BEWARE LONG POST - Hello all, I don't normally post here in the child section but our almost 3 week old is having trouble pooping. My dr. office don't seem to bothered by it but watching him strain and cry and really push and have nothing come out is terrible!! I called them on friday at 430 and talked to the nurse and I asked if we could try a new formula!! She said yeah to try that b/c the karo syrup wasn't doing anything. So I went to the store and bought enfamil gentlease. I was told that iron can cause this bowel movement(BM) problem. But I looked at all the cans that had iron in them and ones that didn't, and they all have 1.8mg of iron in a 5 oz. serving!!
Since last night I have had to do a rectal temp on him 2 times just to help him poop. It isn't hard at all, its soft and I have no idea why he is having trouble having a BM.
I work in the operating room and all I can picture is that there is something wrong w/ his rectum on the inside!! Then I noticed his belly button. Every time he pushes hard there is a spot that pushes out like he might have a small hernia above his belly button. It is hard to tell b/c half of his cord broke off and there is still a small piece that is starting to dry out that is still in the navel.
Does anyone have any thoughts or experience w/ this?? I appologize that this post is so long but the more detailed this is the better the answer will be. THANKS SO MUCH!!

 

Constipation is more common among bottle fed babies. I assume they still have Similac formula which is touted to be more like breast milk. How much karo? Most recommend two teaspoons per bottle for infant constipation. It is a myth that iron causes constipation.

Newborns have a tiny, tight anus and weak abdomen, causing them to have to push with their diaphragm to pass the stool. As you say, the stool is soft and not dry and hard as in the case of constipation. So, it does not sound like constipation.

A quick rectal exam by the doctor can diagnose any problems and stretch the anus at the same time. A bulging of tissue at the belly button when baby coughs, cries, or strains is indicative of an umbilical hernia. The defect in the abdominal wall usually closes itself. Skin folds protruding on navel is not a hernia. A visit to the pediatrician to rule out any problems is in order.

 

Well I switched formula and all is well. Pooping again by himself.
Thank god!! I am using Enfamil Gentlease. That whole iron thing is quite a debate among a lot of people and from stories I have heard I have to believe that iron does contribute to bm's. I know all about the hernia thing and he goes this week to have it looked at. I just wanna be safe. Feels like a henia but I have only seen and felt hernia's in adults in the operating room.
When I saw that I thought a possible strangulated hernia b/c of his belly looking distended!! But guess not. He went 3 times today and 2 yesterday. Thanks for the post.

 

Good news! What formula were you using before? I checked out the Enfamil Gentlease. Similar to breast milk and contains easily digestible milk proteins and nutrients. Yum! Keep us posted on your wee one's progress.