Question
The newborn is 20 days old and has had stool after birth for 3 days. After that, the baby defecated once on its own, but then only once every 5 days. After using the rectal lubricant again, the baby has not had a bowel movement for 5 days. The baby is currently sleeping and eating well, but the defecation issue remains unresolved. What was the past treatment and its effectiveness? Urgently need assistance.
Answer
Firstly, pay attention to the situation where the rectal lubricant was used to assist with defecation after the baby had not had a bowel movement for 5 days. For babies fed only on formula milk, it is especially important to ensure they are adequately hydrated. For babies fed with formula milk, when there is indigestion or diarrhea, a strategy of eating smaller, more frequent meals should be adopted. If breastfed, mothers should be mindful of their diet and avoid spicy foods and apples, among other foods that may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in the baby. After defecation, you can massage the baby’s abdomen in a clockwise direction. These suggestions are hoped to help resolve the issue of “How to handle a newborn’s lack of stool after three days?”