How can I help my baby have regular bowel movements?

Question

My 6-week-old baby sometimes goes a few days without a bowel movement, which seems to make her uncomfortable. She tries to push but gives up after a few attempts. Is there anything I can do to help her have regular bowel movements? She is breastfed with some formula supplementation, and we use Costco's store brand formula that contains iron. Additional info: - The baby is currently 6 weeks old. - She is breastfed with some formula supplementation. - We use Costco's store brand formula, which has high iron content. Thanks!

Answer 1

First off, some babies don't need to poop everyday, so you don't have to worry on that level, but if she seems uncomfortable you can try a baby yoga move I learned that worked wonders on our little one (six years ago now). Lay her on her back and speak softly and cooingly to her. Gently bend her knees so they are together. Move her knees - holding her lower legs - in a clockwise circle. Make it so her knees gently press into her lower abdomen while you do this. I learned this maneuver from a book called Itsy Bitsy Yoga. It used to help our Alice get all kinds of gas out of the way and she would immediately feel better and then poop not long after.

Best wishes to you

Answer 2

My daughter is almost 5 months old and sometimes doesn't poop for a week. My paediatrician assures me this is normal for an exclusively breastfed baby. But when my baby does seem bothered by it, I use a glycerin suppository to get things going and it works like a charm (my paediatrician said she'd do the same...she also suggested giving diluted prune juice 1 to 1). My mother, who is a nurse and used to work on Post-Partum, also said I could use a gloved pinky finger and insert it a bit to get things going (similar to the thermostat idea).

But these are solutions that have worked for my daughter from 4 months on. I'm not sure if it's OK for a 6 week old.

Good luck! I know, their poop is so worrying!