Question

The baby hasn’t had a bowel movement for 3 days and has more farts. Eating and sleeping are normal. The baby was born at 34 weeks and weighs 4 jin. On the 12th to the 15th, the baby experienced constipation. Treatment on the 11th included the doctor providing a rectal suppository and a multivitamin oral liquid. On the morning of the 12th, the rectal suppository was used, resulting in a loose bowel movement, but since then there has been no further bowel movement. The baby consumes up to 300 milliliters of formula milk per day. The baby was born prematurely at 34 weeks. What are the possible causes and is this normal?

Answer

Firstly, you can try using a pediatric rectal suppository or a soap strip, but be gentle with the action. Additionally, I suggest: 1) Drinking more water; definitely drink more water, you can add milk powder or a milkmate to the formula or water, using one packet per day. Avoid eating formula milk or breast milk with calcium at the same time; they should be taken two hours apart to prevent constipation and to ensure proper absorption of both milk and calcium; otherwise, it may have serious side effects. 2) For babies breastfed by their mothers, pay attention to adjusting the mother’s diet structure; eat more lightly, and the mother should also drink more water. 3) Give the baby a clockwise abdominal massage; gently rub the baby’s abdomen with your palm, with the navel as the center, rotating from left to right. Massage for 10 times, rest for 5 minutes, then massage for another 10 times, repeating this process for three rounds. Abdominal massage can promote abdominal gastrointestinal blood circulation, increase peristalsis, not only helping to relieve constipation but also enhancing the baby’s appetite.