Patient's question:
My baby started having dry bowel movements since they were seven and a half months old, and they've been constipated ever since. It's hard for them to poop, and their buttocks have even stretched out. It's heart-wrenching to see. Drinking water and eating bananas and sweet potatoes haven't really helped relieve it. I was wondering what else can be done.Doctor's answer:
The digestive function of the baby has not improved in growth and development, which may lead to a recurrence of slowed intestinal movement, potentially causing constipation again. You can perform clockwise abdominal massage for the baby every day to promote intestinal peristalsis. Additionally, probiotics can be provided to stabilize the intestinal flora and enhance the recovery of intestinal function. If there is no significant improvement after taking oral probiotics for a period of time, and constipation still occurs, lactulose can be taken orally to soften the stool and facilitate its elimination.For a seven-month-old baby, attention should be paid to providing more vegetable and fruit purees rich in dietary fiber in complementary feeding. Once the dietary fiber content is increased, the volume of the stool will also increase, which will help in its elimination.