Identifying and Treating Constipation in Your Baby

Identifying and Treating Constipation in Your Baby

October 26th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Constipation is one of the most common reasons that new mothers call their baby’s pediatrician for advice. While babies do get constipated, many of the incidents that lead to a call to the doctor aren’t constipation at all, but rather a normal change in a baby’s bowel movements. When baby really is constipated, however, it can make for a very unhappy baby and thus an unhappy mother too.

How Long Can a Baby Go Between Bowel Movements?

It isn’t necessary for a baby to have a bowel movement every day, and a space of a few days between dirty diapers isn’t anything to be concerned about. In a breastfed baby, bowel movements can occur as little as once a week, and a space of up to two weeks can be normal. Because the body absorbs breast milk so thoroughly, there is often little waste leftover to form stool. For this reason exclusively breastfed babies rarely become constipated.

How to Recognize Constipation

Merely not having a bowel movement for a few days doesn’t necessarily mean baby is constipated, as many new mothers believe. Constipation occurs when stool becomes backed up in the intestines in a large enough amount to cause pain and discomfort for baby. This is usually noticeable in baby’s behavior and mood. A constipated baby may become fussy or even extremely upset when attempting to pass a stool. This is because the stool has become hard, dense, and difficult to pass. If your child seems to strain when having a bowel movement but is not crying or in pain and passes soft stool, constipation isn’t a problem. In this case, infrequent stool is probably normal for your child at this stage of life.

When your baby starts to pass hard, small stools that are heavy and dense, and is showing significant distress when passing them, constipation is likely, even if the stools are being passed fairly frequently.

Treating Constipation

Most pediatricians will recommend a small amount of fruit juice such as apple juice to get things moving. Remember to closely follow your doctor’s recommendation for the amount of juice, because too much can swing the pendulum in the other direction and cause diarrhea. In severe cases, a glycerin suppository may be recommended to soften the stool and clear out the bowels.

Treating a one-time case of constipation is usually fairly simple and straightforward. If your baby has regular, recurring constipation, however, it’s a good idea to take a look at what you are feeding. A change to a different formula is a good idea, as an intolerance for one of the ingredients in formula is a common culprit in constipation. Your baby may not be able to tolerate cow’s milk proteins and will do better on a soy formula.

If changing formulas does not seem to alleviate the problem, it’s probably time to talk to your baby’s doctor about the ongoing problem, and work together to find a solution. The constipation could be caused by a blockage or another condition affecting the bowels and causing them to fail to move stools along properly. These are rare problems, but warrant investigation if common methods fail to successfully treat your baby’s constipation.

Many babies will encounter constipation at some point, whether from a problem with formula or when starting solids, another constipation culprit. Fortunately, most cases are easily treated and do not become serious problems.

The Role of Iron in Formula

The Role of Iron in Formula

August 5th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Iron is an essential mineral to your baby’s growth and development. It is vital to the blood supply, helping to create the hemoglobins that carry oxygen through the blood. Most formulas today are fortified with iron, in accordance with AAP recommendations for preventing an iron deficiency, or anemia, in babies. There are some concerns regarding iron in formula, usually in relation to constipation or other stomach problems; however, the recommendation is still to choose iron-fortified formula over low-iron versions.

Iron in Formula vs. Breast Milk

Some advocates of lower iron formulas argue that breast milk contains far less iron than the average fortified formula. This is true; however, the iron in breast milk is much more easily absorbed by and used by a baby’s body than that found in formula. Therefore a lower amount can have a greater effect. Some doctors do recommend an iron supplement for breast fed babies, but the research is not yet clear on how helpful this is in preventing anemia.

Does Iron in Formula Cause Gastrointestinal Distress?

The main reason why parents choose to switch to a low-iron formula is the belief that the iron in the formula is responsible for such problems as colic, constipation, gas and diarrhea. Because iron supplements in adults can cause constipation, it seems like a logical conclusion that iron would have the same effect on a baby. The research on the topic, however, discredits this belief. There is no evidence of any difference in any of the above issues between babies fed iron-fortified formula and those fed low-iron versions of the same formula.

There is, however, a difference between breastfed babies and formula fed babies in levels of constipation and gas, as well as other stomach issues. This is not because of levels of iron, however, but because breast milk is much easier for the baby’s body to digest than formula. It is also used so effectively by the body that it often leaves less waste to clog up the baby’s system.

The Benefits of Iron in Formula

Since manufacturers started adding iron to formula in the 1970’s, the rate of anemia in infants has dropped dramatically, from 20% to 3% of formula fed babies. Iron is vital to your growing baby’s health, allowing the creation of new red blood cells.

