Stool Question

Vicki - posted on 06/25/2009

I've been seeing this wonderful public health nurse for nearly a year. She let me know that around the age of 3 to 4 months, babies will often "stop" pooping for a time. Their digestive tracts are still forming, you know, and there are some changes taking place here. I think she said the record was about 40 some odd days without pooping. (She also said you don't want to be out at a fancy restaurant when baby DOES poop, finally, because it is guaranteed to be a big one.)

Rebecca - posted on 06/25/2009

here is a LLL site as well

http://www.llli.org/FAQ/bm.html

Megan - posted on 06/25/2009

hi i have been told by both my midwife nand the plunket nurse that a completly breastfeed babdy can go up to 12 days without passing a bm and that most drs wont be concerned unless it has been longer than 12 days.
by the sounds of it his bm are good consistancy so try not to worry too much. : )

Rebecca - posted on 06/25/2009

breastfed babies can go up to 10 days without a bowel movement and it is totally normal! I know it sounds like a long time, and for an adult it is, but for a young breastfed baby it is normal, it is also normal for them to grunt and act like they are trying to go, it is their intestines and muscles becoming more controlled and learning to coordinate movements. The consistancy sounds normal as well. If you are concerned definately talk to your dr. and if he isnt listening maybe get a second opinion. You can give sugar water to your baby instead of juice. Mix a tablespoon of sugar with 4 ounces cooled boiled water, and give to a baby with constipation once per day. Here is a site that gives some more info if you want: http://www.ehow.com/how_4662890_help-bab...

Anna - posted on 06/25/2009

I had this problem w/ the ds, but he was intollerant to milk, maybe try cutting back on dairy? You can pump his legs, gently press his kness into his belly, repeat motion and that should help to produce a bowel movement. I think it's early for juice, although my pedi recommended juice as well for constipation at that age. I would try prune juice if the pear didn't work. I use to have to get pediatric suppositories for my son, I wouldn't actually leave it in, but just move it in and out and that motion would actually stimulate a bowel movement, the tip of a thermometer can also be used. The stools that you have described sound perfectly normal in texture, so I don't think I would worry to much unless you start seeing hard pellets, that is a sign of true constipation. Hope things getting moving for him soon! Good Luck.

Heather - posted on 06/25/2009

No when he does go it's not solid or liquidy, kinda in between. It's not as thick as peanut butter or pellet like but it's not runny either. I think it's a good consistency. We have given him 2 oz juice (pear, white grape, and apple) mixed with 2 ozs of water and that didn't help either.

Shannon - posted on 06/25/2009

I have the same problem, and my son is the same age, my doctor told me to give him 2oz of baby apple juice daily and eventually his system will get straightened out. but if his stool becomes watery then stop the juice for a few days... and watch out for poo!!

Tee - posted on 06/25/2009

Eight days does seem a bit long! The next suggestion I would try is givng him water! Is his stool hard when it does pass?

Heather - posted on 06/25/2009

I want to add that he has a small hernea by his bellybutton that is adding to my worries and that it has already been 8 days since his last bm. Still concerned! What is the longest your baby has gone without pooping.

Heather - posted on 06/25/2009

Its been 8 days already since his last poop. I can tell he is trying to make it happen but it's not coming out! He grunts and moans but to no avail. Still concerned!! He also has a slight hernea by his bellybutton which adds to my worry!

Sabrina - posted on 06/25/2009

How often is he pooping? Breastfed babies can go up to a week without pooping, this is because they do not produce a lot of bile"poop" with breastmilk. You can exercise his legs to help make him poop or if you are really worried about it, you can insert a thermometer and that also helps to make them poop. Don't worry so much. As long as he is going once a week, then you should have no worries.

Tee - posted on 06/25/2009

Exercise the legs of your baby after bath time and as a way to connect with your baby! It is normal! Your milk is everything the baby needs. Poop is what the baby does not need. Relax!