Infant gastroenterologist

Hi tcb, I see it's an old post and I don't know if you have finally found a doctor. Just wanted to inforn you about dr. Waseem at Northwest clinic. He's a Pediatrician with a specialty at gastroenterology. I took my baby because I suspected reflux and, as you also mention, he treated the cause and not the symptoms. There is also an another doctor at city mall clinic but I don't remember his name or have any personal experience. Although I do hope that by now your little girl is better.

Sorry to hear about your LO's troubles, tcb. I'm not sure if there are many (or any?) paediatric gastroenterologists around in the UAE, but I can recommend Dr Ursula Rolef and Dr Michael Klein (wife and husband) at HealthBay polyclinic. Both are excellent gastroenterologists and have also treated infants. Maybe they can help you get to the bottom of your DD's constipation. If she has been constipated from day one, there could be underlying causes that need to be diagnosed and treated (e.g. allergies or even thyroid issues). All the best and hope your DD gets through this!

I will be shouted at but here we go - it does fall into my area of practice. Constipation is surprisingly common in formula fed babies. Firstly stand back and ask is it actually constipation? Many babies grunt and go bright red when 'going'. That is not showing distress it is related to the feelings going creates and the natural effort they are not quite used to. Frequency is the next factor - not every formula fed baby goes as often as the next. Breastfed babies rarely get constipated - tends to be bright mustard coloured other extreme that leaks all down their legs. Trapped wind can be a cause of colic and mimic constipation. Look at feeding using an anti colic teat or try a thing called Infacol if it is available in pharmacies near you. Do not prop up to feed - lay in arms as upright feeding in bouncy chairs etc can exacerbate colic. Dubai is perfect for creating mild dehydration - either hot or air conditioned - is baby overdressed for temperature? Do you give boiled water between feeds - they often need it? If they are constipated a tiny amount of sugar in the water can sometimes resolve the situation - but don't use routinely. Look in their mouth - does it look dry at all? Avoid drugs and laxatives at all costs unless prescribed by a paediatrician. On the odd occasion there is a very firm stool that is 'stuck' you can apply a smear of Vaseline around and just inside the outlet with a little finger (trimmed nails). This can get the initial lump through and the rest generally follows. Firm but gentle abdominal massage is harmless and can ease the transition too - kneading from top to bottom of abdomen. At 11 weeks you will be thinking about mixed feeding and so can introduce pureed fruit and veg very shortly. I don't doubt that will cure the problem. Babies given regular pureed broccoli, apricots and prunes rarely have a problem. Mainly avoid worrying too much - stress can be picked up by babies and will make them more distressed and they will look more constipated. When you absolutely MUST seek medical help quickly for a very young baby - If baby reacts badly when tummy touched - reflex scrunching up of legs, screaming, hard to touch tummy, Vomiting (not posseting). Temperature above 37.5C. If there is blood in the stool (fresh or black tarry stools) or the stools are very pale and chalky looking. If they have not been for three days. If they have dry nappies for prolonged period. Watery diarrhoea.