Question
A 35-day-old baby has not defecated for four consecutive days after receiving a vaccination. How should this be handled?
Answer
For a 35-day-old baby who has not defecated for four consecutive days after vaccination, it is recommended to first check for any other symptoms or dietary abnormalities. Constipation in newborns can be caused by various factors, including breastfeeding or formula feeding. Here are some solutions:
- If breastfeeding, consider adding a small amount of sugar to the milk.
- Give honey water or complementary foods rich in vitamins, such as juices, vegetable water, or apple puree. If defecation is difficult, you can use a soap swab, glycerin suppository inserted into the rectum, or a lubricating enema. Do not give the baby laxatives arbitrarily. Regular exercises can also help strengthen abdominal muscles and promote defecation.