Only pooing on laxatives?!

[ALBW]

So my 5 month old has always had a bit of trouble with his digestive system (nothing diagnosed).

He had a bad case of constipation around 2 weeks ago after 3 days of not pooing. The poo was rock solid and nearly ripped him, it also caused a baby hemmeroid (apologies about spelling)! We had to go a&e where they got it out and gave him suppository and told us to go GP if didn’t poo again for 2 days due to how bad it was.

He then didn’t poo for 2 days, went to GP who prescribed laxido. He was on it for a week and pood A LOT, runny but dr was happy and said we could try stop it and see if he goes back to normal.

We stopped it and now he isn’t pooing again! I’m worried he is at the stage where he will only poo when on laxatives. Surely he can’t be on them long term, it can’t be good for him?

Has anyone else experienced this with their baby? The Dr can’t find anything wrong with him!

He is formula fed due to low milk supply and medication which I have to take

I would think it's the milk that's not agreeing with him, you could try switching brands.

Another option is start solids a little early and try out some pear or other watery fruit/veg. Might be better to discuss this with health visitor since tbh your Dr doesn't seem too helpful.

Yes, depending on his weight and head control I'd be investigating starting solids (or rather, purées watered down - pear, plum and prune are all very good for this)

Niece was on them daily until she was 10 years old

I would have thought daily laxative would make the bowel lazy that's what was always told in a pharmacy background I'd suggest talking to your Gp . Having said that huge difference between a stool softener and a laxative so if it's a softener I would be less concerned .

It's Laxido (paediatric) x

He's been on same milk for a while with no problems, it was so weird nothing really caused it that I can't think of. Do you know if babies can suddenly react to a milk? X

This is just about the single worst advice you can give a parent with a constipated child.

Laxatives in this case macrogols (laxido) are a proven safe medication that can be given for lifetime if necessary.

OP take a look at ERIC.org.uk for lots of verified advice on treating constipation in children.

Babies' digestion starts to mature around 4 to 6 months so it could be his body treating it differently.

You say he's always had some trouble with poos, it might just be how is body reacts to cows milk and only now his reaction is more of a problem.