Question
A four-month-old girl baby has recently been experiencing difficulty defecating, with only a small amount of hard stools being passed. The parents report that the baby primarily feeds on formula milk, with an adequate intake of water. The day before yesterday, she had a small amount of watermelon juice, and no other complementary foods were introduced. The parents are seeking expert advice to understand the cause of this phenomenon and the corresponding measures.
Answer
Infant constipation is a common issue with various causes, generally categorized into functional constipation and constipation caused by congenital intestinal malformations. Functional constipation can be cured through proper management, while congenital intestinal malformations require professional medical intervention. Constipation can lead to anal pain and discomfort in infants, which may cause them to fear defecation in the long run, further exacerbating constipation symptoms. It is recommended to use massage techniques: use the right hand to gently rub and massage around the baby’s navel in a clockwise direction with the four fingers together. This not only helps with defecation but also promotes digestion.