Dr. Carole Keim talks about constipation and urinary tract infections (UTIs) in this episode. Dr. Keim details how to tell if your infant or child is truly constipated and what can be done to help alleviate the discomfort, as well as what to look for if you suspect a UTI. Her advice includes all holistic options that are applicable to alternative care.
The rate of true constipation in infants under a year old is very rare, roughly 3% of babies. But that changes when children are older than a year. Constipation can become a lot more common as children age. Dr. Keim explains all the science, medical information, and care options for constipation and she also explains that children who are constipated are more likely to also get UTIs, which is why this episode is about both topics. UTIs tend to be more common in summer and in girls, but Dr. Keim explains that they can happen throughout the year and to boys as well. The information in this episode will ensure you are prepared to assist your child through either condition, should they arise.
In this episode:
Constipation (00:32)
- Symptoms: poorly defined; decreased number of poops with harder texture. Pellets in the diaper. Note: discoordinate stooling happens at 4-6 weeks of age and is a normal phase they go through; your baby isn’t constipated at this age!
- Western - in first 6 months just increase amount of feeds (don’t add water until they are eating foods) and talk to your doctor about possible food allergy/intolerance; when they start solids start offering 1oz of water for each 1oz of food; avoid milk at 1 year of age; increase water intake in children 6 months and older, prune juice as a medicine, increase fiber, P foods (pears, plums, peaches), polyethylene glycol (miralax), belly massage, tummy time, warm compresses to abdomen.
- Acu - acupuncture and herbs can help
- Chiro - yes
- Nutrition/supplements - high fiber foods, fiber supplements, psyllium, dried apricots, prebiotics, probiotics
- Homeopathy - speak with a CCH, they need to look at the constellation of symptoms
- Aromatherapy - Ginger, fennel, peppermint, rosemary, lemon, and lavender oil may help - in a diffuser or mixed with a carrier oil and rubbed onto the abdomen. Also any of these, or castor oil on a warm wet washcloth on the abdomen can help. Don’t give EOs or castor oil by mouth; EOs are potentially poisonous and castor oil is very irritating to the gut and no longer recommended.
- Yoga can also help with constipation - check out videos on youtube!
UTI (21:00)
- Symptoms: urinary frequency, urgency, and dysuria (pain with urination), bed wetting in a potty trained child, fever in infants (warrants immediate medical intervention). There shouldn’t be blood; if there is blood in the urine that also warrants immediate medical check. Test is urinalysis. Constipation can lead to UTIs in children; also being in a wet diaper or swimsuit too long, tight clothing/sweating in the summer, and bubble baths.
- Western - antibiotics, increase fluids, phenazopyridine / pyridium / AZO in older children, plain water baths
- Acu - acupuncture and herbs can help
- Chiro - no
- Nutrition/supplements - limit sugar and dairy, low acidity foods (limit citrus and tomatoes), cranberry juice or supplements, probiotics
- Homeopathy - not recommended
- Aromatherapy - not recommended
Also in Holistic Mamas Handbook: pinworms (the most common cause of itchy butt in children!)
Next week: Allergies and eczema!
Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments come together in her new book, Holistic Mamas Handbook, which can be ordered here. Her first book, The Baby Manual, covers year one of your baby’s life and is the subject of the first two seasons of this podcast. Follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels for additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers. And remember, it’s always okay to call your doctor or emergency services if you have concerns about your child’s health.
Resources discussed in this episode:
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Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram
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