Question
The newborn is already 19 days old, but both the appetite and defecation have significantly decreased, and the sleep duration is longer. The doctor diagnosed it as constipation and suggested dietary adjustments, but the effect was not satisfactory. Are there other methods to improve this condition?
Answer
If a newborn’s appetite decreases, their natural defecation volume will also decrease accordingly. Normally, newborns should have 2 to 4 bowel movements per day. First, it is necessary to confirm whether the baby is being fed breast milk or formula milk, as formula milk is more likely to cause heat. It is recommended to supplement the baby with water between feedings and gently massage the baby’s navel area in a clockwise direction to promote intestinal peristalsis. In addition, consider giving the baby digestive medicine twice a day, each time a packet or half a packet, and store the medicine in the refrigerator. The water temperature for dissolving the medicine should not exceed 40 degrees Celsius.