What should I do if a newborn hasn't had a bowel movement for 8 days?

If a newborn has not passed stool for 8 days, the condition can generally be managed through dietary adjustments, general treatments, and medication.

1. Dietary Adjustment

A newborn not passing stool for 8 days is usually caused by insufficient or excessive food intake leading to slowed gastrointestinal motility. This condition is typically not serious. Timely adjustment of feeding habits—such as feeding smaller amounts more frequently and avoiding overfeeding—can help alleviate symptoms to a certain extent.

2. General Treatment

When improper feeding leads to indigestion and causes a newborn not to pass stool for 8 days, gently massaging the baby's abdomen after feeding or assisting the baby with gentle physical movements may promote intestinal motility and often improve the situation.

3. Medication

If symptoms do not significantly improve with the above measures, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as lactulose, Simo Decoction (Simo Tang), or probiotics may be used, which are generally effective in improving the symptom of a newborn not passing stool for 8 days.