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What Causes Excessive Gas And Constipation In An Infant While On Formula Milk?
Question: Hello,
My baby is 8 weeks old today (edd XXXXXXX 19th) She was premature born 34 weeks. Since March 4th, pediatrician recommended alternate feeds of breastmilk and formula because I have insufficient milk supply and she had to gain wieght. We decided to give her Nestle NAN PRO 1.
Even before starting bottle feed, she was gassy while on breastmilk.
We started to bottle feed her since March 6th and from day 2 she has constipation. She would not pass stool comfortably. We started giving her natural laxative(it's a seed that is bitter, not sure of it's name - traditionally used for infants. The seed is rubbed and the paste is given). She passed tight stool on day 3, 4, 5 and day 6 after tummy massage and above said laxative. Her stool on day 5 & 6 was greenish brown. Again since 2 days she has not passed stool inspite of massage n laxative. She is gassy n uncomfortable. She arches her back and passes gas while whinning n crying. She is having both formula and breastmilk however only urine is passed since two days.
Kindly suggest remedy.
My baby is 8 weeks old today (edd XXXXXXX 19th) She was premature born 34 weeks. Since March 4th, pediatrician recommended alternate feeds of breastmilk and formula because I have insufficient milk supply and she had to gain wieght. We decided to give her Nestle NAN PRO 1.
Even before starting bottle feed, she was gassy while on breastmilk.
We started to bottle feed her since March 6th and from day 2 she has constipation. She would not pass stool comfortably. We started giving her natural laxative(it's a seed that is bitter, not sure of it's name - traditionally used for infants. The seed is rubbed and the paste is given). She passed tight stool on day 3, 4, 5 and day 6 after tummy massage and above said laxative. Her stool on day 5 & 6 was greenish brown. Again since 2 days she has not passed stool inspite of massage n laxative. She is gassy n uncomfortable. She arches her back and passes gas while whinning n crying. She is having both formula and breastmilk however only urine is passed since two days.
Kindly suggest remedy.
Brief Answer:
Start exclusive breastfeeding and avoid any medications or supplements
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I completely understand your concerns but don't worry. It's a wrong practice to give mixed formula and breastfeeding in this age. In case you feel that the milk secretions are insufficient, then try following measures:
- ensure good healthy diet for yourself. Take plenty of fluids such as milk, juices, water, buttermilk etc. especially before feeding your baby.
- take foods which increase lactation such as dates, oatmeal, fenugreek, spinach and beet leaves, carots, bottle gourd etc.
- start metoclopramide (10 mg) thrice daily for a week.
Also, ensure a stress free environment. Exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months of life helps baby in many ways.
Babies are prone to such changes in frequency, consistency and color of poops. Sometimes they may even pass poops once in a week. It's just due to developing gut and doesn't require any therapy.
Maintain a good hydration by regular feeding. Ensure proper burping in between and after feeds. This will help in Constipation and gassiness.
Bonnisan or colicaid drops can be given if you feel that baby is too cranky due to colics.
Hopefully it will be of help.
Take care
Start exclusive breastfeeding and avoid any medications or supplements
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I completely understand your concerns but don't worry. It's a wrong practice to give mixed formula and breastfeeding in this age. In case you feel that the milk secretions are insufficient, then try following measures:
- ensure good healthy diet for yourself. Take plenty of fluids such as milk, juices, water, buttermilk etc. especially before feeding your baby.
- take foods which increase lactation such as dates, oatmeal, fenugreek, spinach and beet leaves, carots, bottle gourd etc.
- start metoclopramide (10 mg) thrice daily for a week.
Also, ensure a stress free environment. Exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months of life helps baby in many ways.
Babies are prone to such changes in frequency, consistency and color of poops. Sometimes they may even pass poops once in a week. It's just due to developing gut and doesn't require any therapy.
Maintain a good hydration by regular feeding. Ensure proper burping in between and after feeds. This will help in Constipation and gassiness.
Bonnisan or colicaid drops can be given if you feel that baby is too cranky due to colics.
Hopefully it will be of help.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello doctor.. As a.mother even I would like to exclusively breastfeed and have been doing traditional home remedies to improve lactation.
Her pediatrician insisted that I give her formula for better development of my child.
My question still remains.. What should I do to relieve gas and constipation.. You mentioned that it is normal for infants to not pass stool for a week. So should I relax and not worry.
Her pediatrician insisted that I give her formula for better development of my child.
My question still remains.. What should I do to relieve gas and constipation.. You mentioned that it is normal for infants to not pass stool for a week. So should I relax and not worry.
Brief Answer:
Yes
Detailed Answer:
Try to tolerate mild discomfort and gassiness. You may give bonnisan or colicaid drops for comfort from colics if required. Glycerine suppository
(1/3rd)may be given if baby seems to be too cranky with constipated and very hard stools.
Breastmilk helps the best in relieving such episodes as it has perfect balance of fats and proteins. But in case you give formula milk due to inadequate secretions then ensure proper dilution of formula milk and keep him well hydrated. You may add little prune juice to milk as well for relief. Switch brand to Lactodex premium or lactogen if problem persists. Many babies show improvement by switching brands.
Take care
Yes
Detailed Answer:
Try to tolerate mild discomfort and gassiness. You may give bonnisan or colicaid drops for comfort from colics if required. Glycerine suppository
(1/3rd)may be given if baby seems to be too cranky with constipated and very hard stools.
Breastmilk helps the best in relieving such episodes as it has perfect balance of fats and proteins. But in case you give formula milk due to inadequate secretions then ensure proper dilution of formula milk and keep him well hydrated. You may add little prune juice to milk as well for relief. Switch brand to Lactodex premium or lactogen if problem persists. Many babies show improvement by switching brands.
Take care
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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