Question
My baby eats a lot, but now the bowel movements have started to decrease. Sometimes it’s every two days, sometimes every three, and the stool is not dry but very forceful during defecation. Later, sometimes it’s every four days without a bowel movement. What should a mother eat to improve constipation in a newborn who can’t pass stool?
Answer
The child may be constipated. If the baby is breastfed, the mother can eat more lightly and drink more soup. If the baby is on formula milk, give the baby an appropriate amount of water to drink. If the situation is very serious, add formula milk. Also, pay attention to maintaining a certain humidity indoors and keeping the baby warm. Eating probiotics can help regulate the gastrointestinal tract. If there is still difficulty in defecation for several consecutive days, try inserting a soap stick into the anus 1 centimeter deep several times to relieve constipation. Massaging the baby’s abdomen regularly can help with peristalsis in the large intestine and also aids in defecation.