Is this constipation? *Warning - TMI*

[AshleeClaire07]

I'm hoping someone can shed some light on this! It might be a bit of a gross story so beware!

My DD is almost 6months and recently has been having formula for 2 of her 5 feeds. She's also started some farex in the last week.
Today, she was trying to poo and she was in obvious discomfort - grunting and not happy. When she did do her poo, it wasn't hard - it was actually very play dough like and really long - pretty much exactly like an adult poo (stunk like one too!).

So my question is, is this considered constipation as she was in some pain/discomfort when she was doing the poo? Should I be giving her prune juice? Or is it ok coz her poo wasn't hard? I'm wondering if she was in discomfort as this was the first poo ever where it wasn't watery...

Any advice would be great - just a little unsure! Thx :)

[tammac77]

Hey,

My baby has constipation - her poos were small hard little rocks. Eventually they were so hard to pass she tore a fissure in her bottom and there would be blood when she pooed.

Doesn't sound like your baby is at that stage yet, but definitely keep an eye on it. My paediatrician suggested 60mls water with half a teaspoon of brown sugar. It didn't work for our bub, she's on a type of laxative called Actilax.

Since her poo is still soft, just try extra water first (with or without the brown sugar) and you can also put some vaseline around her bottom to help it pass. Apparently it is normal for babies to grunt and strain when they first start doing solid poos as they adjust to the sensation. But if you really think she's in pain and they start to get harder, definitely start treating it. Once they have a tear in their bottom it makes it harder (literally and figuratively!) because they want to poo even less!

hope that helps,

Tammac

[cheezelz]

Farex can make babies constipated at the beginning too. Maybe lay off it a bit or reduce the amount you are giving her. You could add some pears to it and reduce the cereal.

I agree with tammac77 on the description of constipated poo's and that some babies just like to have a good grunt.

Also what brand formula are you using? Some types are more prone to make babies constipated.

[AshleeClaire07]

Thanks for the responses - I have taken her off farex all together and she's been pooing better now. She's on s26 gold which iheard makes babies constipated but my DD seems to be ok on it. I might give the normal s26 a go and see if it's better...

I might try solids again but this time no rice cereal and only pear..