5 Makanan Ibu Menyusui agar Bayi Lancar BAB
It is not uncommon for babies who are exclusively breastfed to experience constipation. The causes can vary, ranging from digestive system adaptation, gas, indigestion, to dehydration. If your baby experiences this, don't panic. Try consuming the following foods for breastfeeding mothers to help your baby's bowel movements!
Foods for Breastfeeding Mothers to Promote Healthy Bowel Movements in Babies
From birth to 6 months, a baby's intake comes solely from breast milk. Therefore, when a baby has difficulty with bowel movements, the mother should try to consume various food sources that can facilitate the process of stool excretion for the little one. Here are some foods that you should consume.
1. Papaya
Papaya is well-known as an effective fruit for overcoming constipation. In addition, this orange-colored fruit is also beneficial in treating various other digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.
This is because papaya contains various essential nutrients that help smooth the digestive system, such as fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, and E, as well as pectin, which facilitates the bowel movement process.
2. Apple
Another fiber-rich fruit is the apple. In fact, apples also contain pectin, which is effective at softening stool, thereby facilitating bowel movements in babies.
3. Orange
The next food for breastfeeding mothers to promote baby's bowel movements is oranges. Besides being high in vitamin C, oranges are also rich in pectin and flavanols, which can make stool softer. For optimal absorption of fiber and vitamin C, it is better to consume oranges directly.
Read also: What is a Baby's Ideal Weight? Here are 8 Ways to Optimize It
4. Banana
Besides papaya, oranges, and apples, you can also consume bananas to smooth your little one's bowel movements. Interestingly, besides being effective for constipation, bananas can also be used to relieve diarrhea. However, choose a fully ripe banana to get its benefits for overcoming constipation!
5. Pear
Pears are not only delicious but also have important benefits for the digestive system. They contain fiber, fructose, and sorbitol, which can absorb more water in the large intestine.
As a result, stool becomes softer and easier to pass. Besides eating them directly, you can also enjoy pears as a supplement in salads or other dishes.
Read also: 6-Month Complementary Food Menu Guide for Babies and Recipe Examples
Do This When Your Baby Has Difficulty With Bowel Movements
In addition to consuming the foods above, you can also try other effective efforts that have been summarized in the review below.
1. Consume Moringa Leaves
Besides increasing breast milk production, moringa leaves can also be used to treat constipation in babies. This is because moringa leaves are rich in fiber, which can smooth the digestive system.
2. Add Fiber-Rich Foods
If your baby has started the complementary feeding (MPASI) phase, you can add more fiber to their diet. Some options to try include prune puree, peas, oatmeal, barley cereal, broccoli, peeled fruits, pureed prunes, etc.
3. Perform Simple Physical Activities
You can move your baby's legs back and forth like a bicycling motion. Another way is to place your baby in a prone (tummy) position and provide some toys for them to reach for. Although these are simple movements, such physical activity can make it easier for the baby to have a bowel movement.
4. Massage the Baby's Tummy
Besides encouraging your little one to move, you can also provide a light massage on the tummy area. Massage the stomach using a circular motion just below the baby's navel. Do this for approximately 1 minute.
5. Breastfeed More Frequently
The next way to address bowel movement issues is to breastfeed your little one more often. Increasing fluid intake for the baby is considered capable of overcoming constipation.
6. Warm Bath
You should know that a warm bath can also be a solution for babies who are constipated. This is because a warm bath can relax the baby's abdominal muscles, making it easier for stool to pass.
Read also: These are the Advantages of PPSU Bottles and Their Differences from PP Bottles
As previously explained, one tip for dealing with constipation in babies is to increase the frequency of breastfeeding. Unfortunately, for working mothers, this can be a challenge.
However, there is no need to worry because you can provide expressed breast milk (ASIP) for your little one. To support the smooth provision of ASIP, you can trust Hegen breast pumps.
Besides using lightweight PPSU material that is heat and cold resistant and BPA-free, Hegen's breast pump is also highly functional. You can freeze or heat breast milk directly in the Hegen feeding bottle, making it easy to express, store, and feed it to the baby without transferring it to another container.
Discover various high-quality products from Hegen Indonesia here and choose according to your and your little one's needs.
References:
- Donna Christiano. Constipation in Breastfed Babies: Causes and How to Treat. https://www.healthline.com/health/constipation-in-breastfeeding-baby
- Jamie Eske. Constipation in breastfeeding babies: What to know. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327174#causes
- Siloam Hospital Medical Team. 7 Ways to Smooth Bowel Movements Naturally That You Can Try. https://www.siloamhospitals.com/informasi-siloam/artikel/cara-melancarkan-bab
