Expert: ruth kraft - 2/21/2010

Question
QUESTION: Dear Sir
my second baby is 2 and a half months old delivered by caesarian section. she was quite normal for the first 2 months and reached a weight of 5.5 kg then, progressively she started to have increasingly infrequent motions up to once every 4 days accompanied with mild distension and colics.it is worth noting that we had question marks about whether the quantity of breast milk was enough for her. so we started adding one formula milk feed per day and one herbal drinks feed. also we noticed that she became sleepy and drowsy with decreased appetite towards the end of the three days she takes to pass a motion. her routine labs and thyroid profile were normal except for mild anaemia.
our doctor advised glycerine suppositories every 36 hours and stopping formula feeds. meanwhile her mother does feel that her breasts are producing milk as usual.
please advise what to do as i am so worried my baby may have a serious illness
thank you

ANSWER: Your baby is normal. After 6 weeks babies are not suppose to have bowel movements as often as the first 6 weeks. they can go up to 10  days without pooping and be fine. Formula will make it worse. and the suppositories will make cause problems in the long run and teach the baby not to have his own bowel movement. Breastmilk ONLY for the first 6 months is the best way for the baby.  The colic and fussing and grunting is normal as the baby learns to control its bowels on its own as its a little harder. this is the first step in natures way of toilet training.  It is normal and should not be interfered with  with formula or suppositories.

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QUESTION: Thank you doctor. please advise what to do to increase breast milk output for the mother and what to do if the baby has distension and does not want to suckle after 2 or 3 days without passing motions. thank you again

Answer
I am not a doctor but rather a breastfeeding educator.

The mother can get more fiber in her diet , the more she gets her bowels moving, the more her breastmilk will flow and help the baby get his moving. If baby refuses, just keep offering frequently and the baby should eventually nurse.