Authors

Inés de la Mata Alcoba, Laura Rodríguez González

Position

Enfermeras. Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales. Hospital Universitario Son Espases (HUSE). Palma de Mallorca.

Contact address

Inés de la Mata Alcoba. C/ Juan Gris, 4, 5º B.

Contact email: neshenf@hotmail.com

Abstract

Colic and constipation are frequent causes of discomfort in newborns and infants, and a source of anxiety for parents.
Both problems can be relieved with simple care measures, such as abdominal massage and rectal stimulation.
These are procedures which allow to solve these problems in a mechanical way, avoiding the use of drugs, but their efficacy and safety will depend on their adequate conduction.
This article intends to contribute to the good use of these techniques when conducted by healthcare professionals, as well as for training parents on how to use them.
There is a description of the aspects to be considered in the assessment by nurses of newborns with these problems, the steps to follow in order to conduct each one of the procedures, abdominal massage and rectal tube, and the potential complications in their usage.

Keywords:

newborn; Colic; constipation; massage; rectal tube

Versión en Español

Título:

Fomento de la eliminación fecal en neonatos y lactantes