In the puerperium, what’s the matter with babies having diarrhea?

During the confinement period, diarrhea in infants is a common issue with various causes, including both non-pathological external influences and pathological physical conditions. When an infant’s abdomen gets cold, especially due to inadequate warmth during care or low environmental temperature, it may disrupt gastrointestinal function, leading to diarrhea, increased frequency of bowel movements, and general discomfort. In such cases, gentle heat application and gentle massage can help alleviate the infant’s discomfort, usually without the need for specific treatment. Improper feeding methods are also a non-pathological factor contributing to diarrhea. Overfeeding or inappropriate formula proportions that exceed the infant’s digestive capacity can burden the intestines and trigger diarrhea. Therefore, controlling the amount of milk fed each time is crucial in preventing such diarrhea. In terms of pathological factors, lactose intolerance is a common cause. In these cases, when infants consume breast milk, lactose can stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhea. In such situations, based on medical advice, mothers may need to temporarily adjust their feeding methods or even use lactase enzyme supplements. The immature digestive system makes infants susceptible to poor digestion when faced with greasy foods, especially high-fat foods in the mother’s postpartum diet, which can lead to symptoms like diarrhea and bloating in infants. Probiotic preparations, such as Bifidobacterium three-plex probiotic powder, are often used to help regulate infant gut flora and alleviate such digestive issues. During colds, infants, when invaded by pathogens, not only experience symptoms like fever and coughing but also accelerated intestinal motility leading to diarrhea. In such cases, using medications like Andrographis paniculata granules or pediatric paracetamol and chlorpheniramine granules as per medical advice is necessary to treat the cold and its complications. Furthermore, intestinal infections are a serious cause of diarrhea, induced by external pathogenic microorganisms, manifesting as frequent watery stools. Prompt medical intervention is essential in the face of intestinal infections, including rehydration and electrolyte balance, to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Apart from the mentioned reasons, milk protein allergies and other factors could also lead to infant diarrhea. If the diarrhea persists without improvement, seeking medical attention promptly is crucial to identify the specific cause and implement appropriate treatment measures.