Dear All - Karo Syrup not only presents early gut exposure to corn, but also
is a very heavy sugar product, which when introduced into the young infant's
gastrointestinal tract will act as a cathartic or strong laxative with
short, term immediate results. Therein lies the problem. Yes, the baby will
stool, but probably suffer cramps, gas, possible vomiting, in the process.
Secondly, the sugar will also trigger an insulin release, the baby may not be
interested in breastfeeding for as long as 8 hours after the introduction of the
karo syrup. Third, the baby's gastrointestinal tract may go into "bowel rest"
for one to four days after such a strong evacuation, resulting in a cyclic
repetition of constipation. Full strength prune juice acts very much in the
same manner within the young infant's tract. There are several less severe
options. For breast fed babies under six months of age, you may offer 1/2 to 1
ounce of plain water, preferably purified, bottled water, either from a
syringe, or syringe feeder, following each breast fed over a three day period.
The mother may also increase her intake of water with each breast feed. If
the milk supply is in question, this will increase urine, with scant results
for stool function. The mother then should be managed for increasing supply
via herbal supplements and/or pumping. For breast fed babies six months and
older who have started on solids, you may offer "prune water" as an alternative
to a strong cathartic. Prune water is made by soaking one prune in 8 ounces
of purified water overnight. Remove the pit and whisk the fiber residue
into the water. Then you may use the water throughout the day - to add to baby
cereal, veges, fruits, etc., and/or offer up to one ounce via syringe, sippy
cup, or bottle, as preferred, at the end of each meal. Slowly, allowing the
increased water and natural gentle effect of the prunes to do their work,
the baby will begin to stool regularly in a three to four day period. In
severe cases of constipation, the mother may also offer one to three "drops" of
organic flaxseed oil to the baby at each solid meal. Again, this may be mixed
into the foods and/or water in a sippy cup. This gently increases the
moisture within the gastrointestinal tract, without disrupting breastfeeding or
causing the baby any undue pain. In closing, do not underestimate the
additional effects of infant tummy massage to compliment dietary measures.
Best regards,
Cynthia Epps, MS, IBCLC
MotherWork
Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Metabolic Nutritionist
Infant Feeding Specialist
(310) 458-6430
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