Constipation in a baby while breastfeeding

Constipation in infants with breastfeeding is quite rare, but causing a great discomfort for the baby. How to determine that the baby really has constipation and help to cope with it?

Not so important is the number of emptyings of the baby per day, as the behavior of the baby and the consistency of feces. If the stool is very dense (often in the form of hard balls), and the baby cries and shows anxiety during bowel movements, then these are really signs of constipation in the infant while breastfeeding.

The main causes of constipation in breastfed babies:

• Difficulties with defecation can be caused by congenital problems with the digestive tract.
• If the child is hurt during a bowel movement, he may be specifically held back so as not to feel pain. This provokes psychological constipation.
• Another cause of constipation in breastfed babies is lack of fluid. If the baby overheats, he needs additional fluid, for example, in hot weather.
• Constipation in infants can also be caused by food allergies, drug use and diseases of the thyroid gland.
• Constipation in a baby who receives breast milk may be caused by the introduction of a supplement (mixture) or complementary foods.

The reaction of parents to the development of constipation in a child of the first year of life will depend on the age of the baby.

First of all, you should examine the baby to eliminate serious diseases that can cause constipation. If the mother is faced with constipation in the baby at an early age, then it should immediately exclude congenital abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract and diseases with impaired metabolism. For this you need to go with the baby to the pediatrician. As a rule, for such diseases, constipation is not the only symptom, so if, in addition to the difficulty of emptying, the baby still has some painful manifestations, then you should definitely consult a doctor.

Lactase deficiency extremely rarely can cause constipation. In this case, difficulty defecation alternates with diarrhea and is often accompanied by regurgitation in large volumes. To determine this cause, the child is prescribed a special examination.

At this age, constipation can be provoked by early feeding or adding infant formula to the diet. If the cause of difficulty defecation has become lactation, it is recommended to exclude up to 6 months of age. If the mother wants to feed the baby with the mixture, it is worth consulting with the pediatrician who will help you choose the most optimal nutrition. If the baby receives only mother's milk, you need to pay attention to the menu of the nursing mother, as well as sufficient fluid intake of the baby.

In infants older than 6 months, the most common causes of constipation are changes in their menu, as the child begins to try many foods and his digestive tract can respond to constipation to any supplement. To avoid this, it is important to introduce foods complementary foods gradually, noting the reaction of the baby.

Forlax can be used against constipation at this age. It is a mild drug that does not develop addiction. Also permissible means are dufalak and glycerin candles.

Many nursing mothers notice the effect of their diet on the baby’s stool. Constipation in an infant can be provoked by such products in the mom's menu as cow's milk, rice, pear, peas, flour products, smoked foods, cabbage, beans, pickles, black bread, spicy dishes, grapes, mushrooms, and nuts. Cocoa, black tea and coffee are also products that cause constipation.

First of all it is necessary:

• Adjust the mom's diet.
• Encourage the movement of the crumbs.
• To do gymnastics with a baby.
• Massage the belly in a clockwise direction.
• If it's hot, give the baby water.