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 it is not advisable to introduce 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 start with 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 clears internal heat. The mother can consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and take some Chinese herbal medicines internally. This will help increase milk supply. Fresh milk can be consumed. When the child experiences constipation, it is best to avoid formula milk, as medication is not suitable for the child. The mother should focus on cooling the body internally.