Please help - newborn with constipation

DS hasn't pooped in 2 days and is trying so hard to go. He's straining and crying and obviously really uncomfortable.

I am going to call the doctor at 8am but is there anything I can do to help him go now??

He's 5 weeks and formula fed.

Re: Please help - newborn with constipation

Push his legs like a bicycle.

Rub his belly in a circular motion from left to right.


Rub his belly while he is in a warm bath...this helped DS tremendusly one day! Messy but it worked for us!

Hope he feels better soon!

Message edited 3/28/2009 6:59:40 AM.

Re: Please help - newborn with constipation

My son was the same way ~ Pediatrician said it was normal ~ rub his belly in a clockwork position ~ (it gets everything moving around in there and helps with the gasiness...)

Next, gently massage her abdomen which may help stimulate her digestive system. Make hand-over-hand strokes on her stomach, from the bottom of her rib cage to her lower abdomen, using the pads of your fingers. The motion should mimic a small doggie paddle.

Message edited 3/28/2009 7:27:09 AM.

Re: Please help - newborn with constipation

DS was very constipated as an infant. He actually didnt poop every day which my ped. says is ok but dont let him go long than 3 days.

Try a warm bath

Pushing his legs towards his chest backa and forth like a bicycle.

A small amount, maybe 1 oz., of water

If nothing else works, I used to use the suppository on the 3rd day. Not a full one b/c they are big, but maybe 1/4 one.

ETA: If you dont want to go the suppository route and he is in pain, use a rectal thermometer and put some vaseline on it.

Message edited 3/28/2009 8:04:44 AM.

Re: Please help - newborn with constipation

Try the above, but if it doesnt work, use a thermometer. Lube it up with vaseline and use it as if you were taking his temp. Good luck! I know how upsetting it can be to watch your LO struggle to go!

Re: Please help - newborn with constipation

my DS would only go every 3-4 days until he started solids. once he hit 5 days, we would have to use the thermometer. when he got a little older, around 8 weeks we would give 1/2 oz of prune juice and 1/2 oz water each day and that worked well too

Re: Please help - newborn with constipation

a warm qtip worked for dd....its horrible to think of but gently insert it a little and then it was always instant!

Re: Please help - newborn with constipation

Thanks...
We tried the Q-tip with vaseline but the poop is so hard it's not coming out.

The doctor said 1 oz. of prune juice with 1 oz. of water. He drank a little bit of it...so we'll see what happens!

Re: Please help - newborn with constipation

another trick i found helped was 1oz apple juice to 1 oz water... gave it to ds and within an hour he was cleaned out