Breastfeeding and constipation??

[hayleylea]

Hi i have read somewhere that Breastfed babies dont get constipated. Is this true or CAN it happen? my DD is now almost 7 weeks old and yesterday and last night and again today she is in pain looking like she is trying to push a poo out? She keeps pushing till she is red in the face and the occasional wind comes out here and there but then she cries like it is hurting her. Any suggestions? could she be constipated or do you think she just has an upset tummy?

[MilkOnTap]

I think its true to a degree. Formula babies do tend to suffer more constipation than breastfed babies.

Jedd was breastfed and he suffered from a bout of constipation. I used... Umm - I cant remember the name of the drops but the chemist recommended them. They helped to clear him up in no time.

If I could do it again, I would first buy the Brauers Stomach Calm drops BEFORE using stronger drugs. I've heard great things about it - and your right; it could just be wind so she doesn't need the stronger drugs.

You could try massaging her as well. This I found to be of huge relief to Jedd! When you massage her tummy, use a little bit of olive oil on your hands and follow the large intestine, so rub in a clockwise direction. Also, try to gently cycle her legs - that helped Jedd enormously as well.

Good luck and I hope your lil girl feels better :hugs:

[reAllytee]

Its not as common as with formula fed babies but it does happen !

Like MOT said go for your natural methods first before heading down the road of something like a laxative.

A nice warm bath followed by a massage, cycle legs or hold bubs back against your chest so you can then pull her legs up bending them so she is quishing into a ball if that makes sense. This last bit is a technique Squeak's GI advised us to do anytime he shows signs of needing to poo like straining or farting etc.

Also if she is you may need to look at your diet as there may be something that doesnt agree with her thats causing it !

Good luck hope she isnt truly constipated it sucks !

[hayleylea]

Thanks guys. DS was formula fed and before we found the right formula he suffered constipation - coloxyl drops are what we used.

im pleased to say she finally got her poo out!! and is much happier!!!!! could have just been an upset tummy!