Hello Daisypot,
Newborn babies, especially premies, will strain a lot when they try to have a bowel movement. There are a few reasons for this but essentially it is because their abdominal muscles aren't quite as strong and their intestines still don't have the whole motility issue down yet. Formulas tend to be more constipating than breast milk so
constipation is quite possible, in fact relatively common.
The key to determining
constipation, though, is not the amount of difficulty in having the bowel movement but the consistency of the stool. If the stool is very hard and pellet like,
constipation is the culprit. If the stool is still soft and mushy your son is likely not constipated. Having diarrheal stools can actually be a sign of
constipation as well due to the more watery stool moving around the obstruction.
There are several home remedies that can be used for
constipation as well as some prescription medicines. Given the age of your son and his more complex medical history with the prematurity it would be inappropriate for me to recommend any of these without an evaluation. If you believe your son is constipated I would recommend he be seen by his doctor. If he is still having soft stool I would give it more time and this should get better as he gets bigger.
Best wishes.
Advice and opinions given are based on the information provided and must not be used as an official medical recommendation. The limitations of the internet prevent an appropriate evaluation. Always consult your doctor if there is concern.
