Question
A baby who is about to turn six months old is experiencing difficulty with bowel movements. Over the past three days, the baby has had only one bowel movement, and it was quite strained. The baby’s stool is sticky and not completely dry. What could be the possible causes and what precautions should be taken?
Answer
The sticky stool during bowel movements in the baby may be due to dietary factors, such as high levels of casein and calcium in formula milk during artificial feeding, which may lead to constipation. Additionally, a high protein content in food with a lack of carbohydrates may alter the gut microbiome, reduce the fermentation process of food, causing the stool to become alkaline and thus drier. Moreover, if the baby has a preference for meat over vegetables or if the food is too refined and lacks fiber, this may also lead to constipation. Furthermore, if the baby eats too little, excessive absorption of digestive fluids, and reduced residue, this may also result in fewer bowel movements and make the stool more thick and sticky, leading to constipation.