Constipation on the third day, we see a doctor.

We brought Baby R to the polyclinic after being constipated for 3 days. She had been trying to push the stools out all this while but would give up when she felt pain. And of course the more she doesn't poo the worse the contipation gets. My parents, being typical grandparents, were worried sick despite me telling them that constipation is a common issue in babies. They insisted we visit a doctor.

God knows what made us decide to go to the polyclinic instead of a private GP. The wait is torturous. Wait to get a number for registration, wait to register, wait to see doctor, wait to get medicine, then wait to pay. It took us a good two and a half hours just to get the medication we were looking for. Okay, the bill was a mere $6.50. That explains the queue I guess. But I swear I am never going back.  

We know exactly what he would prescribe - a bullet-like gel to be inserted into the anus. It would help in softening of the stools so to be passed out easily. The doctor also reassured us as long as there is no fever, vomiting or bloating we shouldn't be worried.  He also suggested changing the formula milk brand. 

I tried to insert the bullet up her and I doubt it was comfortable. She wriggled and pushed it out, and thus along with the stools. Oh my, they were rock hard. And blood-streaked from the friction too! Poor girl. I am sure it was painful! She cried non stop and there wasn't anything I could do. So I sang lullabys to smoothe her down. Yeah, it helped. Not. Haha. 

While she kept pushing the bullet out, I kept pushing it back in. It was one messy operation. My fingernails were poo-stained and the changing table clustered with wet wipes. She managed to pass quite a bit of greenish brown 'stones' by the end of the whole ordeal. 

We switch to Enfalac now and will see how it goes. As she dislikes drinking water, I dilute her formula milk so as to 'cheat' her to taking in more water. I also am introducing her pureed fruits like bananas, papayas and prunes for breakfast, other than the usual brown rice cereal/fish porridge for lunch and dinner. At least she is taking three proper meals a day like an adult. That means her milk intake is decreased and so is my supply. 

This morning she poo-ed again, but this time softer and normal-looking stools. I am glad the accumulated hard stools are no longer congested in her. Hopefully her new diet, with the change of formula milk brand works!