Good Morning Dr. Mike: 

I am asking about a constipation problem with my 3 week old nephew.  
He eats about 3 ounces on formula every 2-3 hours and then right after 
eating he starts crying and stretches our and arch's his back and there 
is no comforting this little one.  He is having a bowel movement about 
every 3 days and it is hard and looks like an adults. Green in color. 
Would really like your in-put on this. 

                                                                                                                           Thank You,
                                                                                                                                     Val

I assume that he doesn't arch his back during the other times of the day when he is not eating. I also assume the he is gaining the appropriate weight and height for his age.

Gas in the belly can cause some babies to arch after eating, and some arch just from wanting to poop, and can't.

Anyway...yes, it does sound like he is a little constipated. A quick fix suggested by some doctors is 1 teaspoon of Karo corn syrup in 4 ounces of formula. If no results in 4 hours with 1 teaspoon, then give 2 teaspoons in 4 ounces, and if no bowel movement in another 4 hours, then 3 teaspoons in 4 ounces.

FYI, Karo syrup acts like a fat chocolate bar, and stimulates the gut to push everything out. You can find it in the grocery store (it is used in a lot of recipes).

His doctor should be able to help, also.

I hope that helps you. Dr. Mike

This article was reviewed 04/23/2010 07:24 AM

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