My 7 Month Old Daughter "Gasps" During and After a Bowel Movement

by Kim

My 7 month old daughter seems to have a hard time having a bowel movement. She strains and pushes alot and turns red in the face. It takes a long time for her to finally get it to pass. Recently, she now makes these horrible sounds. It's almost like a gasping, but it's a long gasp, not a short one. This goes on during the whole process of having a bowel movement and even after she's done.

She continues to make these sounds even while I'm changing her diaper.

Sometimes her stool is soft, other times it's hard. It doesn't seem to matter what the texture is, she still makes these sounds.

As a baby, about a week after we got her home from the hospital she used to scream and pull/scratch at herself during and after a bowel movement. The pediatrican wasn't concerned, but it was just awful to watch. Over time this stopped, but now it's these sounds. Do you have any idea what could be causing this? She is formula fed on milk based formula with iron. She also eats fruits or fruit juice daily to help keep her bowels soft.

Her fraternal twin doesn't have any of these problems. Just today, she has started making these sounds during play. It doesn't appear that she's trying to have a bowel movement, but is just playing.

Thank you for your time,

Kim

Baby Help Line Response:

Hi mom!

The last thing you write, that these sounds may be her playing, is exactly the thought I got reading your question. If you don't think she is in pain - and I'm sure you would know if she was - it might just be that she has become aware of that something is happening when she is pooping and she is combining this sensation with her sound. Is she laughing at all when she does it? Not crying at least I guess?

Have you tried making her imitate you by you making a completely different sound? At the age of 7 months many babies enjoy imitation games. That way, you could maybe distract her.

Regarding what you feed her, as long as she in not obviously constipated (hard, painful stools etc) I don't think you have to change her diet. It seems to be just fine.

Of course, if you are seriously worried that the sounds indicate that she is pain, contact a doctor. But the way I read your question, I don't think that's the case?

I hope this helps!

/Paula




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