Patient's question:
What is the reason for the baby not having a bowel movement? It has been several days since the baby hasn't had a bowel movement, and the stool is not dry either. Lately, the baby hasn't been eating much either. Previous treatment and effectiveness: No care has been taken. What assistance is needed: What is the matter and how should it be treated?Doctor's answer:
The main reason for a baby's dry bowel movements is primarily due to slow activity in the large intestine and excessive water absorption. There may be several contributing factors: insufficient diet, inadequate sugar content in the diet, which can lead to less residue after absorption and reduced bowel movement volume. If the diet contains too much protein, it can make the stool alkaline and dry. A high calcium content in food can also cause constipation, such as when cow's milk, which has more calcium than human milk, increases the likelihood of constipation compared to breastfeeding. Vegetables rich in fiber can stimulate intestinal motility and force bowel movements. It is best to avoid using laxatives or other medications to promote defecation, as this can lead to rejection. If the baby does not defecate for two or three days, one may consider using a single dose of glycerin suppository to eliminate accumulated stool.