“Have you started her on whole milk yet?” the pediatrician inquired.
“No, I had a few questions and wanted your approval first. Is it a straightforward switch, or should we ease into it?”
The doctor nodded. “You can make the change today. However, a gradual transition might be gentler on her stomach. Some babies adjust well, while others struggle.”
“And what should I keep an eye on during the transition to whole milk?”
“Watch for general constipation. You can offer her prune juice or mix pureed prunes into her meals to help.”
I mentally noted to grab prune juice during our next grocery run. I sensed this was going to be a challenging phase for our little one.
Just two days into the whole milk introduction, our daughter was facing significant constipation.
To all the new moms out there, let me tell you: Before you have kids, no one prepares you for how fixated you’ll become on their bowel movements. You’ll find yourself discussing every detail with your partner, pediatrician, and fellow moms with children the same age. You’ll be cleaning up messes, tracking diaper changes (yes, there’s an app for that), and empathizing when your baby has a hard time. When they finally have a healthy poop, you’ll feel a rush of relief because you know you’ve been attentive to their diet.
And that’s just the beginning. When they’re constipated, it’s a symphony of whining, crying, and crankiness. Their appetite can fluctuate wildly; one moment they’re hungry, the next they want nothing to do with food because their little bellies feel perpetually full.
As I wrestled with a fussy baby dealing with constipation, I was also trying to determine how much prune juice to give her—enough to help but not so much that it results in messy explosions. Here’s a tip: there’s no perfect science to it. It’s a journey of trial and error, reliant on what she has eaten and what might be on the menu next.
When our daughter was younger, we faced similar challenges transitioning her to different foods. Moving from breastmilk to formula? We endured a week of poop problems. But eventually, she adjusted. Introducing purees? We quickly learned to steer clear of apples and bananas. Apples can harden stools due to their pectin, while bananas, rich in starch, can cause backups too. (See? You’ll end up talking about all kinds of poop-related topics as a parent.)
As the months went by and our daughter navigated her bowel issues, I discovered several foods that helped keep things moving. Some are obvious, while others were surprising.
Foods That Help with Constipation
- Prunes: This one’s a classic. Almost everyone knows to reach for prunes when facing constipation. Pureed prunes can be mixed with various foods. Try combinations like pureed prunes with cantaloupe, pears, or blackberries.
- Sweet Potatoes: Packed with fiber, sweet potatoes make a great addition to your baby’s diet and pair well with pureed meats like turkey or beef.
- Pears: High in fiber, pears are an excellent starter food for babies. Combine them with prunes or a mix of broccoli and pear puree for added nutrition.
- Peas: Loaded with both soluble and insoluble fiber, peas can help keep things on track. A spinach, pea, and pear puree is a handy option to have ready.
- Pumpkin: Continuing the trend of “P” foods, pumpkin is high in fiber and works well as a puree. Add a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Peaches: Rich in vitamin C, peaches can have a similar effect as prunes. Regularly adding peach puree to my daughter’s oatmeal ensured she enjoyed her meals. Plus, they make great finger foods when chopped into small pieces.
We make sure to include at least one of these beneficial foods in each meal for our daughter. With the variety of purees available at the grocery store, it’s easy to do. And most importantly, always consult your pediatrician and trust your instincts as a parent.
For additional insights, check out this insightful blog post here. You can also refer to this resource on pregnancy for more information. For expert guidance, visit Intracervical Insemination to learn more about this topic.
Summary
Navigating your baby’s bowel movements can feel overwhelming as a new parent. From switching to whole milk to managing constipation, it’s a journey filled with trial and error. Understanding which foods can help, like prunes and sweet potatoes, can make a significant difference. Always consult your pediatrician and listen to your instincts along the way.