Posted by Tracey - Elaine's mom, long on July 06, 1999 at 14:11:08:
In Reply to: constipation posted by Margaret on July 06, 1999 at 12:32:17:
To me, this can be a tricky one. My former 25 weeker, Elaine suffered from NEC, and had the colostomy for 2 months, so to us we approached constipation with EXTREME caution. Did y'all experience any digestive, or colon problems while in the hospital? If the answer is yes call the dr. immediately. If no, then fiddling with what you are giving him is probably not a big deal, other than it does not sound like it is working for you. Elaine also suffered from reflux, and we were having to add rice cereal to her formula. The amount we had to add was a fine line between making her constipated, and keeping her from throwing up. We walked this tight rope for about 3 months. I mean at the time it was going to come out one end or the other. I always called the pedi until we did something that worked. If she got too constipated, the pedi had us add one ounce of water to 7 oz of formula, and back off 1/2 table spoon of rice. This worked for us. I can't stress enough to new preemie parents to keep on asking questions, and pressing for a solution that works for you. Don't ever settle if you don't think the information being given to you is working for your baby. Get second opinions. I make the dr. really earn my insurance company's $$$$$, and call them after hours/weekends if I am having a problem. Sometimes waiting until Monday, or next day a.m. just does not work for me. Hang in there.