Question
My newborn is ten days old and has always been gentle and smiley, but recently they have been experiencing diarrhea. What treatment should be administered?
Answer
The dietary principles for treating newborn diarrhea include reducing the amount of food to lighten the intestinal burden, limiting fat intake to avoid stimulation of the intestinal wall by low-level fatty acids, and limiting carbohydrates to prevent an increase in the fermentation products of intestinal contents, which can lead to increased intestinal peristalsis. The main cause of diarrhea is often indigestion, especially during the transition period of food or when introducing new complementary foods. It is recommended to introduce one new food at a time, starting with small amounts and gradually increasing, waiting until the baby adapts before introducing another. If breastfeeding, the mother should also be mindful of her own diet.