Question
The child has not had a bowel movement for over a month, and the parents have used laxatives without improvement. Ask about possible causes and solutions.
Answer
A proper diagnosis of constipation considers the quality and effect of the stool on the baby, not just the frequency of bowel movements. Every baby’s bowel movement pattern is different, related to the amount of breast milk or formula they consume. Generally, breastfed babies have more frequent bowel movements, while formula-fed babies tend to have harder stools. If a baby has a normal hardness and quantity of stool after not having a bowel movement for 2 to 3 days, and there are no other discomforts, it should not be considered constipation. However, if the stool is dry, in small quantities, and difficult to pass, with the baby showing pain or resistance during defecation, this may indicate a problem. Possible causes of constipation include intestinal obstruction, megacolon, improper diet, fever, or hypothyroidism. Drinking Simmered Four Drugs may help in the short term.