Question
My baby, born on December 15, 2005, is now five months old. Until recently, the baby had a bowel movement several times a day, and regular stool tests were normal. However, starting from December 18, 2005, the baby has not had a bowel movement, and it has been four days now. (In this time, I have given him some sweet potatoes and a little rice porridge.) How should I deal with this long period without bowel movements? Looking forward to your reply!! Thank you!
Answer
Hello: Based on your description, you can choose to use a rectal enema with glycerin to resolve your baby’s constipation issue. To prevent constipation in the future, you should take the following precautions:
- As much as possible, breastfeed the baby, as breastfed infants are less likely to experience constipation. If constipation occurs, you can give them sugared vegetable water or fruit juice.
- When introducing solid foods, you can offer mashed vegetables, fruits, corn flour, and oatmeal.
- Gently massage the baby’s abdomen, focusing on the lower left abdomen. If you feel a string-like object, gently massage from top to bottom to promote bowel movement.
- Gently massage the baby’s anal opening to stimulate physiological reflexes that promote defecation.
- Encourage appropriate physical activity to promote bowel movement.
- Artificial bowel evacuation using mineral oil, glycerin suppositories, or small soap shavings can be used to train defecation habits (only for severe constipation).
- Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment: You can appropriately apply herbs that clear heat, detoxify, and moisten intestines for defecation.