Constipation Cures for Breastfed Infants

World Courant

For those who thumb by way of most books about breastfeeding, you aren’t more likely to discover a part on constipation. It is because true constipation in a completely breastfed child may be very uncommon. The truth is, most specialists agree that if a breastfed child is constipated, there’s something medically flawed.

Breast milk is a pure laxative; nevertheless a breastfed toddler might turn into constipated because of the introduction of meals or system. Components specifically is constipating. You probably have not too long ago began giving your child system, this can be the rationale for the constipation. The only greatest treatment is solely extra breast milk.

Causes for constipation in a breastfed child:

1. Sickness that requires medical care (name your physician!)

2. Components consumption

3. Beginning solids

Indicators/definition:

1. The American Academy of Household Physicians defines constipation as a delay or problem in defecation (pooping) for greater than two weeks. In a new child (lower than 6 weeks outdated), the AAFP recommends that folks contact their doctor if their toddler has had fewer than 5 bowel actions per week over a two-week interval

2. Laborious, pebble-like stools

3. Extreme straining and crying in ache. Some straining, grunting, and fussing is regular. Infants are studying how their our bodies work. Grunting, straining, and fussing that ends in a gentle bowel motion isn’t constipation and doesn’t must be handled.

Treatment/Therapy for infants youthful than 6 months:

1. You probably have been completely breastfeeding, name your physician instantly. This might be an indication of a extra significant issue and your child must be evaluated by your well being care skilled. Constipation together with weak point, a weak cry, and lowered consuming may point out botulism. Whereas very uncommon, this can be a life threatening dysfunction and requires immediate medical care.

2. For those who had been offering system as a complement, however largely breastfeeding, cease giving the system and completely breastfeed. Cow’s milk protein may be very irritating to a child’s tummy and intestines. Offering solely breast milk will assist sooth that irritation.

3. You probably have been system feeding, begin breastfeeding (in case your child is lower than 2 weeks outdated) or get the assistance of an Worldwide Board Licensed Lactation Guide (IBCLC) to re-lactate. Even you probably have by no means breastfed earlier than, you’ll most definitely have the ability to produce milk. If breastfeeding is solely not an choice for you, use donor breast milk. You possibly can both contact a milk financial institution (this might be costly) or you possibly can ask a trusted buddy or member of the family for a few of her milk.

Some well being care suppliers discourage utilizing un-processed breast milk since you would be exposing your child to medicine or sickness by way of the donor milk. Nonetheless, if you happen to belief this individual and their child is wholesome, you probably don’t have anything to fret about. This might be an awesome use for the frozen breast milk of mates who aren’t positive what to do with their surplus provide. When you can strive an alternate system, they don’t seem to be derived from human milk, subsequently it’s possible the issue won’t be solved or may even worsen.

Infants older than 6 months:

1. Extra breast milk! If you’re within the technique of weaning, return up on the variety of feedings per day till the issue resolves. Again down on how a lot meals or system you might be giving. See a Registered Dietitian to debate strong meals which can be much less constipating in your child.

2. Time. Normally, constipation will go away with none assist from particular meals or drugs. Though there are over-the-counter therapies for constipation, discuss to your well being care supplier earlier than utilizing them. Repeated bouts of constipation is usually a signal of a extra significant issue.

3. If you’re sure it’s constipation and you’ve got approval out of your well being care supplier, the American Academy of Household Physicians states that “Mother and father might give infants 1 ozof sorbitol-containing juice (similar to prune, pear, or apple) to deal with constipation.” This could solely be given to infants over the age of 6 months.

4. Some well being care suppliers advocate giving corn syrup for constipation. This isn’t essential as the opposite remedy choices talked about will normally work higher. Nonetheless, if you happen to do resolve to provide your child corn syrup, put 1 teaspoon in 2 oz. of water. Don’t put the syrup straight into system or pumped breast milk. Corn syrup works by drawing water into the intestines and stimulating the gut to maneuver stool on by way of. It’s simple to overdo the corn syrup and trigger diarrhea and electrolyte imbalance. Each of those issues could be dangerous to your child.

References:

http://www.aap.org/publiced/BR_Medicine_OTC.htm

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20060301/849.html