Gaviscon: Dosage and Constipation

[CageBird]

My DS is 6 weeks old today. He is on Gaviscon for his reflux, which is working a treat. However, he is constipated and goes once every couple of days. It seems to hurt him to go and he strains a lot. His nappies (sorry) are half hard, greenish and pasty, and half yellow/orange and healthy looking. I spoke to the GP who said he wouldn't suggest a laxative for a baby so young. Any suggestions / natural remedies?

Also, I am giving half a sachet every feed, to try and help with his constipation. Do you think this makes any difference?

Thank in advance for your pearls of wisdom.

If you're breastfeeding I've heard that you eating prunes can help ... otherwise if bottle feeding you can give the baby some prune water (prunes steeped in boiling water, then cool and remove prunes!). Disclaimer - ask your HV first as this might not be suitable for such a little baby!

My EBF DS was 10 weeks old when prescribed Infant Gaviscon, and it instantly constipated him.

We have reduced the dosage (which is tricky with BF anyway, as when is a feed a feed, and how much have they had, etc), to try and keep the reflux contained but without poo-shutdown.

Our GP also recommended a teaspoon of orange juice for constipation. This seemed to work, but we are still struggling to find a balance. GP said orange juice worked by irritating the gut a little, which obviously we don't want to do too much.

There are more tips on the reflux support thread on this board for lactulose etc.

Reflux thread here - www.mumsnet.com/Talk/breast_and_bottle_feeding/1024071-Support-thread-for-all-parents-with-reflux-babies

My ds was so constipated I pretty much gave up on it. I found night feeds were fine so missed it out of them and saved it for the 'bad feed' times. I did the water/ water and oj thing too. Works.

BUT, big but, it turns out his 'reflux' was due to allergies so my advice may be useless. The poo though was just as you describe, plus it was weirdly smooth, like paste.

Eldritch - thanks for the prune advice. Asked the HV this morning and she was OK with it. Will invest in prunes!

Barkfox - HV said not to use orange juice before 6 months because of the acidity. Thanks SO much for the link to the reflux thread, have been reading through it since yesterday, some very helpful stuff.

Strawb - Hmmm, I'm scared to give up on the Gaviscon, it's working for his reflux. HV suggested one of the comfort formulas as they are supposed to help with constipation. I know they're thickened though , and that's not good to combine with Gaviscon, so confused. She's really keen for me to give it a go, so may try over the w/e when I've got some support.

Thanks ladies.

we have used lactulose with both dd and ds when on gaviscon - it isn't a laxative as it doens't enter the blood stream it just draws water into the bowel to help them go more easily. DDs consultant at the hospital suggested it as did our HV, can buy it over the counter and give up 5ml 3 times a day - works a treat x

Thanks Fairimum - had not heard of lactulose. Have googled it and it looks good.