Question
Is it normal for a baby to defecate once every 3 days before breastfeeding? My child is 4 months old, and before breastfeeding, she defecates every 3 days. This time, it’s been 6 days since her last bowel movement. What’s going on? There are no symptoms; the baby is still eating, and there’s no bloating.
Answer
The child’s condition is due to weak colon function. Pay attention to the child’s bowel movements; if they do not defecate for less than two days, medication such as a rectal suppository should be used to facilitate bowel movements. Normally, ensure that the child drinks an adequate amount of water and can have abdominal massage (usually performed in a clockwise direction with the palm gently rubbing the infant’s abdomen, focusing on the navel as the center, moving from left to right in a jumping motion. It is generally recommended to massage 10 times, rest for 5 minutes, and then massage another 10 times. This can be repeated three times in total.