6 month old
By Adeliza1220
@Adeliza1220 (877)
United States
July 15, 2008 1:12am CST
My daughter has been very constipated since she was a newborn, im hoping that some one can give me some advice because I know she suffers alot and all her pediatrician tells me is that if she has bowel movements between 2 to 3 days she is ok and I feel so horrible when she turns red and starts grunting every 3rd day. I would be very thankful if someone would guide me a little she is my first child and I really feel as if i am in a dead end with this one.
5 people like this
19 responses
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
15 Jul 08
Way bsck in the day before there was special formulas We were told to use canned carnation or pet milk ( depending on the DR)for formulas. We would water the milk down to equal parts milk and water. and about 1 tablespoon dark Karo syrup. We would also put the dark Karo syrup in the babies water at least once a day. The dark Karo syrup would get the babies to drink the water as well as loosen the bowel. Orange juice might also work for your baby. My daughter couldn't drink regular milk but could tolerate the powdered stuff.
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
16 Jul 08
I got this from a dr green web page You can relax. In the past, Karo syrup did contain botulism spores, but hasn't for years now. They changed to a new manufacturing process because of just those concerns -- even though no botulism cases were ever proven to come from the spores in Karo syrup (unlike honey, which should not be used in babies). A lot of people heard the alerts about *Karo syrup in the 90's, but never heard the quieter, less flashy, changed recommendations that followed, so the warnings will still circulate around the net for years to come.
I applaud your reading a variety of sources and comparing to find the truth, and am sorry for the worry this caused. All the best to you and to your baby.
*Note: Children under age 1 should not eat honey because of the risk of infant botulism. Today, corn syrups are manufactured under sanitary conditions to prevent this, but the manufacturers do not make any guarantees. Of course, neither can I. The 2006 AAP Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases states, "Manufacturers of of light and dark corn syrups cannot ensure that any given product will be free of boutlism spores, but no case of infant botulism has proved to be be attributable to contaminated corn syrup".
http://www.drgreene.com/21_1953.html
@Adeliza1220 (877)
• United States
16 Jul 08
ThaNk you so much you put my mind at ease in that aspect i really do thank you for time in getting that information to me.
1 person likes this
@Adeliza1220 (877)
• United States
16 Jul 08
Thank you for the advice about the karo syrup and the orange juice. My pediatrician advised me not to give the baby any type of syrup right now until the baby is a little bit older something about some bacteria or something in the honey that does harm to a baby. My friend gave me the same advice about the Karo and she did it a year ago with her daughter, i am going to look more into that, thanks
1 person likes this
@lynn2457 (500)
• United States
15 Jul 08
I am sorry to hear about your daughter. Adeliza, my son was allergic to formula, and soy, he went from throwing it up,to diarrhea, to constipation, He was on cereal at 10 days old. But, the doctors, made me go into goats milk with him, He stayed on it until he was a year, and then was able to do milk again. My doctor at that time, said, he would out grow it and he did. It was just something not there or to much of something and it was no pleasure fixing it, but he loved it. 33 years later he drinks milk, and no problems. Good luck with your 6 month old. Bet she is beautiful. have a good day :)
@Adeliza1220 (877)
• United States
16 Jul 08
THank you so much for your response in sharing your experience you had with your son. It gives me even more of a reson of assurance that it will be ok. Thank you for the advice and the compliment you made towards my daughter.
@rsa101 (37968)
• Philippines
17 Jul 08
Do you give her solid foods already or at least soft foods? If you already have you might try giving her fruits it may help her bowel movement go on regular. Also give her foods that are rich in fiber this could also ease the way to make her regularly do bowel. At this early she must have a daily movement in her bowel.
@anawar (2404)
• United States
18 Jul 08
Adeliza- I stopped back to check on your baby's progress. Mylot is an incredible community, so many caring moms have sent in their tips and ideas. And you care enough to respond to every single mom. Adeliza, you're an asset to mylot and a wonderful mom.
Keep us posted. I think every mom here wants updates because we're all worried about your baby.
Okay, bye. I'm logging off in a few minutes, but I wanted to leave you this note tonight.
@Adeliza1220 (877)
• United States
18 Jul 08
Thank you so much for the comment you left, i really do appreciate the time you take out of your day to look at where my problem stands to see if it has been resolved.
@pearlsychiu (91)
• Philippines
20 Jul 08
Hey! Your baby must be allergic to the formula milk that you're using right now! Why don't you go to your pedia and have your baby's milk changed.... How old is your baby? If she's already more than four months you can mash some fruits and vegetables and let her eat it. It surely helps to regulate the bowel movement, trust me, i've tried this one before during my first baby since he was also constantly constipating.
