Question
A 25-day-old baby, primarily fed with formula milk through mixed feeding, had a recent bowel movement that was hard and dry, and has not had a bowel movement for four days. Is this constipation? How should it be handled? Additionally, the baby often vomits regardless of the amount of food consumed. Could this be related to constipation? How should it be resolved?
Answer
For young infants, introducing formula milk too early may lead to body heatiness, which can cause difficulty in defecation. It is recommended to temporarily stop feeding formula milk and seek traditional Chinese medicine treatment to address the constipation issue. The treatment should focus on the root cause rather than just symptomatic relief. The mother can consider taking traditional Chinese medicine to increase breast milk supply, while also allowing the baby to consume fresh milk. During the baby’s constipation, it is advisable to avoid feeding formula milk, as the baby is not suitable for medication. The key to resolving constipation lies in cooling down the mother’s body. As for the vomiting issue, although it is not directly mentioned as being related to constipation, improving overall nutrition and digestive status is crucial.