3 week old problems opening bowels

[AllABitNew]

Hi,

Just looking for any advice or reassurance really.

My 3 week old (born a month early) seems to be having real issues pooing and gets quite distressed and upset with themselves.

Passing wind seems to have gotten easier but managing to use the right muscles to move a poo hasn't.

We try tummy massage and leg cycling which sometimes helps, but has anyone else been in this situation and when does it improve? Currently managing to go about once per day (which I know isn't technically constipated) but it's just sad to see.

Formula fed fyi

Are they just straining, grunting and going red or are they screaming in pain?

A lot of babies struggle with the new sensations of pooing and sometimes it can be difficult to tell if there's actually lord than that going on

Hi op, may I ask what formula you are using... also how is babies belly?

Just asking as my son(22 months now) suffered acid reflux at 3 weeks.

Oh definitely not screaming in pain. I think it's just the sensation and not being able to coordinate the muscles.

We're on Aptamil, and his tummy is pretty soft still (except when trying to push lol)

If he's not screaming and he's fairly settled after feeds it could just be because he's new

Oh ok I mean if its soft then that's a good sign. Maybe give baby some lukewarm water and massage his belly... also try cycle motion

Please do not give your baby water. This is very old fashioned advice and potentially very dangerous, especially in such a young baby. The only think he should be having a BM or Formula.

There is nothing wrong with giving baby water. There is no danger to it as when you make formula for baby they milk is mixed with water regardless.
I was told by my HV back in 2021 when ihad my son to give him some water soi don't see any danger in that at all

@jadey1991 it is very dangerous to give a new baby water. please do a little research before giving this advice

I'm sorry but your HV is very, very wrong. Babies, especially Ones do small should only be given BM or Formula.

"Providing too much water in early infancy can increase the risk of hyponatraemia (diluted sodium or salt levels) which could lead to seizures, coma, brain damage and in serious cases, death (Bruce & Kliegman, 1997, CDC, 1994, Medani, 1987, The Lancet, 1992".

OP please do not give your LO water, even if it has been boiled.

I have looked into giving babies water, and whilst I haven't and don't think we need to currently, I can't see anywhere that suggests it is dangerous?

The NHS actually suggests that small amounts of cooled boiled water may be required during hotter weather (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/drinks-and-cups-for-babies-and-young-children/)

Yea in extreme heat when a FF baby can die of dehydration like some did in the UK in 1976. It's definitely not recommended for constipation, especially on a 3 week old with soft stools

I also found this:

https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding-challenges/constipation-and-bottle-feeding/

So it's definitely not dangerous to give some small amounts of water between feeds.

If he doesn't open his bowels by this evening it will be 2 days so may try an ounce of water