For Parents

Parenting Help: Genesis Advice Packet (GAP)

Constipation

Symptoms:

• Hard, dry stools that come infrequently.
• Sometimes cause pain and bleeding during BM.
• No BM longer than 4 days (exception - exclusively breast fed infants may go longer periods up to 7 days).

Treatment:

Infant (0 - 2 months)

• Try using a well lubricated thermometer or Q-tip to stimulate the rectum.
• Give 1/2 - 1 oz prune juice mixed with an equal amount of water once daily as needed.
• If these steps do not work, call for further consultation during regular office hours.

2 months - 1 year

• Above treatments.
• Limit binding foods such as bananas, rice cereal, and applesauce.
• Increase high fiber content foods (fresh fruits and veggies).
• Add fruit juices to diet (no more than 8-10 oz per day).
• A warm bath may decrease abdominal cramps and encourage a BM.
• If these steps do not work, call for further consultation during regular office hours.

Over 1 year

• Above treatments.
• Limiting binding foods above plus excessive dairy products (milk >16-20 oz a day, cheese, yogurt).
• Increase high fiber foods including bran, whole grains, oatmeal, (popcorn if over 3 years of age).
• May try pediatric glycerin suppository once or twice.
• If these steps do not work, call for further consultation during regular office hours.

Diarrhea, Vomiting

Definition:

Most vomiting and diarrhea is caused by viral infections. This is a common illness and rarely dangerous. If vomiting doesn't stop within 12-24 hours, please call your doctor. Diarrhea is a watery stool that occurs more than four times per day and can last for several days.

Treatment For Vomiting:

• Rest the stomach for 1 hour by giving nothing.
• Then give 1-2 tsp. of room temperature clear liquids such as Pedialyte, juices or soda every 5 minutes for one hour. If breastfeeding continue but for shorter intervals more frequently.
• If the liquids are retained increase the liquids by small amounts 2-3 tsp. until child is retaining 2-4 oz at a time. But if vomiting occurs must restart the process. Pedialyte should not be continued for more than 24 hours.
• Gradually (over 2 days) return to regular diet. Start with small amounts of low-fat, bland diet (i.e., dry toast or crackers).
• Monitor for signs and symptoms of dehydration, which include dry mouth, no tears, and decreased urine output (less than 3 wet diapers).

Treatment For Diarrhea:

• If vomiting is also occurring, just follow the above instructions.
• If there is no vomiting, adequate fluid intake is essential to prevent dehydration. It is important to provide more fluid than the child looses through diarrhea. Signs of adequate hydration include a normal or near normal urine output, a moist mouth, and an alert child who is reasonably active.
• If breastfeeding: Continue to breastfeed at more frequent intervals. Supplement with Pedialyte by bottle or dropper if urine output decreases. Call office immediately for a dry diaper.
• If formula feeding: increase the amount of formula or supplement with Pedialyte to make up for additional fluid losses.
• Provide a regular diet with a few simple changes. Avoid grape, pear, or prune juices, which can loosen stools. If diarrhea is prolonged avoid milk products which may become difficult to digest. Encourage starchy foods as they are absorbed the best (i.e., cereals, rice, bread, cracker, noodles, potatoes, applesauce, bananas).
• Monitor for signs and symptoms of dehydration, which include dry mouth, no tears, and decreased urine output (less than 3 wet diapers).
• Despite the above steps, diarrhea may last days after the illness seems over. If the child seems well, there is nothing to worry about.