@Adeliza1220 (877)
• United States
20 Jul 08
Thank you for responding to my discussion and for advice.
@arielle_love (67)
• Philippines
16 Jul 08
I'm a mother too..I hope I can give you some helpful advice. That happen to my kids also.
If you are using infant formula, lessen the amount of milk, if you're ratio is 1:1 then for 6oz. of water just put 5 scoops of milk only. She might be constipated because infant formula usually has more sugar content. Try giving her water & since she's already 6 months, she's eating solid food now, don't forget to give her water. Massage her back also.
Hope it helps!
@Adeliza1220 (877)
• United States
16 Jul 08
THank you for the advice on the sugar content and massage, i was not aware that it would make a difference thank you for the heads up.
@jammyt (2818)
• Philippines
16 Jul 08
If you have papaya, give her some. My pedia also advised prune juice and pineapple juice for my kid. It worked. And yes, I also feel bad when my kid gets all red grunting. goodluck, I do hope you find what is best for your baby. Do not give her apple juice or banana. Oh and your pedia is correct, 2-3 days without bowel movement is okay. Sometimes, we also use suppository for my kid. It also works.
@Adeliza1220 (877)
• United States
16 Jul 08
Thank you for the advice-- i didn´t know pineapple juice was good as well thanks
@aseretdd (13730)
• Philippines
16 Jul 08
Since your baby is six months old... i think she can already eat some papaya... that will help in the constipation... or you can give her some honey... my sister gave me that advice my my baby was suffering from constipation... and it actually worked... i hope your baby will be fine soon...
@Adeliza1220 (877)
• United States
16 Jul 08
thank you for your advice on the papaya i will try that
@mflower2053 (3223)
• United States
16 Jul 08
My oldest daughter who is 3 now was formula feed and I would have problems with her being constipated until I started giving her apple juice everyday. In the morning give her a sippy cup with apple juice in it or you can even feed her applesauce. If you use regular apple juice make sure you do put a little water in it or her poo will be very soft and you may have some messes. If you use the toddler/infant kind then you will be ok. It will help her out alot and even later on when you switch her to milk still keep doing this to help her out.
@Adeliza1220 (877)
• United States
16 Jul 08
thank you for the advice on the juice. My daughter has had this problem for so long and hoping that i can find something that will help her thanks
@anawar (2404)
• United States
16 Jul 08
Adeliza_ hi. I read all the comments and it seems like nothing you have tried so far has worked.
I can't think of anything else to try.
Instead_
Maybe it's time to take your daughter to another doctor or ask your current doctor to refer you to a specialist. (If there are specialists for baby or child constipation)
As I child, I suffered from constipation. Sometimes it was so hard to pass the stool, I would cry. Sometimes, the force and hardness of the stool made me bleed.
Hopefully, you will find a solution soon, because I know how much pain your child experiences.
You're a good mother, you'll find the answer.
Best of wishes.
@Adeliza1220 (877)
• United States
16 Jul 08
Thank you for your comment, it sounds like a great idea i will ask her pediatrician if there are any specialist that he would be able to recommend me that deals with infant constipation. One main reason i don´t want my daughter to keep suffering is because i have struggled with that all my life since i was a baby as well and i still dont noe how to fix it, i know that as an adult you have more options but i don´t want her to through it until then, thanks
@kblakley (247)
• Loveland, Ohio
16 Jul 08
My daughter has the same problem, she is now 8 months old. Now that she is on solids and I give her juice it seems to help her out. I've her pear juice for sometime now, since apple juice seemed to upset her belly. As long as he has her juice, fruit and veggies everyday she seems to do much better. Now if she goes a day without her juice she has had issues with her stool being hard, so we make sure she gets no more than 4 oz of juice a day.
Another technique that helped her is when she was trying to push it out I would lay her down and bend her legs to her chest and back several times. This really seemed to help her push it out.
Good Luck to you! Do you have her started on solids/baby food yet? She's at the age that you can and you really shouldn't have to dilute the infant juice any as it is already diluted, but if you get regular 100% juice then I would make it equal parts water and juice.
@Adeliza1220 (877)
• United States
16 Jul 08
Thank you for the advice on the pear juice i havent actually started her on juice only because her pediatrician said it doesn´t benefit her as much as you think, but i am going to give it a try.SHe has been on solids since she was 4 months old, she eats alot of vegetables and everything she is not picky. I will try that bending legs trick thank you.
