Question

My baby hasn’t had a bowel movement for several days. This situation started about a month after birth. Sometimes, I use traditional methods, like using a soap tip to stimulate, which usually helps the baby pass stool. The stool is not very dry, and sometimes it happens once or twice a day, but this is rare. Usually, help from an adult is needed to defecate. My baby is now three months old.

Answer

  1. When introducing solid food, for the treatment of constipation: Try giving vegetables puree, fruits, cornstarch, and oatmeal.
  2. Appropriately massage the abdomen: Massage the lower left abdomen; if you feel a string-like object, gently massage from top to bottom to help move stool upwards and out.
  3. Appropriately massage around the baby’s anus: This can stimulate physiological reactions and promote defecation.
  4. Appropriately exercise to promote the downward movement of stool and stimulate defecation.
  5. Artificial bowel movements: You can use mineral oil, glycerin suppositories, or small soap strips for bowel movements while training defecation habits (only for severe constipation).
  6. Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment: You can use Chinese herbs that clear heat, detoxify, and moisten intestines for defecation, but this should be done under a doctor’s guidance.