Question
My daughter is four months old, and she had a bowel movement this morning, but only one particle. Experts, what could be the cause, and what should I do?
Answer
Infant constipation is a common condition with many possible causes. It can be categorized into two main types: functional constipation and constipation caused by congenital intestinal malformation. Functional constipation can be cured through dietary adjustments, while constipation due to congenital intestinal malformation requires special treatment. After a child experiences constipation, the hard stool can stimulate the anus, causing pain and discomfort. Over time, the child may fear defecating and hesitate to strain during bowel movements. This can lead to drier stool in the intestines, making the constipation symptoms worse. Therefore, it is best to use massage to treat your baby’s constipation problem: use your right hand with four fingers together, gently rub and massage in a clockwise direction around your baby’s navel. This not only helps with defecation but also promotes digestion.