Constipation is considered a malfunction of the digestive tract, which is manifested by the inability to empty the intestines or prolonged delay in stool. It is quite difficult to identify a problem in a timely manner, since a child’s regimen may change depending on age and other factors. Constipation in newborns with artificial feeding can be due to nutrition errors, congenital pathology or as a result of gastrointestinal tract malfunctions.
Are there any norms?
If the baby is breastfed, the frequency of his bowel movements can be from one to seven times a day or after each meal. In the case when the child eats the mixture, the frequency of the stool does not exceed two to three times a day. It is worth considering that after the introduction of complementary foods, it can change the consistency. Children under three years of age should defecate approximately six times a week.
Why do constipation occur?
If artificial feeding of newborns is practiced, constipation is not uncommon. This is due to nutritional errors and improper selection of the mixture. But this is not the only reason why the baby cannot go to the toilet.
Factors causing constipation:
- disruptions in intestinal motility;
- improper feeding, lack of fluid and dietary fiber in the body;
- endocrine diseases ;
- intestinal infections;
- physical inactivity;
- taking medication;
- suppression of the urge to defecate.
Is constipation a symptom of a disease?
The absence of bowel movements is almost always a symptom of a malfunction in the body. To identify the cause and nature of the problem, it is necessary to conduct research and pass tests.
Wrong mixture - the cause of constipation?
Often, constipation in newborns with artificial feeding can be caused by the fact that he is given a mixture that is not suitable for the baby. Such an individual reaction of the body causes the absence of bowel movement. In this case, a way out of the situation will be a new diet, which is better to choose after consulting a pediatrician. If constipation still worries the baby, the doctor may advise making the mixture more fluid or prescribe an enema.
Lack of fluid
Every mother should ensure that her child receives a sufficient amount of water. This is especially true for those parents whose children are breast-fed.
Pediatricians confirm the fact that constipation can occur due to a lack of fluid. The stool becomes very hard, and it is difficult for the child to defecate. In this case, it is not enough to use suppository candles for newborns, you need to drink more babies. If no measures are taken, then over time the problem will also acquire a psychological character. The baby will suppress the urge to defecate so as not to feel discomfort.
Constipation and complementary foods
The introduction of new products affects the baby's stool and digestion, so parents should consider this fact. Protein components, which are also present in mixtures, can also constipate. If the baby suffers from gastrointestinal tract disorders, nutrition must be selected with great care and introduced into the diet in small quantities. Constipation in newborns with artificial feeding requires special attention, since prolonged use of a mixture that is not suitable for the baby will affect the work of the whole body.
If all products are digested well, then the chair will be decorated, will look like a very soft “sausage” or gruel. The baby should defecate once or twice a day. You can talk about constipation if the feces look like “sheep’s balls”.
Parents should not worry if the baby is pushing and groaning during the bowel movement. This is considered normal, as the baby needs to work hard to empty the rectum. Massage for constipation in a newborn facilitates the bowel movement, but it is better to do it after consulting a specialist.
Types of constipation
The urge to defecate occurs when the rectum is stretched. If the baby has difficulty with bowel movement, it is necessary to identify the cause and eliminate it. To make this easier to do, it is worth determining the type of constipation. They are divided into two groups: functional and organic.
Organic constipation
They arise due to a violation of the structure of the intestine or as a result of other congenital and acquired problems. These include Hirschsprung’s disease - disruptions in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract are explained by a small number of nerve fibers. The intestine does not receive sufficient impulses and does not support the tone of the walls. Malformations such as the elongated and enlarged colon, polyps and adhesions can also cause organic constipation. All these problems are removed surgically.
Functional constipation
Difficulties with bowel movements in this case are associated with the immaturity of the intestine, a temporary violation of its work and coordination, and not with the structural features of the digestive tract. Constipation in newborns with artificial feeding can be caused by a transfer to another type of mixture or a lack of fluid. Sometimes defecation is difficult as a result of taking medication.
Dense feces appear due to the fact that the tone of the intestine increases, and compression or spasm occurs. Fecal masses are difficult to overcome this area, so there is a spastic constipation.
How to help the baby?
When problems with bowel movements occur, parents think about how to help the newborn with constipation. It is worth remembering that many folk methods are dangerous and can cause harm to the baby. In no case should you stick a piece of soap in the anus, as this causes a burn of the mucous membrane and discomfort. Also, you can not irritate the anus with any other objects. Such actions can injure the delicate mucous membrane of the baby. In addition, these measures will wean the baby to defecate on his own.
To understand how to help a newborn with constipation, it is worth recalling a proven method - an enema. Water can only be used at room temperature, and in order to enhance the relaxing effect, a little glycerin should be added.
Do not give your child saline or laxative enemas without a doctor's prescription. If bloody streaks or mucus are noticed in the feces, you should immediately consult a specialist about further actions.
Candles for constipation for newborns with glycerin, sea-buckthorn candles, and Mykolaks have a good effect. A baby up to a year is enough 1/3 candles, but they are often not worth using.