July 2013

Babi2comingSoon2014 · August 2013

the juice is your best option at this point. can you call someone to get you some? or call dr. back and tell them u have no juice what else can be done?

Kebruce · August 2013

My sons' s doctor prescribed my son 1 teaspoon of karo syrup in 1 ounce of water twice a day but check with your pediatrician. Also if the constipation continued even with the karo syrup could do half ounce of prune juice to a half oujce of water. Just can'tgive them both at the same time.

jayro10 · August 2013

I agree about seeing if someone else can bring you some juice, but in the meantime, try lying him on his back and moving his legs in a bicycle motion. That usually helps. Also, rub his belly. Call your pedi on Monday morning and ask what formula he/she recommends to help avoid constipation in the future.

Regarding BFing, don't be so hard on yourself! You are NOT failing him. Failing him would be selfishly sticking with something that didnt work. You are making sure your child is fed, and that is most important. Chin up, mama! You're doing great!

MeenaJo · August 2013

DS has this problem, he ended up on a sensitive formula that we added a tsp of Karo to twice a day per pedi instructions. He was fine after that though still gassy. Drops helped some but mostly he just outgrew it around 12 weeks.

SusanTeach · August 2013

Formula is thicker and takes longer to digest than BM. I can't advise on when your LO has hard poos, but if he isn't going at all for more than 24-48 hours, make sure he is getting his fill of formula (we're using Similac Advance), as they will want more and more by week 5-6, then dip the end of a Q-tip in Vaseline and gently insert it into his butt and pull it out. Just the tip is fine. Lay him down on a covered surface and bring his legs up to his chest a few times. Exercise his legs in a bicycle motion and wait. He should have a nice, loose movement.

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My son is constipated. Help? (longish)

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