Many new mothers have asked me about the bowel habits of my newborn. In fact, this was probably the first question I was asked, bar none. I often get frantic calls from new mothers whose baby hasn’t had a bowel movement for 24 hours. So, let’s talk poo!
Newborn bowel movements can vary. For the first few days, they were clearing a black sticky substance called meconium from the colon. This is normal. This is the substance that fills the gut in the womb. Difficult to clean up and not easy to wipe off. After the first few days, you should see what we call “transitional stools”, which are still dark in color but are slowly becoming looser and easier to wipe off their small bottoms, possibly with some yellow seeds. They can vary in color from very dark brown to green and may have yellow spots.
From this point on (about 4-7 days after birth), you will start seeing more and more yellow and looser stools. Now, these may also be green, depending on the baby’s intake. If you’re breastfeeding, your diet may have something to do with it. If the baby is taking any kind of vitamin or iron supplements, the stool may be darker in color. However, they should be fairly loose and easy to clean up. If you’re breastfeeding, this trend will continue. Loose, yellow/green stools, usually in the first few weeks, very frequently. They can also be very explosive! ! !
When my son was born, I was on the changing table to change his diaper and reach for the diaper. When I looked up, I saw something flash before my eyes, and then I saw a “pop” on the dresser next to me. I was curious to see how this little creature could produce anything, with so much power behind it. call! ! Just miss my head! !
It’s not actually applying much force, it has a lot to do with the small area it’s being shot out of. I mean it’s all normal. What mom hasn’t experienced this or something like that, or has the occasional “back” poo that makes you unbelievable?
If you continue breastfeeding, you’ll also notice that as your baby’s growth spurts, he may go from having a bowel movement with each feeding to not having a bowel movement for 2-3 days. Again, very normal. Breast milk is used very well by their little bodies and in a big growth spurt it runs out as soon as it comes down. Nothing can be removed. So, if you’re in the habit of changing a dirty diaper every time you feed your little one, don’t worry when it changes. All babies experience growth spurts. Their bowel habits are constantly changing. Constipation in breastfed infants is very rare.
If you bottle-feed and use formula, their stools may be firmer. Usually they are what I call “stupid putty poo”. This might be dating myself, but that’s what it’s like. The firmer consistency is due to the way they digest formula milk differently than breast milk. Again, this is very normal. Bottle-fed babies can also have varying degrees of regularity. This is the reason why the baby grows by leaps and bounds.
So, you ask, “When am I worried”? Most doctors won’t even blink if you tell them your little joy has been poop-free for 2-3 days. Usually nothing to worry about. We don’t call it constipation unless the actual stool looks like small solid pebbles. Then, some interventions can be made. Try taking a warm bath and moving your baby’s legs like a bike. This sometimes helps relax the muscles. If your baby seems very uncomfortable for a long time or has been for more than 3-4 days, consult your pediatrician. There are many remedies out there; most of them come from your own kitchen. However, every pediatrician has a different opinion on this, so it’s best to talk to you.
If your stools are soft or loose, but not common, don’t worry. Your baby is most likely growing. Call your pediatrician if:
1. It has been more than 3-4 days,
2. Your baby seems uncomfortable for most of the day
3. When she leaves, you will see blood in the stool
4. Hard stools, small stones
This is very rare, but some conditions may require medical attention.
Babies only eat, sleep, and defecate, so their attention is completely focused on the “task at hand.” Their hyper-focus can sometimes be misinterpreted as discomfort, but bear with me. They’ll soon be back to their normal angelic selves. The baby system is very effective. They usually run easily on autopilot. Relax and enjoy the moment. One day, you might write it down or tell a story at a party to embarrass your own grown child.