Constipation in Babies with Reflux, Colic & CMPA
Constipation in babies is a real problem, yet it shouldn’t be.
Why do babies get constipation?
It’s a very simple equation. The body needs a careful balance of fluid to function properly. And when a baby’s food and milk have ingredients that absorb more fluid from the baby’s body than the baby has to give. It then dries out their gut, resulting in stools that are hard and difficult to pass.
What is the solution?
The way to resolve this is to change the balance of fluid.
We are told not to give babies water when they are drinking formula. But what happens when the formula themselves have ingredients that don’t only ferment in their gut but continue to absorb fluid as they pass? What should we do?
This isn’t seen as a problem by formula manufacturers. They see the problem of reflux and think the way to deal with it is to make the milk thicker to stop it from being thrown up so easily. But these thickeners continue to thicken as they move through the body.
For me, reflux is not caused by milk being too thin. There are really only two causes of reflux (aerophagia and digestive immaturity). And rather than tackle the symptoms (such as anti-reflux milk tackle vomiting only), let’s tackle the cause. In tackling the symptom of vomiting, the thickened milk introduces other symptoms - wind, bloating and potentially constipation.
On top of this, many of the medications prescribed for reflux contribute to constipation, some so much so that the constipation is judged to be worse than the reflux by parents.
How can I help?
In the 'Reflux Free Baby' Workshop, I walk you through all the symptoms you need to observe and record for your baby, what they mean, and how to use them as clues.
I tell you what the clues mean individually and when they occur with other groups of symptoms.
And this leads us to be able to say what is causing each baby's reflux with much more confidence.
Based on this, I tell you what specific action to take for them.
Áine x
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