At this time, the AAP recommends that you use a formula fortified with iron, if you are not breastfeeding your baby. Formulas with higher amounts of iron are a better choice because a very small amount of the total iron is actually absorbed and used by the body. Cow’s milk formulas have an absorption rate of only about 12% of iron, while soy formulas are even lower. Compared to the 50% rate of absorption from human milk, it becomes obvious why adding iron to formula is necessary to provide baby with an adequate supply of iron.

At this time, there is no evidence to support the use of low-iron formulas, but despite efforts to educate new parents, low-iron formulas are still available and are still being chosen by parents based on inaccurate information. If you have concerns about iron in your baby’s diet, talk to your pediatrician. It is difficult to see a baby suffering from gastrointestinal distress, but blaming it on iron and removing this important nutrient from baby’s diet can have a damaging effect on health and is unlikely to improve the problem.

Nutrition: The Role of Fat

Nutrition: The Role of Fat

July 19th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

There is no question that fat is the most maligned of the macronutrients. Most of us try to avoid fat, and we have been led to believe that it is responsible for all of our health and weight woes.

The truth is, fat is a necessary component of a healthy diet. As an important part of our cells, it plays a role in protecting our bodies, and can also improve heart health and keep our cholesterol levels in check. However, these tasks all require that we ingest the right kinds of fat, and in the right amounts.

What are the Types of Fat?

There are several types of fat, and some are good for the body while others can be severely detrimental.

The healthy, or unsaturated, fats are divided into monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. These fats are good for your heart, reduce inflammation and also help to regulate cholesterol levels. They are found in foods such as nuts, especially almonds, hazelnuts and pecans, fish, oils such as olive, peanut, and canola, and avocadoes.

The fats that fall into the unhealthy category are known as saturated fats. These appear in red meat, whole-milk dairy products, and vegetable oil. Because our bodies already produce all the saturated fat they need, it really isn’t a necessary component of our diet. Saturated fats can do damage to the cardiovascular system, and intake should be limited.

Recently, there has been a great deal of concern raised regarding trans fats, or trans fatty acids. Found in hydrogenated oils such as margarine and many of the frying oils used in fast food restaurants, trans fats are extremely bad for the heart. They raise the bad cholesterol levels in the bloodstream and increase the risk of heart disease. Trans fats should be eliminated from the diet altogether if possible.

How Much Fat is Needed?

Depending on age, fat should make up anywhere from 20-35% of your diet. Almost all of this should be of the healthy, unsaturated type. The exception to this is children under two, who have different nutritional needs from adults. Fat is important in brain and eye development for babies and infants, and a low-fat diet can be detrimental to this. Unless there is a history of heart disease in the family, children under two should have full-fat versions of foods such as dairy products.

Although low-fat diets have been popular for many years, new research indicates that there is little evidence to support their effectiveness. Since low-fat and fat-free version of products appeared on the shelves of American grocery stores, there has been almost no change in the level of obesity or cardiovascular disease in the American people. Studies have shown that the type of fat, and not the amount, determines the risk for heart disease. While two people may both consume the proper percentage of fat, the one who eats more saturated fat will be at a higher risk of heart disease.

The key to ensuring you are getting the right kind of fat and avoiding the wrong one is to read nutrition labels. These labels will tell you how many grams of fat the food contains per serving, as well as whether the fat is saturated or unsaturated. This is your best tool for controlling your fat intake.

By ensuring your diet contains the right amount of unsaturated fats, you can help to maintain heart health as well as keep your weight under control.

Fiber and Your Pregnancy Diet

Fiber and Your Pregnancy Diet

July 18th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Fiber is an important part of a healthy pregnancy diet. In addition to keeping your digestive system moving smoothly, new research shows that fiber may also play a role in preventing gestational diabetes. Fiber is also important for energy that lasts, and keeping you full to prevent mindless snacking.

Fiber and Constipation

One of the most common complaints of pregnant women is constipation. Many factors during pregnancy can lead to problems with constipation, but lack of fiber in the diet is a major one. Increasing your fiber intake, along with drinking plenty of fluids can help alleviate constipation.

Fiber and Gestational Diabetes

Occurring only during pregnancy, gestational diabetes affects about 5% of pregnant women. A 2006 study indicated that women with a higher intake of fiber have a lower chance of gestational diabetes. For every 10 grams of fiber increase the odds of gestational diabetes dropped by 26%. Although more research is needed on the role of fiber in gestational diabetes, it’s another good argument for increased fiber in your pregnancy diet.

Fiber for Sustained Energy

High fiber foods take longer to break down in your system. They will keep you full longer, and provide sustained energy rather than a quick peak of energy that is soon gone. This is especially important during pregnancy when you may be feeling tired and run down already. Sustaining your body with high fiber foods will help to keep you going.

