Help for my constipated 3 month old!

[sandramaac]

I had a son who had severe constipation, even had to see a pediatric gastro specialist he had a condition called incoordinated defecation basically because his poo's were so painful, he learned to basically shut down is whole colonic reflex anyway I know ALL the tricks

first has your baby started any solids, cereal etc??

if you have back off the solids a tiny bit

is baby crying at all in discomfort, pull legs up??

not a biggie on the prune juice has to be diluted with a baby this small

karo was a winner to me

also massage the abdomen towards the left, the side the final part of the bowel empties it helps

my son was so bad sometimes i needed to use a thermometer to help stimulate the area to empty when he was an infant (i know toooo much information, but there where time at age 2 where he didn't go for 8 days, it was bad)

once baby is 'unplugged' see if it happens again

you can take baby to the pediatrician and dr will palpitate the abdomen to see how much stool is actually in the bowel it may not be as much as you think


good luck

 

[DznyLvr2005]

my son was so bad sometimes i needed to use a thermometer to help stimulate the area to empty when he was an infant (i know toooo much information, but there where time at age 2 where he didn't go for 8 days, it was bad)

I already do this 9 out of 10 times she tries to go. Her poop get stuck and I have to help her get the rest out! It's horrible!!!

 

[DznyLvr2005]

about the karo syrup. It's the just regular pain old Karo? Mixed with water or formula?
Thanks

 

[Mahnahmahnah]

My DD was constipated too. But not as bad with it being stuck. I took her off Similac and went on Enfamil. She was much better after a week. It turned out she didn't tolerate Similac well. When she was around 4 or 5 mos we figured it out. I also BF along w/ FF.

I also gave her an ounce of water when needed. "They" say you shouldn't give water, but Granma's say "Yes" It worked. Also I found out from talking with other FM's on DH's side many of the babies had a problem w/ Similac and the hard stools.

My DD did not poopy every day. When she was constipated I could tell : her face would turn red and she was grunting and groaning. I would feel so bad.

Good luck!

ETA- I saw you saying how it is really stuck - I would definetley talk to DR about switching formulas, etc. You're supposed to do it slowly.

 

[DznyLvr2005]

My DD was constipated too. But not as bad with it being stuck. I took her off Similac and went on Enfamil. She was much better after a week. It turned out she didn't tolerate Similac well. When she was around 3 mos we figured it out. I also BF along w/ FF.

I also gave her an ounce of water when needed. "They" say you shouldn't give water, but Granma's say "Yes" It worked. Also I found out from talking with other FM's on DH's side many of the babies had a problem w/ it and the hard stools.

Don't worry too much. My DD did not poopy every day. When she was constipated I could tell : her face would turn red and she was grunting and groaning. I would feel so bad.

Good luck!

ETA- I saw you saying how it is really stuck - I would definetley talk to DR about switching formulas.

We just saw the doc last week and she knows all about the constipation. She keeps pushing the prune juice. So far, I've given her prune juice in almost every single bottle. It hasn't done a thing, which is odd I think. I tried the water thing before and she drank maybe 1/2 an ounce, I don't think she liked it. My mom is pushing the "give her some water" too, but back in the day, babies also slept on their tummy's, and my mom also said she was giving me cereal and cows milk at 3 weeks! LOL!! I know thats a no no in this day and age
I just don't know if it's the formula making her like this, or the fact that I need to give her the juice or syrup. She was on all the similacs which made her so gassy she cried constantly. With the Goodstart is isn't gassy at all, just horribly constipated.

 

[Mahnahmahnah]

We just saw the doc last week and she knows all about the constipation. She keeps pushing the prune juice. So far, I've given her prune juice in almost every single bottle. It hasn't done a thing, which is odd I think. I tried the water thing before and she drank maybe 1/2 an ounce, I don't think she liked it. My mom is pushing the "give her some water" too, but back in the day, babies also slept on their tummy's, and my mom also said she was giving me cereal and cows milk at 3 weeks! LOL!! I know thats a no no in this day and age
I just don't know if it's the formula making her like this, or the fact that I need to give her the juice or syrup. She was on all the similacs which made her so gassy she cried constantly. With the Goodstart is isn't gassy at all, just horribly constipated.

Ya gotta listen to Granma, sometimes!

