Are breastfed babies prone to constipation?

Breastfeeding infants can still be at risk of constipation, often seen in children with anal and rectal problems, children with inflammation around the anus leading to pain, babies eating solids with constipation Or drinking formula too early also increases the risk of constipation.

Video content is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Nam Phong - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital

Newborn baby with constipation is a condition in which the child has little bowel movement, many days (more than 3 days) without defecation, the stools are often dry and hard, when defecating, they have to push to pass. The main cause of constipation in a 6-month-old baby or an 8-month-old child with constipation is often due to the baby sucking less, not drinking enough milk, leading to dehydration.
When children go to kindergarten, the change in environment from home to school, children face the problem of using a different toilet, a new sanitary environment, when the sanitary environment is not suitable. If it is suitable for children, being afraid of teachers or dirty toilets will make children afraid to go out, leading to constipation in 6-month-old children or 8-month-old children with constipation. This is the period when children are most susceptible to constipation.
For the case of children with acute constipation or constipation, one of the ways to support the child to have easier bowel movements is to massage the child's abdomen, gently rub hands in a clockwise direction (from right to right). to the left), can be massaged for a long time, 5-10 minutes each time, 2-3 times a day. In addition, parents can help a constipated 6-month-old child or an 8-month-old constipated child practice movements such as cycling, ie letting the child lie on his or her back (1 leg bent, 1 leg stretched), changing positions continuously. customary.
In a 6-month-old child with constipation who is exclusively breastfed, to overcome the situation, the mother should note the following diet:
Increase vegetables and fruits to supplement fiber excreted in breast milk for nursing infants . Drink lots of water, juice, milk. The total amount of water a mother needs to drink during the day is about 2-3 liters including water, milk and juice to ensure adequate milk supply for the nursing baby. If the mother is also constipated, it is necessary to add grapefruit juice, or chia seeds to overcome constipation, and increase the amount of fiber in breast milk for the baby. However, to treat a 6-month-old child with constipation or an 8-month-old child with constipation, parents should note that children should not be pumped frequently. In addition, if a newborn baby is constipated with symptoms such as bloating, spitting up milk, irritability, or fussiness, parents should take the baby to see a doctor.
Besides, parents should pay attention to nutrition to improve resistance for children. At the same time, add supporting foods containing lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, B vitamins,... snacks and less digestive problems.
Parents can learn more:
Why do you need to supplement Lysine for your baby?
The role of zinc - Guidelines for reasonable zinc supplementation
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