Question
What are the causes of difficult stooling in newborns?
Answer
A newborn encountered difficulties with defecation, with intervals of about eight to nine days between bowel movements. Initially, the baby had one bowel movement per day, but issues began to arise before the end of the first month, starting with three to four days without a bowel movement and gradually increasing to five to six days. Even when stool is passed, it is thin in consistency. After consulting a doctor, the diagnosis was insufficient feeding, and medication was prescribed. The doctor also advised increasing fluid intake (if breastfeeding, the mother should also increase fluid intake), controlling the pace of feeding, diluting formula milk, and gently massaging the baby’s abdomen to assist. To aid in the baby’s defecation, gentle pressure on the legs can be applied. When the baby strains during defecation, a lubricant can be used for assistance. For newborns with diseases, parents should seek medical attention promptly to avoid misconceptions and treat symptoms accordingly. Parents should closely monitor their baby’s symptoms and provide timely treatment for their illnesses.