Newborn constipation

[Willow4987]

My 5 week old has constipation. He hasn’t been since Monday morning, is very gassy (and stinky), stomach is rock hard and he’s really unhappy

I’ve tried feeding more regularly (breastfeeding), warm bath and tummy massage. So far it’s not worked

Is there anything else?

I’m reluctant to ring the GP in the current situation and not too sure they can actually give him anything

My nana used to say that if we were constipated as babies she'd wet her little finger and put it up our bum! Don't ask me if this works but I have a very vivid and very scaring memory of her telling me this!

Midwife or HV conversation ASAP

it's a major concern before 6 wo

Very unusual for a BF baby to be constipated- could it just be gas? Try peddling his legs/a nice bath to relax him etc

Defo seek support from MW

@ChelseaCat not unusual for BF babies over 6 weeks to go several days without pooing as there's so little waste. And they can be a little uncomfortable with that.

But 5 weeks is a concern still

Still no poo and he’s had another warm bath, massage and leg peddling. Lots and lots of gas though

Will call HV in the morning and see what they say

My DD has been like this since 3 weeks old (EBF) - She went 6 days last week when she was only 5/6weeks old. Ive been beside myself but my HV or GP have never been concerned since she's always been bright, plenty wet nappies and good weight gain but she really struggles leading up to doing a poo.
Phone your HV in the morning and see what she says.

HV wasn’t too concerned but said to call back Monday if still no change

A midwife my DH knows through someone he works with has said it might be best to get him checked as he’s breastfed so it’s unusual.

I’ll keep going with my bath and exercises and hopefully it clears it this weekend

EBF babies don't necessarily poo that often, mine had a dirty nappy every 6-9 days until he started weaning, his record was 11 days!

However, the hard tummy suggests things might not be quite right so do keep pursuing it if it doesn't improve. The GP can prescribe glycerin suppositories which will stimulate a bowel movement (they won't address any underlying cause but can help clear out the system). Other suggestions might be a little cooled boiled water or a small amount of diluted orange juice. I wasn't comfortable with either of those when mine was a newborn, although I can see they are not harmful.

I hope it's just going to be a normal pattern and not a problem. My DH and I used to play nappy roulette when we knew it was getting near the day for the weekly poo . It was quite a shock to the system when it became a daily+ event!

Lay baby on their back on your thighs, and grab their ankles and rock them up and over baby's belly. Also do bicycle legs. Do this for as long as you can. This was the only thing that worked for my DS.

Good luck