How to Get Enough Fiber

For every 1000 calories in your diet, you should aim to consume 14 grams of fiber. During pregnancy, the average woman should get 25-30 grams of fiber every day. Fortunately, with a balanced diet and a few changes you can up your fiber intake easily.

Many fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber, including apples, pears, prunes and leafy greens including collard greens, spinach and kale. You can also increase your fiber intake by switching to whole grains in your bread and pasta, as well as choosing brown rice over white. Beans are also a great source of fiber. When choosing bread, look for a loaf that provides at least 4 grams of fiber per serving – two slices of toast will give you 8 grams of fiber. Look for whole grain cereals as well to provide more fiber.

There are many products on the shelves today that offer added fiber, but use caution as some of them also have added sugar and other things you don’t need in your diet. Look to get the fiber you need from more natural sources – these foods will provide you with many of the vitamins and minerals you need at the same time.

If you are concerned that you are not getting enough fiber in your diet, or you are still suffering from constipation, talk to your doctor. You might need a fiber supplement, or other changes to your diet or supplements you are taking to help reduce constipation. Eating enough fiber is important even if you haven’t had any problems with constipation, as it will also act as a preventative measure. There is no reason to wait until the problem starts to make the appropriate changes in your diet!

Many people don’t get enough fiber in their diet, but during pregnancy it is especially important to make sure you make the right food choices. With a number of benefits for both you and baby, fiber is a must have for proper prenatal nutrition.

Why you Need a Prenatal Supplement?

Why you Need a Prenatal Supplement?

June 29th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Even if you are striving to eat a balanced diet from all four food groups, your vitamin and mineral intake can still fall short. During pregnancy, it is especially vital that you get the needed amounts of all of the necessary nutrients to support your health as well as your baby’s growth. In order to help you meet all of your nutritional needs, your doctor will recommend that you take a prenatal supplement.

What Is A Prenatal Supplement?

Like other multivitamins, prenatal supplements offer a combination of all of the vitamins and minerals you need on a daily basis. Just as some supplements are specifically targeted to other populations such as men, women, seniors or children, a prenatal supplement contains specific levels of vitamins and minerals to meet the needs of a pregnant woman. Prenatal supplements generally contain more of the nutrients pregnant women require to remain healthy and nourish the baby growing within, such as folic acid, calcium, and iron.

Where Should I Get My Supplements?

There are two options for prenatal supplements; over the counter and prescription versions are both available. Talk to your doctor about which option is best for you. Prescription supplements often contain larger doses of important nutrients, but can also cause reactions such as nausea and constipation. Over the counter options can be purchased at a drugstore, grocery store or any other store that offers vitamin and mineral supplements. If the options are confusing, ask the pharmacist for help. If your doctor has prescribed a supplement, do not switch without asking first. There may be a reason in your medical history why that particular supplement was chosen for you.

If you are having a really bad reaction to your current supplement, you should be able to switch to a different option with your doctor’s help. It may take some trial and error to find one that you tolerate well.

Can’t I Just Eat Right?

You can, and you should eat right during your pregnancy! But some of the nutrients your body needs may be difficult to get in the right amounts from your diet. Prenatal supplements aren’t intended to replace a healthy, balanced diet, but to support it by filling in any potential holes in your nutrition. Pregnancy isn’t a good time to take chances on getting the right nutrients. Your baby’s health depends on your heath – so take good care of it and take every precaution to make sure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals you need.

Tips for Taking Prenatal Supplements

Some pregnant women struggle with taking their prenatal vitamins due to nausea. If you are feeling sick, try to take your vitamin at a time of day when you are feeling the least nauseous. You may find that taking them with food helps to ward off the nausea as well. To help your body get used to them, try to take them at the same time every day. Remember that if you aren’t eating well due to nausea, it’s even more important to get nutrition into your body in any way you can. If you do miss a day, there is no need to double up on your supplements. In fact, this might not be a good idea as too much of certain vitamins and minerals can be detrimental to your health.

If you are not yet pregnant but planning to conceive, start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as you start trying. You won’t know you are pregnant until your baby has already been growing for several weeks, so make sure you are already providing a healthy body in which your baby can thrive.

Expected Pregnancy Symptoms Week By Week

Expected Pregnancy Symptoms Week By Week

March 25th, 2010 by admin  |  1 Comment

Most pregnancy information focuses on the growth and development of the fetus, and what you need to do to help that process along. But there are many pregnancy symptoms and changes that you yourself will experience during pregnancy that may or may not have any bearing on the infant itself. It is important to understand what pregnancy symptoms to expect, and how to take care of yourself. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of your baby when it arrives.

