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for moms...

My son is almost 6 weeks old and the last few days has not been pooping...probably has 1 good poo and a few times had a stain..I tried to call my doctor today but the office was closed.  

Has anyone went through this I dont know what to do, he is still farting a lot and his gas drops seem to help.  I'm wondering if the formula has to much iron.  I just feel so bad for him and am freaking out last night when i changed a poo diaper i was so excited and that is not something most people get excited for.  

Any advise would really help!
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676912 tn?1332812551
My son had constipation problems for a very long time a few weeks after he was born, I used my grandmother's remedy of a little bit of sugar (maybe 1/4 teaspoon) in water and the doctor's advice of vaseline on a thermometer (lubricates his rear so it comes out easier, and when you put the thermometer in it causes the baby to push). I'd suggest the thermometer and vaseline trick to try to help him out, it worked well with my son, just make sure you've got him over something that you don't care if you get poop on. You don't have to stick it in far, but make sure you get a good bit of vaseline on it. The doctors wouldn't do anything for my son, they only gave me the thermometer suggestion, they said it's normal for babies to go a few days without pooping because their digestive system is learning to work. If you've never done the thermometer in the rear trick before, I'd suggest you get your courage up to do it, because most doctors won't take anything but rectal temperatures for sick babies, and you may end up having to when he's sick anyway (hopefully he won't get sick).
Helpful - 0
446156 tn?1275859576
I had the same thing happen with my son.  Put 2 or 3 tea spoons of Kayro syrup In 4 ounces of warm water.  That worked most of the time for my son.  If you talk to the dr they will tell you that a baby can go up to 5 days with out a BM.  I think that who ever thinks that does not have kids.  If the Kayro does not work, give it at least a hour to work, you can go to walmart and get kids suppositories.   I talked to 2 drs and the wic office about this and its ok.  It will work fast.  So its not in there long... so its not harmful.  Don't keep waiting because it will be SO painful if it goes on any longer.  My son has had this problem since birth.  So needless to say I know what I'm talking about.  I hope this helps.  Anita
Helpful - 0
949288 tn?1263738633
By the way... here is the link if it helps http://www.selfcarenavigator.com/ped/index_anatomic.asp
Helpful - 0
949288 tn?1263738633
I looked this up on my pediatricians website for you...

CONSTIPATION
Definition of Constipation

    * Pain or crying during the passage of a bowel movement (BM) OR  
    * Unable to pass a BM after straining or pushing longer than 10 minutes OR
    * No BM after more than 2 days. (EXCEPTION: If breastfed and over 1 month old.)

Imitators of Constipation

    * If breastfed and over 1 month old: Infrequent BMs every 4-7 days that are soft, large and pain-free can be normal. Before 1 month old, infrequent stools usually means an inadequate intake of breastmilk.
    * Grunting or straining while pushing out a BM is normal in young infants. (Reason: difficult to pass BM lying on back with no help from gravity). Infants commonly become red in the face during straining.
    * Brief straining or pushing for less than 10 minutes can occur occasionally at any age.
    * Large BMs - Size relates to amount of food consumed and BM frequency.  Large eaters have larger stools.
    * Hard or dry BMs are also normal if passed easily without straining.  Often relates to poor fiber intake. Some children even have small, dry rabbit-like-pellet stools.

Causes

    * High milk or cheese diet
    * Low fiber diet
          o Postponing bowel movements
          o Slow GI transit time (genetic differences)

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

    * Doesn't meet the definition of constipation, see ABDOMINAL PAIN.

^Back to Top
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR CONSTIPATION
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

    * Your child looks or acts very sick.
    * Persistent abdominal pain longer than 1 hour (includes persistent crying).
    * Persistent rectal pain longer than 1 hour (includes persistent straining).
    * Vomiting more than 3 times in last 2 hours.
    * Age less than 1 month old and breastfed.
    * Age less than 12 months with recent onset of weak cry, weak suck or weak muscles.

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

    * You think your child needs to be seen.
    * Age less than 2 months.
    * Bleeding from anal fissures (tears).

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

    * You have other questions or concerns.
    * Child may be “blocked up”.
    * Leaking stool.
    * Suppository or enema needed recently to relieve pain.
    * Days between BMs longer than 3 while eating a nonconstipating diet.  (EXCEPTION:  normal if breastfed infant older than 2 months AND BMs are not painful).
    * Toilet training is in progress.
    * Constipation is a recurrent ongoing problem.

Parent Care at Home If

    * Mild constipation and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

^Back to Top
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR CONSTIPATION

   1. Normal BMs:
   2. Once children are on a regular diet (age 1 year), the normal range for BMs is 3 per day to 1 every 2 days.
   3. The every 4 and 5 day kids all have pain with passage and prolonged straining.
   4. The every 3 day kids usually drift into longer intervals and then develop symptoms.
   5. Passing a BM should be fun, or at least free of discomfort.
   6. Any child with discomfort during BM passage or prolonged straining at least needs treatment with dietary changes.
   7. < Diet for Infants Under 1 Year:
   8. For infants over 1 month old only on breast milk or formula, add fruit juices 1 oz./month of age per day. Pear or apple juice are OK at any age. (Reason: treating a symptom)
   9. For infants over 4 months old, also add baby foods with high fiber content twice a day (peas, beans, apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, plums).
  10. Diet for Children Over 1 Year Old:
  11. Increase fruit juice (apple, pear, cherry, grape, prune) (note: citrus fruit juices are not helpful).
  12. Add fruits and vegetables high in fiber content (peas, beans, broccoli, bananas, apricots, peaches, pears, figs, prunes, dates).
  13. Increase whole grain foods (bran flakes, bran muffins, graham crackers, oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat bread. Popcorn can be used if over 4 years old.)
  14. Decrease milk products (milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt) to 3 servings per day.
  15. Stop Toilet Training: Temporarily put your child back in diapers or pull-ups.
  16. Reassure him that the poops won't hurt when they come out.
  17. Praise him for the release of BMs.
  18. Avoid any pressure, punishment or power struggles about holding back poops, sitting on the potty or resistance to training.
  19. Sitting on the Toilet (if toilet trained): Establish a regular bowel pattern by sitting on the toilet for 10 minutes after meals, especially breakfast.
  20. Warm Water for Rectal Pain: Warmth helps many children relax the anal sphincter and release a BM. For prolonged straining, have your child sit in warm water or apply a warm wet cotton ball to the anus.
  21. Call Your Doctor If:
  22. Constipation continues after making dietary changes
  23. Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child worsens or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Helpful - 0
949288 tn?1263738633
Sounds like he could be constipated... if he doesn't seem to be really uncomfortable (crying a lot, inconsolable, looking like he's constantly pushing and grunting, etc...) or sick (lethargic, not eating, or dehydrated no wet diapers for 12 hours) I would call your pediatrician again in the morning. If you become more concerned before morning then there should be an after hours # that you can call or you can always take him in to an urgent care or emergency room. This is just my opinion though... The best advice that I was ever given was when in doubt use your mommy's instinct... its almost always right... and I have found that to be VERY true... best of luck to you and your little one... hope he feels better soon!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Oh and sometimes he looks like he is pushing but then nothing...
Helpful - 0
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