@latoyahall (835)
• United States
16 Jul 08
Apple juice mixed with water should make her poop. I know that she needs to drink formula too, but maybe try to get her to drink more apple juice and water. It will make her poop. Hope she feels better. My son was constipated and had gas and I had to have him on soy formula.
@Adeliza1220 (877)
• United States
16 Jul 08
Thanks for the advice on the apple juice, I will discuss with my pediatrician the option of soy milk thank you-
@pradysgirl (246)
• India
16 Jul 08
Hi , try giving your baby mashed banana or apples or more of fibrous foods, it will ease her bowel moments, and also try to give her warm water with few drops of honey first thing in the morning . I usually drink water with lemon and honey, I know it will be difficult for babies to have lemon . skip the lemon part and give her honey and warm water. hope this will ease her from the discomfort.
@Adeliza1220 (877)
• United States
16 Jul 08
THank you for the heads up on the bannanas and apples that is a new one for me.
@Balozi (243)
• Kenya
16 Jul 08
Hi mama, please give your baby sieved stock from the vegetable that you use in the family. Fiber helps in bowel movement. It will also prevent other stomach problems.
Personal diseases are made in the stomach. From the stock, your baby will get vitamin traces. Visit (www.el-capitani-healthydiet.blogspot.com).
@Adeliza1220 (877)
• United States
16 Jul 08
thank you for the advice and the web page that you posted it.
@loujac3 (1188)
• United States
15 Jul 08
My oldest went through the same thing and continued to have problems into her teens. When she was small the pediatrician had me give my child a product called Petrogalor. It was mineral oil and a mint flavored base. It required that she wear diapers but it got her past the tendency to hold back and then have to strain and get tears in the rectal area. It worked and later in her teens I had to watch her because she would eat too much of the wrong foods, like cheese pizzas, and not enough produce and fruit. She eventually got to where she would come to me for assistance when she was in pain. She has learned to eat a healthy diet and has no problems to speak of.
Talk to your pediatrician and find out if there is still something similar on the market. I haven't seen it in some time.
Good luck!
@Adeliza1220 (877)
• United States
16 Jul 08
Thank you for sharing your experience with your daughter i will ask my pediatrician about Petrogalor and see what he says. I am almost positive that if i dont help my daughter now that it will continue and she will be in even more pain, thanks for the advice.
@julietscreations (205)
• Philippines
15 Jul 08
I am a mother of 4 kids, my eldest is in high school and my youngest is a 4 year old boy. I know how you feel coz I've been there too. You have to buy a baby book which have a food guide, this way, you will be sure what the proper measurement of the food, milk and water intake of your baby, mostly it depends on her weight and her age. Usually, mommies with their first born, failed to give their babies a regular water intake as they think, milk is also a liquid. Always give your baby a separate bottle for water and give it to her after each feeding. There is a right measurement for it, so dont forget to buy that book. Baby's digestive system can't handle heavy foods so maybe you have to be careful on your choice of baby food to avoid constipation. I hope this helps. Happy Posting!!
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
15 Jul 08
My son only went every other day when he was really little. I had to switch his formula to a soy based formula when he was about 6 months old. After that he was pooping every day. If it is not the formula then a little juice might help get the bowels moving.
@Adeliza1220 (877)
• United States
16 Jul 08
I didn´t know you could switch it out to soy based that sounds so interesting i am going to look into that and the juice as well because my pediatrician told me that juice does more bad than good and that it was a neccessity.
@ayessa (1583)
• Philippines
15 Jul 08
What was her formula? Have you tried reducing the amount of powder milk on her formula? For example if the formula requires 4 scoop to 4 ounce of water try to give 3 scoop to 4 ounce of water. Also try to gave her water every after feeding. Or have you tried chaning her milk? Sometimes the milk was the reason for constipation among babies. It was really hard if a baby suffers from constipation. I hope your baby will be fine.
@Adeliza1220 (877)
• United States
15 Jul 08
I actually have tried reducing the amount of formula and changing brands and types but no luck there. I really do apreciate the advice. I am not sure what else to try.
@snowbitz (487)
• Philippines
15 Jul 08
my daughter sometimes have constipation because of the food i ate.So what i would do is try to let her drink water.and sorry i forgot the rest of the things i did try to search about constipation and specify the age of the kid i hope things will turn out good with your kid
@Adeliza1220 (877)
• United States
16 Jul 08
Well thanks for the info.. i have tried the water deal but she always tries to avoid it she hates water but i will continue to push her towards that.
