Patient's question:
My daughter has had wind in her stomach since she was born, more than a month now, and she frequently passes gas. Sometimes her stool is very smelly. Is this related to drinking milk? We drink Abbott milk. Do you have any suggestions for better milk?Doctor's answer:
Observing the characteristics of an infant's stool can provide insights into their digestive health. If the baby's stool has a strong odor, it indicates poor protein digestion, and the milk intake should be appropriately reduced or diluted. If the stool contains excessive foam, it suggests poor carbohydrate digestion, requiring a reduction or even complete cessation of starchy foods. If the stool appears creamy, it indicates poor fat digestion, and the intake of fatty foods should be decreased.Children's gastrointestinal systems are not yet fully developed, so it is beneficial to supplement with probiotics such as Mimi Ai and He Sheng Yuan. Both Mimi Ai and He Sheng Yuan are probiotics (not medications) that help regulate the gastrointestinal system—softening stools for those who are loose and relieving constipation for those who are dry.
If a breastfed baby has loose stools, do not stop breastfeeding easily. Instead, shorten the duration of each feeding session, allowing the child to consume only the first half of the milk. The first half of breast milk contains more protein, which is easier to digest and rich in nutrients, while the second half has more fat, which is harder to digest. If necessary, the mother can drink a large glass of lightly salted water half an hour to an hour before breastfeeding to dilute the milk, and then nurse the child.