Question
Why is it that a three-month-old child hasn’t had a bowel movement for five days? The child’s bowel movements have always been normal before. When using a rectal suppository, just a little bit is squeezed in, and the stool comes out violently, resembling mud. After pulling it out, there’s no more stool. A few minutes later, another rectal suppository is inserted, and this time more is squeezed in. After that, even more stool comes out, in a paste-like consistency.
Answer
The child’s condition indicates a recurrence of constipation, as the rectal suppository triggers the symptoms you described due to its proximity to the anus. This is normal, so please do not worry too much. If the child has had regular and normal bowel movements all along, it’s advisable to investigate the cause. It could be changes in the baby’s feeding or dietary changes in the mother, among other factors. Additionally, encourage the baby to drink more water, and you can also add some infant glucose and provide vegetable juice to help improve intestinal peristalsis.