Game Day Dad

Probably one thing most first time fathers won’t plan for or be ready for is dealing with constipation issues. You’ll get hit with all the diaper teasing but nobody is going to bring up great things like glycerin suppositories and ways to help your baby have a bowel movement. This came to mind today when my wife mentioned that our little tootie bug always has a movement when she’s in her walker. Well in all those panicked early months I learned all about pushing off and bowel movements. Because your infant is on her back they can’t push off and get that extra umph to help them go. Makes sense when you hear that sentence doesn’t it? Well it’s a little harder to come to that conclusion at 11pm when your little one is struggling after not going for a couple of days and believe me you’ll know exactly how many hours it’s been when you’re the first time father! I learned that little piece one night late just like that when debating whether to get out and find an all night pharmacy.  Here’s my advice to you:

Don’t Panic

It happens and it’s common.   A babies digestive system is a delicate thing and it doesn’t run like a well oiled machine like yours does.   In fact chances are even if your system doesn’t run well it still probably doesn’t behave like your baby’s system.   They’re different and given a little knowledge you can likely help a little with their troubles.  First off you’re never going to resolve it in your time.   They’ll go when they go however you can do a few things to help them out. 

Remember what I said about not being able to push off on the floor?   You’ll be able to tell when your little one is struggling to go so put your hand under their feet and give them something to push off on.   It helps and If they don’t go they’ll get closer to going.   Additionally give them a little apple juice diluted in water or some Karo syrup diluted in water.(Google it)   Any of these common remedies will help loosen the situation.

Glycerin Suppositories

Suppositories and other medications are likely only going to be necessary if you knew ahead of time your baby has issues.   We purchased some when we first had irregularities but we never used them.   It just wasn’t necessary.   We called the on call nurse when upset on one occurrence and she said we needed to wait 3 days until we even had to consider a possible problem.   What do you know she was right!

Well that’s it for this entry.   I promise there’ll be some readers very thankful for this blog entry because this is one nobody ever plans for on the first child.   Good luck first time dads!