behavoural changes and constipation

[Belinda1000]

hi everyone
have had quite a bad day with 6 month DD was crying most of the day not sleeping or eating. it really got bad this arvo when suddenly did a poo like plasticine and quite dry and settled after that.
my question can constipation cause consistent crying and disinterest in milk would only eat solids today,which wouldnt help constipation.

[tickle]

Hi there.
I'm sorry your having a rough time at the moment.
I'm not sure about the disinterest in milk but the consistent crying can be constipation related.
I would probably get along to the dr asap to try and get it sorted. I have had many constipation issues in the past, and I know that the solids won't be helping.
It must be hard when she won't take any liquid.
Even when my DS was only eating peas for solids it still didn't help him, they really need that liquid.
Good luck, if you have any questions feel free to PM me.;)

[Aurora]

Poor DD and poor you!

I would be thinking about the possible causes of consipation and behavioural changes. Crying can be from constipation especially if they are uncomfortable or in pain. Behavioural changes, not really. She may just be disinterested in having a breastfeed if she is too uncomfortable to feed.

You said your daughter was 6 months, which brings to mind two things. Vaccines and solids. 6 months is when another round of vaccines is given, and it is also a time where most people seem to start giving their children food.

Vaccines can cause behavioural changes, constipation, incessant crying, discomfort and a loss of appetite. Doctors will usually tell you to give panadol, but this can further depress a baby's immune system and suppress fever which is a bodily function that protects and speeds healing.

Solids can cause constipation and discomfort, a young baby's gut isn't really primed to digest most foods. 6 months isn't the age where you MUST start solids, it is simply a recommendation that you exclusively breastfeed for at LEAST that amount of time.

Bananas are awfully constipating, and so are most starchy foods like rice cereals. Another nasty culprit in constipation and behavioural changes is dairy either in the breastfeeding mother's diet or in the baby's diet.

I hope your little girl is feeling better soon and that you can find the cause of her constipation.

By the way, if you think she is constipated/trying to poo, or even trying to pee, you can hold her against your chest facing outwards over the bathroom sink with the water running and wait 5 to 15 minutes. Hold her by holding her thighs and let her rest her back against you with her butt hanging down a little bit. If you tense your tummy muscles - that also helps to let her know it is ok to go poo or pee. The position may also help her push more effectively, or release any gas she may have.