Patient's question:
Please ask: 1. Baby is 25 days old, mixed feeding with breast milk and formula, with formula being slightly more predominant. The last bowel movement was very dry and hard, and it has been almost 4 days since then with no bowel movement. Is it constipation? What should I do? 2. The past two days, the baby has been spitting up frequently, regardless of how much they eat. Each time they are held upright, is it related to constipation? How can this be resolved?Doctor's answer:
The child is too young and should not be given formula milk too early. Formula milk is considered hot in nature, which can cause internal dryness and difficulty in bowel movement. It is recommended not to give formula milk for now. Instead, seek traditional Chinese medicine treatment to address the bowel movement issue first. The goal should be a fundamental solution, not just symptomatic treatment that can clear internal heat. The mother can consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and take some Chinese herbal medicine internally. This will help increase milk production. Fresh milk can be consumed. When the child experiences constipation, it is best not to give formula milk, as the child cannot take medication for constipation. Instead, the mother should focus on cooling the body internally.