Straining, Noisiness and Passing Wind

Parents concern for their babies is common. Parents have so many doubts lingering in their minds. Here we have tried to clear all the doubts. Read on to know more about bowel movements. In this articleMy baby strains during bowel movementsHow can I help relieve the babys straining?My babys bowel movements are very noisyBreastfeedingBottle-feedingBowel movement in new bornBowel movement in babies more than 4 monthsMore tips on easing your baby’s strainingMy baby strains during bowel movementsSome breastfed babies have to push and strain to get their movements out, although the movement comes out soft. It is not certain why this happens. Various theories have been propounded in this regard. Some think that the soft stool of the baby does not exert enough pressure on the anus. Others theorize that the muscles of the anus may not be strong enough or coordinated enough to eliminate the stool easily. Some speculate that babies who lie down while passing stools get no help from gravity.How can I help relieve the babys straining?This difficulty should ease up naturally when solids are added to the babys diet. In the meantime, you can try to help your baby by moving her legs in a bicycling motion when she is lying down to alleviate her discomfort.My babys bowel movements are very noisyIf your babys bowel movements come with a lot of force and are accompanied by a barrage of embarrassing noises, do not be concerned. This is the result of gas being forcefully expelled from the immature digestive system. In a month or two, your babys digestive system would have worked out the kinks and things should quieten down.What are the causes behind straining?Here are shared some probable causes why your baby may be straining while passing stool. Reading the causes suggested here shall make it easier for you to find an appropriate solution.BreastfeedingYour baby shall be rarely constipated when she is breastfed. Breastmilk can be digested by them easily. Good bacteria in the breastmilk help the large intestine of your baby to break down the food and make it easier for her to digest the fats, proteins and carbohydrates in milk. This helps to keep the stools soft and the bowel movement remains regular.Dehydration can be a cause behind constipation. Feeding more milk in this case can be a good solution. You also need to remember that your babys needs are increasing with age, so you must ensure she is getting the amount she requires.Bottle-feedingConstipation is common among babies who are bottle-fed. Often the formula solution is difficult for the baby to digest and thus you may find your baby straining while passing her stools. In such cases you may be advised to make the solution lighter by adding more water or may be change to another brand. Changing to a different brand often solves the problem. If this is not taken care of, you shall find the stools getting harder and changing colour to green.Bowel movement in new bornBowel movement in young children tends to vary and it may vary from what you know as "normal". In very rare cases you can notice a gap of a week between 2 bowel movements. If she appears too bothered by the infrequent bowel movements, she may be given laxative or other solutions by your doctor. It is thus essential that you bring up matters like difficulty in passing stool, straining, and noisiness to your doctor.Bowel movement in babies more than 4 monthsThe consistency and frequency in bowel movement shall change when your baby makes a transition from liquid to solids. When she relies on solids, her stools shall appear more like the ordinary ones and you shall get a familiar smell. If your baby was passing stools too often, it might change to once in two or three days when she first takes solids.It is normal for babies to suffer from constipation at this point of time. Her intestines are getting used to food with new consistency and composition. It is important she takes more fibrous foods and vegetables now.More tips on easing your baby’s strainingWell, there are a couple of more things you can try at home to make it less painful for her. Here are some tips:Massaging the Tummy: Circling in an outward motion with some oil or cream can keep the skin lubricated and keep her bowel movements normal. You can continue massaging her as long she feels comfortable and relaxed.Bathing: Giving her a bath shall also help. You can massage her stomach while bathing. Applying petroleum jelly as prescribed by your doctor on the anus can help.These are some actions you can take at home. However, if the problem persists, you need to take her to the doctor for a check-up.