Yesterday we received a message from Jennifer in Miami, US, regarding her daughter Olivia (6 months). Jennifer was happy for us to publish her message and our reply here, in case there are other parents in the same situation who may find the information useful.
Jennifer told us
I introduced Olivia to solids 2 weeks ago. So far, she’s just had cereal and banana. At first, everything went well, but since Olly had her shots a few days ago she’s become badly constipated. She screams when she poops and yesterday I noticed there was a little blood on her poop. I tried giving her some pureed peach but she’s been irritable ever since. I feel like such a bad mommy and I’m not sure what to give her next. By the way, she’s still breastfed 4 times a day.
First, Jennifer, PLEASE don’t feel like a bad mommy! It’s hard seeing your little one constipated, but it’s not your fault. You may want to just check with Olivia’s pediatrician that there is no underlying reason for the constipation – the blood in her poop is most likely caused by a tiny tear to her anus, triggered by all the straining. It can be quite painful, so it’s important to try to soften her stools as quickly as possible.
The cereal/banana combination may well be causing the constipation as they can be quite binding foods – our Baby Constipation page identifies some of the most common culprits and suggests some ways of getting things moving.
But little Olivia has a few things going on at the moment and it’s possible that the grouchiness you mentioned after giving the peaches may have been associated with a reaction to her shots, rather than to the fruit itself.
My advice in this situation would be to put solids on hold for a bit.
Just because you’ve started solids doesn’t mean that you have to persist with them every day at this stage – Olivia would really benefit at this point from a few extra nursing sessions. These will not only help soften her stools, but will also simultaneously provide the nutrition AND the comfort she needs.
Putting a brake on solids after making the decision to start can feel a little bit like taking a step backwards, but sometimes it really is the best solution. It allows baby’s digestive system to settle down again and it gives both mum and baby a break from the anxiety that the constipation is causing.
Once you decide to resume solids, then you may like to consider alternatives to rice cereal. We have lots of suggestions for ideal foods to try here…
Your message has also highlighted the fact that it’s a good idea to avoid introducing any new foods around the time of baby’s shots , as it can be hard to determine if any ensuing irritability is caused the new food, or by the shots!
Jennifer, we hope that Olivia is feeling better very soon.