Question
My child has been having trouble with bowel movements recently, constantly saying they want to go to the bathroom, and they also complain of severe anal pain. What is this condition? Is it constipation? What could be causing it? How should we treat and prevent it?
Answer
- Increase Water Intake
- For breastfed babies, mothers should pay attention to adjusting their dietary structure, maintaining a light diet, and also drink plenty of water themselves.
- Give the baby a clockwise abdominal massage. Gently rub the baby’s abdomen with your palm, focusing on the navel, moving in a circular motion from left to right. Rest for 5 minutes after 10 strokes, then massage for another 10 strokes, and repeat this process three times.
- If bowel movements are not regular for several days, you can use pediatric enema. Feed more fruits and vegetable juices. Do not feed milk too fast or too much during each feeding session, and make sure the formula concentration is not too thick.