Question
What should I do if my baby hasn’t had a bowel movement for a week? They only pass stool as small as pebbles occasionally; it’s smelly and hard; they strain especially hard each time; and they are still breastfeeding. They haven’t been to the hospital; this is the second time. I want to resolve this quickly.
Answer
Your baby is experiencing constipation, and I suggest adjusting their diet to improve the situation. In addition to breast milk, you can encourage your baby to drink more water, provide fresh-squeezed juice to aid in defecation, and consider using lactase, probiotics, or other supplements to adjust the intestinal flora. If the situation is urgent, you can temporarily use a rectal suppository, but avoid frequent use to prevent dependence. It’s also important to cultivate a regular bowel movement habit for your baby.