Posts Tagged ‘newborn constipation’
Why does Switching to Formula Cause Infant Constipation?
January 3rd, 2011 | 
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Most new parents are surprised to find out that it is perfectly normal for their breast fed babe to only pass stool once every week or even two! You see, the waste matter from this natural source of optimum nutrition amounts to very little. Think about it, if you ate only liquids derived from organic material that was ideally suited for your exact nutritional needs, chances are you’d experience the same phenomenon. The most amazing thing is that Mom’s breast milk is changing constantly to meet the precise needs of her baby. For example, if you are able to examine colostrum (the milk elicited right after birth) you would see the globules of rich fat floating on the top just like butter heated in a pan. Mothers with premature babes will produce colostrum for weeks instead of days like Moms with full term babies.
As your baby grows and changes, Mom’s breast milk changes in its constituent forms in order to not only nourish the babe, but also provide a natural laxative, maintaining the softness of the food-stuffs moving through the intestines that is effectually emitted as stool. It is very rare to find a constipated babe who is breast fed. In fact, it almost never happens. However, if this natural process is impinged upon due to illness or other untoward factors, the intuitive nature of your baby’s food source can be inhibited.
Infant constipation causes can be due to molecules that are too tightly packed in the formula. Sources of whey protein from cow’s milk can be too large at the molecular level for baby to handle causing pain and constriction in the intestines as your babe tries to adjust. If you think about it, cow’s milk is designed to grow a 1,200 lb. animal and a baby under 20 lbs. can interpret this food as a shock to its immature system. In some cases goat’s milk can be more ideally suited as the baby goat kid is a little more on par with a human baby’s size and patterns of growth.
Finding optimum sources of nutrition, other than breast milk can be a challenge for sure. Not all components of a mom’s breast milk can be ideally sourced in order to reproduce nature’s perfect food for the infant. Antibodies destroyed in the pasteurization process of cow or goat’s milk, or formula, is not ideal for your babe. If you think about it, a wet nurse was employed over the last 5-6,000 years for a babe not able to be suckled at his own mom’s breast. Unfortunately, infant formula derived from a powder or can, does not even resonate at the same energetic frequency of around 8 Hertz as the milk derived from mom does. This can make infant formula a tough food for babe to absorb. Soy formulas have been found to cause harm and allergies in babes and toddlers. It is a badly sourced protein structure, derived from a cheap cash crop, that inhibits the complete uptake of oxygen to the cell, causing not only infant constipation, but also breathing issues like asthma or even pneumonia in the babe later on.
Posted in infant constipation, newborn constipation | 
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The importance of hydration in relieving infant constipation
One of the first things to consider in troubleshooting infant constipation is the issue of hydration. It is important to note that when your baby transitions from the breast to formula, or milk, there can often be a temporary incidence of difficult, knotty stool. Find out some safe, easy ways to help your babe “let go” from some of the leading experts including Connie Limon in her article entitled, “When to Call the Doctor for a Sick Baby.” In her article, she states, “Infant constipation is rarely due to an underlying condition. It usually occurs with the transition from breast milk to formula or from strained foods to table foods. However, if constipation persists, call your doctor.”
Jay Hoecker, MD., leading expert at the Mayo Clinic provides the essential guidelines for also safely hydrating your constipated babe. Simply by adding some water or fruit juice to your baby’s diet at the appropriate age may be enough to restore normal bowel movements which should be anywhere from 2-4 per day depending on whether they are breast or bottle fed.
Another great idea is to use a small amount of water based lubricant to your child’s anus to ease the passage of the expectant stool, but also the mild stimulation may be enough of an invitation to get things moving again. Dr. Hoecker advises never to give mineral oil, laxatives or enemas to infants. Dr. Laura A. Jana, and Dr. Jennifer Shu also provide a very helpful range of suggestions for dealing with infant constipation in their book Heading Home With Your Newborn : From Birth To Reality.
Dealing with infant constipation? “Poop Happens” in Chapter 6!
Find out what to expect if your newborn should suffer infant constipation from this clear and practical book,”Heading Home With Your Newborn“. This must-have, non-judmental guidebook is cheerful, engaging, sympathetic and tremendously appreciated in a parent’s early weeks at home with a new babe. Keep it next to your rocking chair for easy access!
The advantage is that you will know what to do if your newborn suffers infant constipation in a casual clear style with great illustrations. Think about it, your babe is uncomfortable and colicky with her legs kicking with high pitched-crying at 2:00 a.m., and the stress causes your mind to blank from the little sleep you’ve had. Wouldn’t you love knowing that this reassuring little resource is available at your finger tips day and night?
This essential guide was written my two mothers, who are also medical Doctors, with a bedside manner like a true loving sister. If you would like to reap the benefits of no-fear parenting before “Heading Home With Your Newborn” and learn about infant constipation before it ever looms on your landscape, pick up your copy today!