What is the cause of a baby's stool becoming hard?

Question

Hi doctor,

My 7-month-old daughter's stool is very tight whenever I give her a finger millet. I make it very watery, and I make only one spoon in a cup of water and cook it nicely. I do not add salt or sugar but only add a little ghee. Even then, whenever she eats it, her stool is tight like a stone, and she struggles to poop.

Please suggest what to do.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The information provided is limited, and I would appreciate it if you could provide some more details about the problem:

1. Is it only when you give finger millet? Otherwise, does she pass motion normally?

2. Was she passing stool normally before you introduced solid food?

3. What other weaning food apart from finger millet you are giving?

4. What was her birth weight, and what is her current weight?

5. Is she growing well and attaining normal milestones for her age? (As per her weight, I assume she is growing well).

6. Is she breastfeeding or formula milk feeding?

7. Does she have any skin rash or skin allergy?

8. Is she passing urine well?

As per the present information, you need to avoid finger millet as she may not be tolerating it well. Other weaning foods can be introduced at this age, like overcooked rice, bananas, apple strew, and potatoes. Try to provide home food as much as possible. At this age, she needs approximately four to five milk feeds (preferably breastfeeding) and three times some weaning food, starting with a small quantity each time and increasing slowly. If at present, she is having difficulty in passing stool, then use glycerin pediatric suppository once (to be inserted in the anus). Connect with me, along with all the information mentioned above. I will advise you accordingly.

I hope this information helps you.

Revert in case of queries.

Regards.