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Baby constipation isn’t something that I had considered in the early days of having Lucas, we were asked how he slept, how he was feeding, we were told how many wet and dirty nappies we should expect and Lucas seemed to be doing what they health visitors were saying.
However, once he got to about 6 weeks old, he started struggling when he needed to poo. He screamed and cried in agony for up to an hour, wriggling around until he managed to pass it. This continued for a few weeks, even if he had wind, it would be a stressful time for Lucas and us, feeling helpless watching him go through agony. We visited the doctors a couple of times who told us it was normal and that Lucas was learning how to poo. He said that babies can go up to 10 days without having a poo and there is nothing wrong with that. I would have been fine with that if he wasn’t struggling so much.
As I was exclusively breastfeeding, I looked at what I was eating and whether there was any pattern between me eating and drinking certain things and if it made it easier for Lucas or whether it was a particular bad time afterwards.
I found that when I drank fresh orange juice, it was noticeably easier for Lucas to poo but I wanted to be careful not to drink too much and cause him to have diarrhoea. I also took him to baby massage sessions where I was taught some simple massage points on his feet and tummy that has an effect on the bowels. Lucas instinctively moved his legs in a bicycle motion before we started to go to these sessions but that was also one of the moves we were shown. Lucas really relaxed when I gently massaged his tummy in a clockwise circular motion.
Thankfully, we are past these days now but if you are struggling with this, SMA Nutrition have put together an infographic with some ideas on how to deal with reflux and constipation.
If your baby appears to be in pain or if you are concerned for any other reason, always seek the advice of a healthcare professional such as your GP, health visitor or public health nurse.
selina says
great tips ill pass on to my friends with babiesx
Jen says
Having experienced the joys of this with my babies, I know just how difficult it can be. Best advice I have is the baby massage, and making sure you’re following the right paths with it. Really helped out little fella.
Jenny (Accidental Hipster Mum) says
I’m so lucky not to have a reflux baby! My little boy still occasionally got constipated though and these are similar to the tips the health visitor said. Great post!
Welsh Cakes and Wellies says
My eldest had terrible reflux, it’s awful to see them struggle with it when they’re so little, it’s not fair! Great post and advice for mums!
Sophie says
Oh bless, it’s so hard. Gentle massage in a clockwise motion may help xx
tots2travel says
It’s a common problem for little ones so any sound advice helps.
Newcastle Family Life says
My little boy suffered really badly with this from being a few weeks old, he was on different medications for almost two years. Strangely as soon as he potty trained himself before his 2nd birthday he has had no problems at all. x
Joanna says
My son suffred when he was a few months old baby massage really seemed to work
Alice Soule says
Baby massage is fab, it really helps with so many issues. I took Jude when he was tiny but he hated it…looking back now, I know it’s because of his over sensitivity to touch. Apart from that though, my bubbas have always loved it x
Ella Ivoire says
This is really helpful for mommas! Baby constipation must be hell, poor babies
Lindsey says
Such a great tips to share with Mumma’s. As it can be quite stressful for baby and mother x
clairejustine says
My babies are all grown up now but I remember these days well. Not nice for the babies is it. I remember one if mine crying in pain with it 🙁
five little doves says
Megan had severe constipation and reflux as a baby, I remember it well! Great advice.
Alina says
Oh dear. I’ll be sure to share this with my sis who’s having a second, hopefully it helps her 🙂
Catie: An Imperfect Mum says
Thank you for sharing this fab & informative post with us at #ablogginggoodtime
Kara says
I always found baby massage was the one thing that worked for us
Kayleigh says
Some really great tips here that I’m sure will help other parents that are struggling with their little ones. Reflux and constipation are not nice for them at all!
Michelle Twin Mum says
Bless, it can cause them so much pain. I remember massage after their bath being really useful. Mich x
Donna Ashworth says
Great tips for new mums, I remember the struggles so very well!
Emma-Hope Newitt says
Some great tips, your baby is gorgeous!
Emma says
Aaawww bless him! I don’t have children yet but I remember my little sister being constipated as a baby and she would be in so much pain! Good tips.
Em
Claire at Tin Box Traveller says
This is really handy. Baby massage worked really well for us
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
It can be really hard when baby is struggling with constipation, great tips I will pass this on to my friend who has just had her first baby.
Sara (Ballsy Mama) says
This was such a horrible phase to get through. Important to get good advice out
Becki Parsons says
Great tips. My little one has always struggled – he’s 3 now and still struggles to poop regularly. The stomach massage always worked really well for him as a baby though. #rv&ht
Hanah Bailey-Churcher says
Some great tips, love the easy to read info graphic!
Rhian Westbury says
I wouldn’t have thought what you have would affect them that much, I’m glad things are getting better x
Baby Isabella says
Great infographic! I have bad baby constipation too when I was smaller and my folks had no idea what was wrong with me. Hopefully this post will help raise awareness x
nicol says
would never have thought orange juice would help too! this was very interesting to read
Sarah (KissableKreatins) says
My daughter had terrible reflux and was admitted to hospital at 2 weeks old with it. I learn to live with it and managed it with keeping her in an upright position for atleast 10 minutes after having milk and putting a pillow underneath her mattress to keep her head above her body at night. It seemed to help a lot.
Such an amazing post to share.
Kara says
Oh this reminds me of when my little one was a baby, great tips
Stephanie Cummings says
Oh gosh! Another reason I’m never having babies!!! Some good tips for people who have babas with issues
Lavender Life says
Will share this with my friends who have babies, sure they’ll find it useful 🙂
Emma says
My cousin had this problem with her son and used a product called bebegel to help relieve him. It’s agonising to see them in so much pain though
shannon says
I shared this with all my mommy friends!
Annie B says
Not a parent yet but this was news to me, so it is good to know what I’d need to do
Teresa Bowen says
Being childless I never even considered the possibility that young babies could be constipated.
Tanya Brannan says
A fantastic post and so much information for the new mums out there! I found it really interesting that when you drank orange juice it was easier for your baby x
Rebecca Smith says
These are very timely tips as I’ve got a 7 week old currently suffering, thank you!
Jo - Pickle & Poppet says
I remember my little boy going 7 days before he poo’d and he was exclusively breastfed. Everyone told me it was really normal, when he did go after that week it was explosive. I took him to baby massage and it was one of the best decisions as I still use the techniques now when he has a bad tummy (and he is 3) and on his baby sister. #TuesdayTreasures
Amy & Tots says
Fab post! Luckily mine have never suffered with constipation. Just big explosive poops! #TuesdayTreasures
Jemma says
Reflux and constipation can be so hard to deal with in newborns. Great tips!
Lyndsey says
Aww poor thing great tips though I’m sure they will help lots of people! L x
Fashion and Style Police says
My kids suffered a lot from constipation and reflux when they were babies. I remember those days.
Jenny (Accidental Hipster Mum) says
Great tips here! I’m so lucky I didn’t have a reflux baby! I did have to deal with him getting a little constipated sometimes and these are some fab tips for helping with that!
#RV&HT thanks for linking up! x
Angela Webster says
Both of my youngest suffered terribly with constipation in fact Jake still has trouble now it’s awful. Thank you for linking up with #TuesdayTreasures
Jo - Mother of Teenagers says
This is so long ago for me but I do remember being told to drink orange juice. Good luck! #family fun
Tammymum says
Oh its hard when they are crying and you are not sure what it is isn’t it? We had a pretty grim time with reflux and on the odd occasion the constipation too. I think all the literature and as much info as you can get is a great tool. Leaflets like this really can be so helpful – anything to help improve things for the little ones and parents too eh. Thanks for joining us at #familyfun xx