Infant constipation: maternal knowledge and beliefs

One hundred mothers who delivered infants at a rural community hospital between March and July 1990 were surveyed during their postpartum hospital stay to determine their opinions and expectations concerning constipation in infancy. Thirty-eight percent of multiparous mothers reported constipation in their previous children, which resolved with all home treatments given. Only 23% of the mothers reporting constipation mentioned this to their physicians. All mothers significantly underestimated stool frequency from ages birth to one week, relative to previously published norms. Mothers overestimated stool frequency at one week to one month, but this difference was not statistically significant. The most frequent description of constipation was inability to pass stool; pain was rarely mentioned. Most mothers agreed with the statement, "Constipation is dangerous for babies." Mothers reported learning about stool habits from previous personal experience, written materials, and their own mothers; impact of health-care professionals on their knowledge was minimal. The opinions and expectations of newly delivered mothers can be used to develop patient education and anticipatory guidance material to improve teaching and relieve parental anxiety about infant stool habits.