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Is Absence Of Defecation In An Infant Normal?

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Posted on Fri, 23 Jun 2017
Question: my little girl is almost 2month old and she defecate rarely, sometimes she stay for 6 days without defecating.. I don't know if that is normal and even her farts are too nasty.... and she has gases ,can you help in this matter
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
It is normal. Nothing needs to be done about it.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. Let me assure you that for a baby of this age, it is normal to pass stool once in 10 days. Unless the stool is hard and pellet like, you need not grow concerned. Alternatively the child may pass stool several times a day or even after each feed and that is normal too.

Let me first ask whether the baby is exclusively breast fed or whether formula feeds are being given. Most formula milks are cow milk based and therefore difficult to digest. This can lead to excessive flatulence. In such a case switching back to breast milk should provide relief. You should burp the baby for at least 15-20 mins after each feed. All you need to do is to hold the baby head end elevated for this duration.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Diptanshu Das

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3875 Questions

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Is Absence Of Defecation In An Infant Normal?

Brief Answer: It is normal. Nothing needs to be done about it. Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. Let me assure you that for a baby of this age, it is normal to pass stool once in 10 days. Unless the stool is hard and pellet like, you need not grow concerned. Alternatively the child may pass stool several times a day or even after each feed and that is normal too. Let me first ask whether the baby is exclusively breast fed or whether formula feeds are being given. Most formula milks are cow milk based and therefore difficult to digest. This can lead to excessive flatulence. In such a case switching back to breast milk should provide relief. You should burp the baby for at least 15-20 mins after each feed. All you need to do is to hold the baby head end elevated for this duration. Let me know if I could help further. Regards