In addition to the scrutiny of iron and vitamins taken by the mother with
constipation, as suggested by others here, she might also look at the role
of dairy foods in her diet.  Many breastfeeding mothers are under the
impression that they have to eat a great amount of milk and cheese while
nursing.  This can cause constipation in some individuals.  A study
reported in this past week's (October 15, 1998) New England Journal of
Medicine found that 2/3 of 65 children under age 6 who were taken to
gastrointestinal experts for chronic constipation improved when switched
from cow's milk to soy milk, and became constipated again when they resumed
drinking cow's milk.  I have not read the study itself, only a newspaper
report of it.  The study was conducted by Dr. Giuseppe Iacono in Palermo,
Italy.  Just another thing to consider.  I certainly know of a number of
breastfed babies who became constipated as toddlers once cheese and bananas
and apple juice were added to their diets.

Anne Altshuler, RN, MS, IBCLC and LLL leader in Madison, Wisconsin
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