Question
The baby’s anal area swells several circles after defecation. She didn’t pass much at noon, but she passed some at night, and the anal area is a bit swollen. It subsides after a while, but she cries a bit too.
Answer
If the baby has dry stools, especially hard ones, it’s possible that straining during defecation could cause the anal area to swell. It might also lead to anal fissures. The first step is to stabilize her bowel movements. If she has difficulty passing stool, you can try using a rectal suppository first to see if it helps. In the meantime, encourage her to eat more vegetables and fruits and drink plenty of water, as this helps keep the stool soft and easy to pass. You can also apply some bear bile hemorrhoid cream to the area and use rectal treatment to help reduce swelling and relieve pain.