So your baby has not been able poop for quite a while and you are absolutely worried like a good parent should. How do you cope with newborn constipation? Better still, how do you treat newborn constipation without any side effects?

Newborn constipation can be a very frightening experience for parents who are experiencing it for the very first time. This is not unusual given the fact that parents are aware of the dangers involved in the body’s tendency to reabsorb the toxins deposited in the colon. First, you need to know what causes newborn constipation. Constipation in babies is caused by various factors. Chief among them being withdrawal from breast milk to formula. Sometimes a simple change of formula can even influence the occurrence of newborn constipation. Also, you might want to check if the baby is eating properly. If the baby still passes meconium three days after its delivery, it probably indicates that the baby is not eating very well. The weather also plays a big role in determining how frequently the child would go. Babies have been known to be unable to poop for three day on end in hot weathers.

Another cause of newborn constipation is the formula you use in the feeding of the baby. The baby might be reacting to the different types of formula. So, if after switching formulas you notice the infant has started constipating, then it is probably due to the formula you are feeding the infant with. You can also change the quantity of formula you give the baby at a point in time and increase or decrease the frequency of feeding with formula. Include an increased quantity of water the baby is taking. If the baby shows any sign of improvement in bowel movements, know that it was as a result of inadequate water intake.

You might also want to consult with your pediatrician as regards the quantity of iron in your formula. Note that infants need more iron and as a result, be very sure before you go on a low iron diet as a means of treating any newborn constipation. Also, you can try bathing the baby in an infant tub with the water a little above the stomach level. While bathing, try massaging the stomach. Sometimes, it could just happen that the baby might just “go” right there and then. If you try all these and they don’t work, try using alternative cures or herbal medicine. There are lots of easy alternative cures to newborn constipation.

The Steps To Treat Newborn Constipation:
Step1
Know that during the first few days of life, a baby passes meconium, which is a dark green or black substance. By the third day, regular bowel movements should begin. A baby who continues to pass meconium or have irregular bowel movements may not be eating enough.
Step2
Understand that a recent switch from breast milk to formula could be the culprit.
Step3
Experiment with different formulas if your baby is bottle fed. Different ingredients may affect your baby’s digestion in better ways than others.
Step4
Add bottled water to each of the baby’s bottles for a day to see if this adds the fluids he or she is lacking.
Step5
Change baby’s feedings to more frequent times throughout the day so the belly is digesting less amounts.
Step6
Bathe your newborn using aninfant tub or sink, drawing water to just above the stomach level. As the baby relaxes in the water, try massaging his or her stomach–this can stimulate a bowel movement. Be prepared as the baby may go in the bath.
Step7
Ask your pediatrician about helping baby by using glycerin suppositories, liquid glycerin or flax oil.

By Oscar Uzoma