Constipation in exclusively breastfed babies is very rare; breast milk is a natural laxative which helps in maintaining the softness of stool and also moving it effectively through the intestines. However, in babies who are given formula along with breast milk, the instances of constipation are common as the constituents of formula can often slow down the digestive system of the baby. Cow's milk is another common irritant which can lead to constipation in babies and should ideally be avoided for infants.
What Signals Constipation in Babies and How Can it be Treated?
It is easy to misinterpret normal digestive cycle of a baby as constipation. It is absolutely normal for a young infant to pass stool once in a week or two. Babies who are exclusively breastfed do not have much waste matter to pass out. Breast milk is very easily digestible and almost all of it is absorbed by the body as nutrients, this leads to very little stool formation, which in turns makes the baby pass stool after long intervals. If the stool is soft and is not causing unnecessary discomfort to your baby while passing it out, then constipation can be easily ruled out.
Hard pellet like stool which is dry and flaky and causes acute discomfort to the baby while passing it out signifies constipation and should be treated if it lasts long. Generally formula or cow's milk are the culprits causing constipation these should be stopped immediately and the amount of breast feed increased, this generally takes care of the problem.
Over the counter medication, glycerin suppositories, syrups can all be helpful in treating constipation in babies; however they should be given only after consulting your physician. Most of the times constipation in breast fed babies is temporary and goes away naturally without any medical intervention.
Constipation in Breastfeeding Mothers
The bodies of breastfeeding mothers focus almost solely on the well being of the babies and every part works together to help produce more milk for the baby. This can lead to all the fluids in a mother's body being used up for producing milk. You might feel you are taking adequate fluids and yet could get highly constipated as fluids are all used up for the production of life giving milk for your baby. Hence the need for some constipation relieving foods which could help you in passing stools normally.
Foods that Help
Prune juice: A glass of prune juice is a sure shot way of getting your colon cleared up within a couple of hours. However, this is a measure that should be used only as a last resort.
Lemon juice: Drinking lemon juice squeezed in hot water twice a day is an effective way of warding off constipation.
Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, cauliflower when teamed with ginger and olive oil can help in clearing the colon. Red beets should be eaten at least thrice a day for an efficient digestive system. Drinking home made fresh vegetable juices is a great way of providing the required roughage and fiber to your body.
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