That was a problem with my DD too - GAS! Poor baby had really 'sharp' pooters. I don't know what else to call them.

It was terrible for her though. Poor thing. I feel so bad for your DD. Have you concidered switching to Enfamil? I think it could be the formula. They send me coupons all the time. Just register on their website. Also there is a WalMart version and Target version.

 

[DznyLvr2005]

she just spit up the water.. grrr

now i noticed her left eye is tearing alot and she's rubbing it also her nose is looking stutffy. maybe ill call the doc tomorrow, its just I'm always feeling like the annoying new mother.

 

[eowensby]

My dd was the same way as a baby and through her toddler years. Baby Lax was the only thing that would give immediate relief. It's made by Fleet...the people who make enemas and suppositories. It might be called Pedia-Lax now. It's a bulb of liquid glycerine that worked almost immediately for my daughter. The box usually says ages 2 and up, but our pediatrician said it was fine to use on her as a baby. It did work...sometimes really fast...like I almost didn't have time to get the diaper back on her fast. She still has some issues at 6 years old, but nothing like it was as a baby and toddler. We've been using Miralax since she was 3, it's been great and much less stressful to administer. Hope you both find some relief soon. I know how sad it is to see your baby hurting and feeling like you can't make it stop.

 

[AlexTina]

I posted earlier about the pear juice (it usually works) but I would suggest giving the karo syrup as well, sugar is a natural laxative. Google it you don't need much especially at her age. I also agree with the other posters that you may want to give enfamil a try. Other than that just hang in there. My son was BF until he was 13 months old and we never had a problem. When he was about 15 months old he got really sick and couldn't keep anything in at all. After that is when we started with the constipation. The first time he tried to go after being constipated for several days it hurt him so much that he basically just decided he wasn't going to go anymore. He would hold it for 6 - 8 days, it was horrible and we spent a lot of time in the doctors office. We finally started giving him milk of magnesia and adding extra fiber to his food and he finally got over it, but the problem lasted about 1 year so be prepared. The one good thing that came out of it is that he was completely poop potty trained by the time he was about 17 months old. It was easier for him to go if he was sitting on the toilet so I would hold him on there so he wouldn't fall in . I would also ask the doc if you can give maybe a 1/4 of a childrens suppository just to get her cleaned out, these were a lifesaver for us. If they hold it for too long they can enlarge the colon and then wind up with poops that are just too big for them to pass so keep a close eye on it. Good luck, believe me I know how frustrating it is.

 

[RadioNate]

I'd call the doctor again. Isn't there a phone nurse you could talk to??

I'm also very worried that the constant stimulation is messing with her ability to know how to go normally.

I know my DD (10 months) sometimes has problems but if you leave her be it generally works itself out.

A little extra water always helps her. We used to just water down her formula a bit. 3 scoops of powder for 7 oz of water. Something like that. Now that she is older, we give her watered down juice.

Also constantly changing formulas may make the situation worse.

My DS had a BIG constipation problem on soy so I wouldn't go there.

He also had big problems on Karo. It just made him vomit rather than poop. I never used it for DD.

 

[dispor]

PLEASE call your pediatrician and INSIST on being referred to a gastroenterologist. It may be a relatively minor problem now, but it will continue to get worse if you don't get it under control. Trust me on this! Like the PP, my daughter began "withholding," which made it even more painful to go.

My daughter ended up on Miralax. It is NOT something they will become dependent on. It used to be available by prescription only, but in the last couple of years it has become an over-the-counter medicine. The label only has instructions for 16 and over, so you MUST talk to a doctor before trying it with your daughter. At first they will have you giving her enough to make it "impossible" to withhold. It will be pretty messy, but better than being constipated!

I'm sure by now your life has started revolving around this. There were many times that I couldn't leave my dd with someone else, because they wouldn't know "how" to make her poop (thermometer, suppository, etc.) It was a nightmare!

FWIW, the gastroenterologist said that it is a VERY common problem.

Good luck to you, and keep us posted!

 

[teacups]

Try the juice before you get all worked up.
If you are worried about juice, ask your doc if its ok to try the pear juice.

IT WORKS, Mommy!

My kids wouldnt keep water down either.

 

[goofy4tink]

We used to do syrup water. A little KARO and cool water mixed together did the trick. Then we immediately did formula afterwards. Best of luck, I know it sucks for your little one, and for momma too!

