Karo syrup for 4-month old???

[Moneypenny]

First off, you ladies don't know it, but you've been such an influence and inspiration on my choices and you deserve lots of credit for my successful breastfeeding relationship with my DD. Thank you!

Now, my question. DD is exclusively breastfed and I don't plan on starting solids any time soon. She has often gone several days between poops, but is now going on day 8 with no dirty diaper. When she does go, it's very liquidy and she doesn't strain so I don't consider her constipated. I know it's normal for some BF babies to go long periods without pooping, but now that it's happening to *my* baby, I'm worried. DH, who's a SAHD, called the ped's office yesterday and the nurse said that as long as her belly isn't distended, she's still passing gas and eating well, and doesn't have a fever, there's no immediate worry but 8 days is a long time and we should try to get things moving by putting 1 tablespoon of Karo syrup in her bottle of EBM. Eeek! DD has had nothing but breast milk and mylicon drops and now the first thing I'm going to give her is pretty much straight sugar?! I'm sure it would irritate her tummy to the point that it would clean her out, but my mommy instinct tells me that's not the way to go about this. The nurse also said we could try rectal stimulation with a thermometer (didn't work) and glycerin suppositories, but she said the Karo syrup should be our first plan of action.

What do you guys think? How long can she go without pooping before it's really bad for her? Any other helpful hints to get her to go without resorting to the Karo syrup? Or, am I overreacting about the sugar and you think it would be fine? Thanks so much!
Susan

I should add that I really like my ped and have found him to be in agreement with me on things like delaying solids and not forcing vitamin supplements on a BF baby, but it was the nurse who recommended this, not the doc.

[Marisa6826]

If she's having loose stools when she goes, I honestly wouldn't worry about it. My Ped said that they only worry if it's been like 12-14 days.

I never had to do the Karo syrup. We just made sure that Sophie was well hydrated. The thermometer trick worked for us too.

Follow your gut. That's the very first rule of being a Mommy!!!!

-m


ETA - Have you tried a few warm baths? That supposedly helps relax the belly muscles.

Good luck!

[icunurse]

A couple of books that I have read said that some studies show that Karo syrup can carry botulism spores (just like honey) and I know my friend was about to give her son Karo syrup and did some online research about it and decided against it. If the rectal stim didn't work, we have always had luck with a little chip of a glycerin suppository. Or maybe a small sip or two of prune juice. Once you start feeding DD solids, I'm sure you will find one or two that help to "move things along" and that will make things a bit easier (with our son it's sweet potatoes).
Traci
~Connor's Mom~

[miki]

I've not heard of Karo syrup. When DD was a few months old and started going days without a poop, I asked my ped about it. She said the same thing--if the poop is still the regular consistency and DD did not seem to be uncomfortable, it's normal for a BF baby and don't worry. The ped did mention the rectal stimulation but cautioned not to do it often because that would create a dependency on it and DD would find it harder to poop without the stimulation. I have a friend whose son goes for 10 days without a poop. I would just let nature take it's course.

[egoldber]

I have heard of this before. Another common recommendation is a couple ounces of watered down prune juice. But I really would not worry about it. It does not sound like she is constipated and is really just fine.

HTH,

[Moneypenny]

Thanks for the reassurance everyone. I suspected it was okay to wait it out, but sometimes I doubt myself. Especially after I talk to my mother and she reminds me that my brother and I were perfect babies and never had any sleep, eating, or pooping problems, LOL!

DH did go pick up some glycerin suppositories just in case, but we'll wait a few more days before we try them.

Marisa, it's bath night tonight so I think I'll just leave her in the tub for a little longer than normal and try some belly massage and see if that does the trick.

Thanks!
Susan
DD - Avery, born 8/5/2004

[smallestangel]

I know what you mean. I too, had read/heard that it was normal for a bf baby to sometimes go days w/o pooping. But when he started doing it, I kind of freaked out.

The longest Jacob's ever gone is ten days too. He never seemed to be in distress and his poop was normal once he *finally* went.

I haven't heard of using Karo syrup either, but in my opinion, I wouldn't use it.

It sounds like your babe is doing just fine. :)

Hope this helps.

Amanda & Jacob :)

[lfp2n]

When DD was older (7mths?) and had just started solids and was really constipated someone at daycare suggested karo syrup, I asked my ped and he said definitely not to do that. So I'm thinking it would definitely not be good for a younger baby.

Lucy DD 3/03