Question
Under mixed feeding, newborns occasionally experience dry or loose stools. Parents often use suppositories in the morning to promote their baby’s defecation. Is this practice harmful to newborns?
Answer
If newborns can defecate naturally, it is recommended to avoid routine use of suppositories. In situations where formula feeding is involved, babies may encounter difficulties in defecation and dry stools. Performing a daily defecation training usually resolves the issue. Generally, it is not advisable to over-rely on medication, as drug use should be cautious. Defecation issues may be related to the feeding method (formula or breast milk). Breastfed babies tend to have thinner stools; formula-fed babies may experience dry stools. If parents observe that their baby is experiencing discomfort during defecation, they may consider consulting a doctor to see if additional cod liver oil or the addition of glucose to the formula is needed to alleviate defecation problems.