Suggest Remedies For Constipation In An Infant

Posted on Thu, 26 Oct 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 26 Oct 2017 Answered on

Tue, 28 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a 18day old baby and she is farting but not passing motion is there anything to worry? Should I visit a pediatrician?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for asking on this platform

I can understand your concern. I won't get worried if baby is active, accepting feeds well, passing urine and there is no vomiting.
In this age baby may pass stool once in 3-5 days or 8-10 times a day.
I want to know, what feed you are giving(breastfed or formula fed).
During feed babies swallow air which leads to gas formation. In bottle fed babies the swallowing of air is more so there is more gas related problems.
Proper burping after each feed helps in releasing swallowed air.
So don't get overly worried, burp him well and please let me know if you have any more questions.

Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (21 minutes later)

I am breast feeding her and I am burping her as well

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Don't worry if baby is otherwise normal

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for follow up

Its good to know that you are breast feeding the baby as breast feed is best for baby.
You need not to worry if there are no other symptoms.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (8 hours later)

If the baby is sleeping should I wake her up and feed? I'd not can you tell me how many times should I feed baby

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Try to feed at an interval of at least 3 hours, 8-10 times in 24 hours

Detailed Answer:
Hi

The sleeping pattern in neonates is different from older children. They usually sleep for 16-18 hours a day.
You might get different information about the frequency of breast feeds like 8-12 times a day or at an interval of every 2-3 hours. But this creates confusion and anxiety as whether 2 or 3 hours, what if it is longer than 3 hours or if baby demands earlier than 2 hours.
So I suggest On demand feed, once the baby regains his birth weight that is usually by 2 weeks of age.
On demand feed means you have to observe for the signs of hunger like smacking of lips, movement of mouth, sucking/licking own fingers, turning head towards one side with deviation of angle of mouth that is called rooting or crying.
Unless the baby is not gaining weight properly that is 20-30 mg/kg(should be measured at 7-10 days interval), urinary frequency is less that is less than 6 times a day, any other concurrent illness or weight is very low I don't recommend scheduled (feeding at fixed interval) feeding.
Forceful feeding may make mother anxious and the baby may become cranky.
So whenever you are noticing the signs of hunger feed the baby.

I hope this helps.
I shall be glad to help you further if you need any.
All the best.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (11 minutes later)

Thanks a lot for the detailed answer

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
My pleasure mam

Detailed Answer:
It's my pleasure that you found my suggestions helpful.
I shall be glad to help you in future also.

Wishing good health for your baby
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (15 hours later)

One more thing sir my baby is farting and not passed motion is this a matter of worry? I am breast feeding her and burping also

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi

No need to worry if baby is accepting feeds well, passing urine, there is no abdominal distension or if stool is not very hard/mixed with blood.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar