Question
My newborn is two months old and has been having difficulty with bowel movements for a while. Is this normal? The frequency and color of the stool are mostly normal, but occasionally there are milk curds in the stool. The initial treatment with bifidobacteria at the city hospital was effective, but now it seems to be ineffective. Do I need to observe further or go to the hospital for an ultrasound examination? How long might it take to improve with dietary adjustments?
Answer
Newborns may occasionally experience what is known as ‘stomach retention’ in the first few months after birth, which means longer intervals between bowel movements. However, as long as the baby does not show any other abnormal symptoms such as fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, lack of energy, or reduced milk intake, it is safe to continue observing. If other abnormal symptoms are noticed, further examination is needed to check for infections or other digestive tract issues. It’s also important to avoid contact with people who have colds, maintain warmth, and if breastfeeding, the mother should avoid eating overly fatty, spicy, or irritating foods. If the baby has a sensation of needing to defecate but cannot, a glycerin suppository can be used to assist. If necessary, a digestive tract ultrasound can be performed to rule out other issues. These suggestions are for the case of ‘a two-month-old newborn who has always had difficulty defecating,’ and I hope they are helpful. Wishing your baby good health!