Constipation

It is common for babies to go red in the face, push and seem to strain when they are doing poos even when they are not constipated. If the motions are soft your child is not constipated.

It is normal for a new born up until three weeks old to have several bowel motions per day and after this it should slow to once or twice per day.

Some babies go only once every 7–10 days and although this is considered normal it is not desirable. If your baby has not passed their first bowel motion by 24 hours after birth, you should see your doctor.

However many babies will strain excessively with crying while trying to pass a bowel motion or pass wind. This is not normal and occurs in breast fed or formula fed babies equally.

Osteopathic treatment will help to relax the pelvic diaphragm and coordinate the gut functioning to assist the baby with bowel movement.

In some instances the baby may have a food sensitivity commonly lactose intolerance or gluten which can cause constipation or irregular bowel movements. In this case consulting a naturopath may be useful.