Understanding Infant Dyschezia

A diagnosis like infant dyschezia raises a lot of questions, doesn't it? I'm sure you're wondering what's causing these painful poops and how long it will last. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need advice or someone to listen without judgment. We all do the best we can for our babies. Knowing what's normal at this stage helps, but trust also your loving instincts above all. Each sweet cuddle gets you both through another day.

Join Kaiya Baby together to learn more about infant dyschezia. Knowledge is power, and understanding this condition will empower us to overcome the challenges it brings.

What is infant dyschezia?

Infant dyschezia is a condition that affects babies under the age of 6 months. It describes situations where an infant is experiencing challenging, painful or inconsistent bowel movements.

More specifically, infant dyschezia involves straining, discomfort or distress in babies when they attempt to have a poop. 

Infant dyschezia usually manifests itself in babies who experience significant straining and discomfort during bowel movements. However, unlike traditional constipation symptoms, although babies may strain to have a bowel movement, their stools are usually soft rather than hard. This is because the main feature of infantile constipation is related to the coordination of the anal sphincter muscles, rather than due to hardening of the stool itself. Infantile constipation is usually physiologic, and this symptom decreases as the infant's intestinal system matures.

What are the different types of dyschezia?

Functional Constipation

This is the most common type of constipation. It is usually caused by lifestyle factors like diet, fluid intake, and habits. Functional constipation does not involve any structural or physiological problems in the digestive tract. It can be related to not enough fiber intake, dehydration, lack of exercise, depression, etc. This type of constipation can often be improved by changing diet, increasing exercise, staying hydrated, and developing healthy bathroom habits.

Structural Constipation

This type involves actual structural or physiological issues in the digestive system, such as blockages, rectal prolapse, problems with bowel muscles. Structural constipation typically requires medical intervention and treatment, which may include surgery or other procedures.

It's important to note that constipation is a symptom, not necessarily a separate illness on its own. It can indicate many different bowel issues or health conditions. Therefore, when constipation occurs, it's important to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

At what age does infant dyschezia start?

Infant dyschezia usually starts during a baby's first few months. Like most things during those early weeks and months, their little bodies are adjustin' to life outside the womb.

See, when babies are born their digestive tracts are still developin'. Things like swallowin' and poopin' don't come naturally right away. It can take some time for their tummies and butt muscles to get stronger and figure things out.

Most doc's say infant dyschezia typically kicks in sometime during the first 6 months. The very earliest might be a few weeks old, but more often it's around 2 to 4 months that parents start to notice signs like strainin' or painful poops.

While every babe is different, infant dyschezia generally crops up during those first few months as their tiny tumtums learn to do their business. It's all part of growin' up for little ones! But don't you worry none, with time and patience it usually clears up on its own.

What causes infant dyschezia?

Feeding method: After birth, mom may not produce enough milk for various reasons. Adding formula instead isn't as easy for baby's tummy to digest, which over time can cause backup.

Milk supply: If mom's supply is low, baby's always a bit hungry and may poop less often, like every couple days. Mom's diet affects milk quality too. Eating fatty foods after birth boosts supply, but soups with protein like chicken feet can make milk too rich. This makes poop hard to pass.

Food mixing: Adding solids too little, too fast, or in the wrong combos when starting babies on solids is a common cause.

Baby's health: Underlying issues slowing baby's digestion can do it.

Limited diet: If all they eat is the same thing, key nutrients and fiber may be missing. Exposing them to a variety helps keep their gut healthy.

Fiber lack: Dietary fiber is important for keeping things moving smoothly down there. Breastmilk and formula don't contain much. Gradually introducing fibrous foods like veggies, fruit and whole grains with solids can help.

Not drinking enough: Liquids are just as important for digestion as fiber. Make sure lil one stays hydrated, especially when solids are introduced, to help things move along smoothly down below.

Lack of movement: Wiggling and crawling helps get things going downstairs. Limited as their options are, daily active play is good for their gut health.

Immature gut: A newborn's digestive system takes time to fully develop after birth. Coordination may not be perfect yet, causing discomfort on the potty.

Underdeveloped anal muscles: The muscle ring at the butt called the sphincter is key for pooping. Babies may still be working on getting these muscles strong and in sync so poops aren't such a struggle push out.

Milk allergy or intolerance: Some babes can't handle dairy or other stuff in their food, causing tummy troubles that mess with regular bathroom habits.

What are the signs of infant dyschezia?

Symptoms of constipation in infants usually include the following, and it is important to note that these symptoms are usually manifested when the infant has a bowel movement:

Straining to have a bowel movement: babies show significant straining when trying to have a bowel movement, which may be accompanied by stomach straining and face contortions.

Crying or restlessness: The baby may be in pain or discomfort from straining to have a bowel movement and may cry or show restless behavior as a result.

Facial expressions: The baby's face may appear distorted, frowning, blushing, etc., which is a reflection of straining during the bowel movement.

Frequency of bowel movements: Babies may have bowel movements only once a day or once every few days, but the stools are usually soft and without the hard lumps of constipation.

Transient: Constipation symptoms are usually transient, i.e., the baby shows these symptoms only during a bowel movement, rather than a persistent discomfort.

How do you treat dyschezia in infants?

Observation and patience: First, parents need to be observant and patient. Infant constipation is usually physiologic and will gradually improve with time. During this period, it is important to minimize interference with the baby's bowel movement process to reduce discomfort.

Moderate abdominal massage: Gently massaging your baby's abdomen can promote bowel movements and help with bowel movements. Please make sure the massage is gentle to avoid discomfort to your baby.

Soak in warm water: You can put warm water in the bathtub and let your baby soak in the warm water, which will help relax your baby's muscles and help your baby have a smoother bowel movement.

Increase dietary fiber: If your baby has started introducing complementary foods, you can gradually introduce foods rich in dietary fiber such as vegetables, fruits and whole grain products. Dietary fiber helps promote normal bowel function.

Maintain adequate water intake: Ensuring adequate water intake for your baby is important to dilute stools and reduce bowel movement difficulties. Breast milk or formula usually provides enough water.

Follow a consistent bowel movement schedule: Try to help your baby establish a bowel habit at the same time of day, as this will help their body adjust to the timing of the bowel movements.

Consult your doctor: If your baby's constipation problem persists, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult your pediatrician. The doctor can assess your baby's health, provide additional advice, and consider other treatment options, such as medication, if necessary.

It is important not to self-administer medications or enemas to your baby unless explicitly advised by your doctor. Treating infant constipation requires caution to ensure your baby's health and comfort.