Breast Feeding and constipation in older baby

[Frog253]

He's my third, 18 months old and still breastfed. Even when he was 100% bf he was one of those who poo every few days rather than daily. Since weaning he does mostly hard poos and he seems constipated a lot of the time. Also he's upset when he has to go. His diet is pretty good although he's not a great drinker and I think that is part of the problem. I've tried diluted apple and orange juice (latter not that keen) as well as lactulose. Lactulose works quite well except he doesn't like it enough to take a reasonable amount. Have also tried prune juice, again won't really touch it.

DCs 1 and 2 have never had constipation and they were only bf for 6 months. So, the only difference diet wise between him and the other 2 is the breastmilk. Any thoughts or advice gratefully received. Couldn't easily give up the bf because I couldn't guarantee that he would make up the lack of fluid taken at this time with another drink. Is it likely that he will grow out of this? Or is it the breastmilk causing this?

It's likely to be the solids he's having. Can you cut down on foods like bread, bananas and anything that'll bung him up? You say he doesn't drink much - can you get a beaker with a straw - a lot easier. I have one by tomy (a momma) and I leave it for DS so he fan pick it up whenever he's playing. He'll get a fair bit in that way.

My DS has reflux - and got quite constipated when weaning at first - I think he's got quite a sensitive digestive system. Best way to "clear him out" is to cut down solids and he'll feed more from me making his poos softer. Worth trying for a couple of days. Also have to make sure he gets loads of exercise to loosen up

I don't give much bread. Very rarely. He has fruit everyday but no bananas. Watery things like apples, mangos etc. No dairy or soya (hrs intolerant). Carbs will be potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice and pasta. Veg - things like parsnip, swede and sweetcorn. No peas or broccoli as gives him wind.

It's interesting that your DS doesn't like orange juice. It's acidic and can trigger reflux episodes in my DS. so I wonder if yours has a similar issue (may not be though)

HTH

Sorry for spelling issues!

Might try a drink with a straw. He doesn't like bananas and will only eat small amounts of homemade bread. He eats potatoes, pasta and rice for carbs.
Was a DS a irregular pooer before weaning as well? Bit late in the day but am wondering if it is the breastmilk causing his problems?

Frog my DS was very constipated while he was BF (he could up to 8/10 days without a dirty nappy). Since we've started weaning things got better, but even so he has too eat a lot of fruit and vegetables to regulate his bowels. One thing that really works for him when he's constipated is prunes and dried apricots. Usually I blend 2/3 prunes with some pears or some other fruit and give him during 2 or 3 meals and he loves it - it's sweet!
I don't thing is the breast milk causing problems, usually is formula that get babies constipated.

Hope this helps
Good luck

BM is easy to digest - easier than formula so I think unlikely... That's why it's more likely to be either the diet or your DS digestion?