IS IT NORMAL WHEN YOUR BREASTFED BABY POOPS LESS OFTEN

04/12/2020

One of the common concerns of parents is their breastfed babies pooping less often. Is this phenomena normal or does it mean something abnormal about their babies’ digestive system? Here’s everything you need to know about breastfed baby poop!

1.How often should a breastfed baby poop?

An exclusively breastfed infant is rarely constipated. The poop is mustardy color and seedy in texture, and the frequency is around 6-8 times/day.
At the age of one to two months, the baby poops around 1-2 times/day. The frequency will be then decreased.
In some cases, the baby even poops only once in 1-2 weeks. The stools normally have water in it or are soft, and the baby is not constipated.

2.Why does a breastfed baby poop less often?

Breast milk is well digested and not much sediment is left to form stools. When the baby starts being fed with solid foods, the poop frequency may be more often and stools will be harder.

3.When should you be concerned about your breastfed baby not pooping often?

If it is the baby’s habit to poop less often (once in a week or even longer), there’s no need for you to step in.

You should be concerned in the following situations:

The fact that your baby rarely poops in the first month after birth can be the sign of insufficient feeding. In this case, the baby’s weight can either be reduced or remain unchanged.
At the age of one month and above, unchanged weight or light weight gain can be the sign of your baby having insufficient feeding, unhealthy development or some health problems.
Your baby does not pass meconium during the first few days and has pooping problems after birth. This can be the sign of Hirschsprung which is not common and affects only one to 5,000 infants. As a symptom of the disease, the infant will start being constipated at the end of the first month after birth.

* The Pediatrics – Neonatology Department of American International Hospital (AIH) offers a wide range of services including: Health check-up; Vaccination; Monitoring child’s physical and mental development; Consultation on nutrition; and other diagnosis and treatment services.

At AIH, for the purpose of preventing cross-infection, the pediatric clinic is properly designed and divided into two separate areas: area for symptomatic children and area for well children. Children with suspected symptoms will be quickly removed from common waiting area and placed in a separate examination room on arrival.

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For checkup and consultation at AIH:

☎️ Hotline: (028) 3910 9999

🌏 Website: www.aih.com.vn

📍 Address: 199 Nguyen Hoang street, An Phu Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh city.