Ask Our Expert - Newborn with Hard Stool

July 04, 2009

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Specializing in feeding and nutrition.


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Ask Mary Silva Newborn with Hard Stool

QUESTION


Dear Ms. Silva, I have an 11-day-old baby and her stools are hard, little, round and look as if it is hard for her to move them. Is this constipation and is it maybe due to the type of formula she is on, which is infamile with iron. Should I maybe use soy? — Rebecca in Fontana, California

ANSWER	July 11, 2001


Dear Rebecca, Constipation refers to having hard stools or infrequent bowel movements. Since one of the symptoms of some illnesses in babies is constipation, you'll want to report this to your pediatrician. Before making a formula change, you might check and be sure that you're mixing the formula according to the manufacturer's directions. You'll also want to monitor how much formula your baby is drinking to be sure it's enough. Seventeen ounces or more over a twenty-four-hour period is a good "ballpark" figure for your baby. Once these are ascertained you can decide whether or not to give an ounce or two of water after a normal feeding once or twice a day to help soften the stool. — by Mary Silva, M.S., R.D.

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