Constipation in a newborn is characterized by infrequent, hard stools that cause the baby to strain and appear to be in discomfort. If you watch the average newborn, there is generally a fair amount of straining and effort that goes into any bowel movement. It is said that breastfed babies are never truly constipated, but it can appear that they are, because some babies utilize their breast milk feedings so efficiently that they only have a bowel movement once every few days, or once a week. One of my breastfed babies was like this. He would go over a week without a bowel movement, and while I fretted, he was fine. When that once-a-week bowel movement came, though–watch out! It was down the legs and up the back and all over.
Bottle-fed newborns are far more prone to constipation, and it can be extremely frustrating for mom and baby. If the newborn is being fed an iron-fortified formula, the temptation is to change to a formula without iron, but recent studies have shown that babies on formula without iron get constipated just as often as babies on iron-fortified formulas. So, do not discontinue the iron-fortified formula. What can you do if your baby becomes constipated? Here are a few ideas:
1. Get the body moving to get the poop moving. Try laying your baby on his back and circle his legs in the air in a bicycle pedaling motion. You can also massage your baby’s belly gently to try to encourage the bowels to move. Repeat these movements several times a day.
2. Sometimes rectal stimulation can lead to a bowel movement in a constipated newborn. Generously lubricate the tip of an infant rectal thermometer and, while you hold the baby’s legs in the air, gently insert the thermometer a half inch into the anus. Carefully hold it there for two minutes. The bowel movement may not happen immediately, so give it a little time.
3. If you have recently changed to a different formula and constipation results, try switching back to the original formula to see if that brings relief.
4. In a baby that is older than four months, you can try adding one ounce of apple juice to four ounces of formula and feed this twice a day until a bowel movement results.
5. If none of the above remedies help your baby to have a bowel movement, you can use an infant glycerin suppository, which can be found at most drug stores. For a newborn, use only half of the suppository. Lubricate the tip with petroleum jelly and gently insert the suppository fully into the baby’s rectum.
If a suppository does not produce a bowel movement, and your baby is uncomfortable and not feeding well, then it is time to call your pediatrician, who will be able to help you with your baby’s constipation problems. Do not hesitate to call your doctor if your baby is constipated. It is a common problem, and your newborn’s doctor will be happy to help you pinpoint the reasons for the constipation and get your baby going again.
