Question

A 67-day-old girl hasn’t had a bowel movement for three consecutive days, and the parents are very worried. How should this be handled? Do they need to take her to the hospital for a check-up? The parents have already tried abdominal massage, but it hasn’t worked, and they are seeking professional advice.

Answer

The 67-day-old girl may be experiencing constipation issues. Breastfed infants often suffer from constipation, which can cause pain during bowel movements and even damage to the anus. This may lead to crying and refusal to defecate, causing concern for the parents. How can it be prevented? Here are some recommended measures:

  1. Add a moderate amount of sugar to the milk, with 10 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters of milk.
  2. Give the child honey water.
  3. Feed the child complementary foods rich in vitamins, such as fresh fruit juice, vegetable water, and apple puree. If the child has difficulty defecating, you can use soap sticks or glycerin suppositories inserted into the anus, or use a rectal lubricant. Do not give the child laxatives on your own. For children who commonly experience constipation, in addition to adjusting the diet, physical exercises should be performed to strengthen the abdominal muscles, which is beneficial for bowel movements.