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How do I know if my baby is constipated?Your baby will pass a very hard and dry stool (poop, poo). Sometimes there can be blood around the stool because it stretches and breaks the lining of the anus as it is passed.
Does breast feeding cause baby constipation?Not usually. Breast milk is so natural that it is digested relatively easily and so it is very unusual for breast-fed babies to get constipated, although they may not poop for several days at a time. It is not how often your baby poops but how hard it is that determines whether she has baby constipation.
Is baby constipation caused by iron in formula feeds?No. If you are giving your baby formula it is best to give one that does have iron in it. Bottle fed babies have less liquid stools (poop, poo) than breast-fed babies but it is not because of the iron. Formula milk is just harder for the body to digest.
Why does my baby seem distressed when she poops?That is normal - babies often squirm around when they poop - they have to get their bowels moving. It doesn't mean they are constipated.
What can I do to help my baby poop?If your baby is having a lot of trouble pooping, you can try the following:
Pushing the legs up to the chest puts her in a squatting position which can make it easier to poop.
What is the treatment for baby constipation?I don't like giving medications to babies if I can help it and only do so if the baby poop is very hard and dry, not if the baby poop is not very frequent. Before I consider medications, I try simple measures.
When should I see my doctor?See your doctor if:
References
To go to the top of the Baby Constipation page, click here To read about other causes of blood in the diaper, click here To go to the Newborn Baby problem page, click here To go to the main Constipation page, click here To return to the Home page, click here
Last reviewed 20 October 2006
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