Pregnancy Symptoms During First Trimester (Week 1 – Week 14)

The first few weeks of pregnancy is often the most difficult for the mother. It starts with morning sickness, which can actually come on throughout the day, at any time. This nausea is rarely beaten by anything you do. It is important to keep your strength up, and to nourish your body. Even if you don’t feel like eating, remember that your baby is taking most of the nutrients your body has stored, and it is important to get something down. Eating small meals can help, but if solid food doesn’t work you should take in plenty of fluids, as well as chicken, beef, or vegetable broth.

The first trimester can also bring fatigue, so make sure you are getting plenty of rest. If you don’t work, taking naps during the day can be a huge help. You may also experience some tenderness in your breasts, which can usually be relieved by wearing an extra-supportive bra that limits movement. You will also have increased urination, so be sure to drink lots of water. Drinking water and juices will also help you avoid the issue of constipation that will generally arise in the first trimester, and last throughout the pregnancy.

Pregnancy Symptoms During Second Trimester (Week 15 – Week 27)

This is the easiest trimester of pregnancy for the mother. Most of the pregnancy symptoms from the first trimester, such as fatigue and nausea, will begin to fade and eventually disappear. You will still have frequent urination, and you may still experience constipation. Keep up a high fiber diet with lots of fluids to avoid this. Your spouse will enjoy this phase of the pregnancy as well, as your breasts begin to become enlarged. Do not be surprised if you have some seepage from your breasts, particularly after a warm shower. Lotion on your nipples and breast area can help prevent dryness caused by the seepage.

Due to hormones released during this trimester, your blood tends to circulate faster. This is what gives your skin the pregnancy glow, but it can also cause bleeding gums, nasal congestion, or leg cramps. Make sure to address any concerns with your doctor, and rest frequently whenever needed.

Pregnancy Symptoms During Third Trimester (Week 28 onwards)

This final trimester of pregnancy can be rather uncomfortable, and most women are happy to go into labor to end it. As your baby continues to grow, he will begin kicking you in the ribs. You will also have some shortness of breath, heartburn, and back pain due to the baby pushing on your lungs and stomach, and the sheer weight of the baby on your body. Circulation is still increased, so you may experience some spider veins, especially in the legs. If the uterus presses on veins near the legs, you may also experience some swelling of the ankles and feet. Fear not, the discomfort will be over soon!

Early Signs of Pregnancy

Early Signs of Pregnancy

March 11th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

You have been trying for weeks or maybe months. Every little thing that feels different in your body makes you wonder. You are tracking every date of every little change and every event that takes place. You are ready and you are waiting, but how will you really know when you are pregnant? What are the signs?

Well, rest assured that there are definite signs that you are pregnant. Usually, the first sign that tips a woman off is when she misses her menstruation. This is a dead giveaway that there is now a new life growing inside your body. However, when you look back to the week or two prior to your late menstruation, you might, on hindsight, realize that there were other telltale signs of your pregnancy.

Fatigue is one of the early signs of pregnancy. Even before you miss your menstruation or have your pregnancy confirmed by a test, your body is already working very hard to grow that baby. Everything is changing and changing quickly and your body is striving to keep up with those changes. This is likely to cause fatigue in the first few weeks of your pregnancy, beginning soon after conception.

Another noticeable sign of early pregnancy is the shift in hormones. You just might feel moodier than usual. Early in pregnancy it is also common to feel nauseous. While this generally doesn’t come on until about the eighth week for many women, it is not uncommon for it to happen earlier. Morning sickness or nausea due to certain smells and foods can be a sure sign something is up.

One of the most noticeable signs of early pregnancy is breast tenderness. Women generally tend to experience changes in their breasts soon after conception. After all, the breasts are a crucial part of having a baby and the body begins immediately to prepare the breasts to produce milk.

In addition to the above-listed signs of early pregnancy there are a few others that commonly occur. These include food cravings or aversions, the need to urinate more frequently, dizziness or fainting, heartburn or constipation, higher body temperature, lower back pain, bloating, and implantation bleeding (spotting when the embryo implants on the wall of the uterus).

It is important to know that not every woman will experience all of these symptoms or experience them to the same degree as another woman. Some women will feel ultra fatigued, but notice no other signs. Some women will feel nothing at all until they miss their menstruation. One woman might not even experience the same signs from one pregnancy to the next. This means that, while the above early signs of pregnancy are common, you have to be aware of your own body and how it feels.

It can also be frustrating that these symptoms are very similar to those experienced each month when you are due to menstruate. This means that you cannot be sure if you are pregnant until you take a pregnancy test. If you are trying to become pregnant, then this can feel like the most frustrating thing in the world. The best thing to do is stay calm, try to remain stress-free, and wait until you can confirm your pregnancy with a test. Once you know for certain that you are pregnant you can celebrate the new life growing inside you.