Worked like a charm for my dd as well. She had, and still does to some extent, a bad time with constipation. When she was little, about 6 mos or so, she didn't poop for days. She was miserable. Not to be too graphic but....I put her on her back, folder her little legs up over her chest, and then rubbed the area right above her anus.....seemed to help quite a bit. It did get a movement going. But, she had the same problem, again and again, We started giving the Karo (plain colorless one) in a bottle of warm water, once or twice a day, every day. Then, sit her in a nice, warm bath. It all started to help.
A babies system is do delicate that you just never know what is going to shut it down. Then, it's a huge issue to try to get it cleared up. My other dd had to have all commercial formulas taken away...we had to go the old-fashioned route of evaporated milk and water!! Talk about a pain, but it worked!!

 

[Minnesota!]

Baby juice, pear juice
At her age you might have to dilute it with water. Ask your ped.
I guarantee it will work.
(even works for older kids!)

Once I discovered it I started using it regularly for my daughter.

With DS#1 - severe constipation. We ended up using mineral oil mixed with some water. Just a Tsp or so. Then a warm bath - relaxes the muscles "there" and makes it easier for them to go. Yes, he usually pooped in the tub, so we had to take him out, clean out the tub, then rewash him....but he was always so much happier. We also used suppositiories for him. He finally got better once he was potty trained - at 3.5.

With DS#2 - severe constipation. We switched to BOTTLED water rather than tap for his bottles and PEAR juice. Prune never did anything for either of my kids. Again - warm baths.

I feel your pain - Its very hard to watch our kids struggle. TMI - but I remember with BOTH sons, DH would be holding their little legs back and I would be trying to get the poop unstuck. when they finally did go - it was so huge and hard they couldn't pass it. Awful awful times. It passes - I promise. And with DS#2 - he got 100% better when we could switch him to milk. The bottled water really took away a lot of it, though...I think it was just too much iron between that and the formula.

 

[MsAmerica]

With all due respect, and I honestly understand you are a new mother, etc. but please, call your doctor.

You are asking total strangers on a disney message board about your precious daughters health. Though we all mean well and hope nothing but the best for both of you, I don't believe any of us are doctors.

The best thing you can do for your child is call your physican and ask to talk to a nurse. I am sure someone will help you.

Also, never be shy about calling the doctor's office, you are your child's only advocate. You are the only one that has any idea she is suffering with this problem.

Elimination is a serious problem and can cause many other illnesses.

I hope you find something, with the help of your doctor, that will help your child soon.

Good Luck

MsA

 

[KAMLEM]

MINERAL OIL! It worked magic for my DD. For some reason she actually liked the taste of it, too. Be careful not to give too much, though. My DD was a little older and we gave her about 2 tsp. every day. If she went one day without it, she would get constipated. She was on it for about a year.

 

[nskjerven]

Can I give her just water? I didn't know I could do that? Maybe an ounce, should I?
Thanks!

my ped suggested water for my DD when she couldn't go (2-3 weeks old), and ever since she is now 11 years old she is a great water drinker.

While it's great to talk to moms that have been there I do agree call your doctor and confirm whatever treatment you are leaning towards

 

[kaoden39]

Hi would give my kids a little white grape juice half water. Then a nice rub on the outer thigh. A Chiropracter told me to do that. Stimulate the Intestents hope I spelled it right. Then a nice warm bath. I hope it helps. Best of luck to you.

The white grape juice is what I was going to reccommend. It never failed with my three kids.

 

[lil mermaid]

MINERAL OIL! It worked magic for my DD. For some reason she actually liked the taste of it, too. Be careful not to give too much, though. My DD was a little older and we gave her about 2 tsp. every day. If she went one day without it, she would get constipated. She was on it for about a year.

Mineral oil? As in the mineral oil that is a by-product of the petroleum industry? You are kidding, right? You fed it to your baby? For a year?

 

[DznyLvr2005]

So DD just pooped all over the place!!! LOL!!! I guess the prune juice finally made it through her system. Oh man, it was a mess, I just gave her a bath, it was that bad! Maybe I'll give her the prune juice every other bottle, instead of every bottle.
My only concern now is, how do you get all the poop out of the crevaces?? I know they say you have to wipe front to back, but it's already where it shouldn't be.

Thanks for all the replies and helpful information!!!