Constipated newborn.

[needawin]

My daughter has a 10 day old baby. Has not passed a motion for 2 days. Any advice on what to give or do?

[mrs_overall]

Breast or bottle fed?

[Sqad]

Do nothing....carry on as normal....this is not unusual.

[mrs_overall]

if your daughter wants reassurance, tell her to ring the health visitor

[needawin]

Daughter has just called to say she rang the health visitor. Says to give some prune juice in water. Thank you to all who replied.

[TopKat]

Horrified to hear a health visitor advising prune juice for such a young baby! I would just make sure the baby is offered extra water as the weather has been quite hot. Also, unless the baby is struggling to pass the stools or they are very hard when passed, this is probably just his/her natural rhythm. Not everyone (or even every baby) goes every day and lots of variation is entirely normal.

[Sqad]

TopKat....I think that prune juice is good advice.....why are you "horrified?"

[RATTER15]

Prune juice is natural and harmless, especially when diluted with water.

[ummmm]

Not sure a 10 day old would like it though.

[starone]

I didn't 'go' for two weeks many years ago. I was ill at the time (pneumonia) and it was before the advent of antibiotics. My doctor told me not to worry, I would go when my body was ready, which I did.

[TopKat]

Very young babies do not have the digestive maturity to deal with prune juice. At 10 days old, the baby may still be passing meconium and the bacteria which will aid digestion of solid food is only just beginning to colonise his/her gut. The best and indeed only necessary food for a baby of this age is breast milk. If this is not possible, then an appropriate formula milk, made up according to instructions, can suffice. As I said before, if the weather is hot then extra water can be offered between feeds. Nothing else should be given for at least two months, preferably longer.

[Sqad]

TopKat........blimey......you got that off your chest ;-)

No, I was wondering if you were horrified at the prune juice suggestion OR the fact that ANYTHING had to be done.

Personally I would disagree with you about the prune juice which is basically sugar,but i respect your opinion.

[TopKat]

Thanks Sqad! Sorry if I seemed a bit ott but I guess the advice given by the health visitor just struck a nerve. Both the prune juice AND the idea that anything should be given at all. Also, a baby that age should still be under midwifery care and I don't think a midwife would give that advice. Anyhow, all that matters is that the baby is okay!

[Sqad]

TopKat......;-)

[joko]

2 days does no mean hes constipated!

lots of people go 2-3 days without pooing

[chaptazbru]

Who are these people ????

[ummmm]

I have never known a new born baby go 2 days. At that age most nappies would be soiled.