Before I had kids, I swore to high heaven that I would never EVER become one of those people who talked about poop in social circles.
I feel I have mostly kept my promise – but does writing about poop count?
It’s too late. I have already committed to the article. (Sorry, past self.)
At first, my breastfed baby did quite well with the bowel movement moments of life. When it was time to introduce him to the wonderful world of solids, I felt confident. I had a pretty healthful, whole foods diet. I mashed up some bananas and although he spit most of them out, we were on our way.
Rice cereal. Applesauce. All baby friendly, vegetarian, digestive friendly options.
When it came to parenting, I was ready to buy the t-shirt that said, "I’ve got this."
Maybe I didn't...those three things that I was lovingly spooning into my little one’s mouth were causing constipation. When I started introducing more table foods, the little one was so clogged up that he was getting grouchy. I was determined to get my happy baby back, so I started learning.
Before you have a baby, you don’t think you will ever care about the bowel movements of another human being. After you have a baby, it is hard to remember if you have had a bowel movement, but you sure as heck will know the intimate details of your baby’s used diapers.
Here’s the worst part: you don’t even mind. Love is a crazy thing.
If you are scouring the Internet as I did for how to get your baby (and let’s be honest, yourself) out of this conundrum, then let EmpowHER empower you. Here are the foods and techniques that will get things moving again and hopefully get you reacquainted with your sweet and happy baby:
1) Foods. Foods that can help are prunes, pears, peaches and peas (conveniently, they all start with “p”). Some also claim that broccoli is helpful, but in my experience this can cause gassiness and more discomfort. If you are buying pouches or baby food, make sure that you are getting pure ingredients. I found that many prune packets had applesauce as the main ingredient, putting me right back where I started.
2) Hydration. Just like with adults, a lack of fluids can make it hard for your baby’s eating efforts to make their way through their intestines. Try giving them a sippy cup of water (when they are quite young, a little goes a long way!). Breastmilk is a good source of fluids, but you must also make sure you are hydrated. I know this can fall to the wayside when you are exhausted, so you can consider putting a reminder on your phone.
3) Probiotics. A little bit on a nipple (yours or a bottle) can help restore the balance of flora in the gut of your baby.
4) Exercise. If your little one has been strapped to a stroller or carseat for some time, use constipation as an excuse to let them move around more. If they seem dramatically uncomfortable, then you can always bicycle their legs, which they will enjoy a lot more if you sing a ridiculous song at the same time.
If you feel something is wrong, you as the parent know best and should follow your intuition to the doctor’s office.
Note that if your baby is consistently straining, he or she might not yet be ready for solids. It may be a point of discussion with your pediatrician (who, by the way, doesn’t count if you are also in the class of people who don’t like to make poop a conversation starter).
Back to my life of more acceptable forms of conversation.