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How to Get a Breastfed Baby to Poop
Breastfeeding is the healthiest form of nutrition for babies. The milk from the mother is in its pure form with high nutrient content and thus, it is very healthy for a newborn in its developing months. The only food that a baby can easily survive on is the breast milk. Breast milk contains natural lactose that may restrict bowel movements since it is not solid food, added Kidsco who reviews breast pumps. Thus, sometimes a breastfed baby can go without pooping for a few days. However, one should be cautious about this. Constipation is a general cause of breastfeeding but one should be careful with the baby’s stool timelines.
A newborn younger than 2 months poop about 3 times a day. Post that you might find the frequency restricted to once in 2 days or more or so. If the break goes beyond 5 or 6 days then it is time to raise an alarm.
There are various causes that can lead to slow bowel movement in the child after he/she is breastfed
- One of the reasons could be that the baby is not getting enough milk. This might cause the baby to lose weight or not see any weight gain at all.
- Other reasons could be that the baby is not getting the food according to its diet requirements.
- He has been having a constipated stomach right from birth which could also be a sign of Hirschsprung’s disease. One should eliminate that out consulting a physician in such a situation.
- Sometimes breast milk gets totally absorbed in a baby’s body which may also cause a restricted bowel movement.
- Another reason could be the involvement of solid food that does not have fibrous content in it.
- Dehydration can be another important reason behind a baby’s constipation. It can cause due to less consumption of water or maybe because of humid weathers that may cause the baby to sweat a lot thereby hinting dehydration.
- The mother’s diet is also a considerable factor. Her diet should also be more fibrous and less iron content.
Changing poop cycles with age. A baby’s bowel movements see a change with age. The frequency of a baby passing stools changes with time.
- Before 6 weeks, a baby poops 3-4 times a day
- Post 6 weeks, one might find less number of poop diapers
- Post 3-4 months, you might see the bowel movement becoming slow and thus the baby might pass the stool with a few days gaps.
As already mentioned before, constipation in breastfeeding babies is totally common and not worrisome unless it goes on for days in a row. There are a few ways to get the breastfed baby to poop:
1. Keep them hydrated
Keep a tab on the baby’s water intake and trying making the baby drink enough water for the body to be hydrated. This may help the bowel movement.
2. Include fiber in Mother’s diet
The key to a proper timely stool is inculcating fiber in the mother’s diet. Also, keep a tab on iron intake. More iron intake in her diet over fiber can cause constipation with the baby.
3. Belly massage
One of the old vintage techniques that still work is a belly rub. You can massage the baby’s tummy to provide comfort and instigate the bowel movement.
4. Baby exercises
There are play toys and equipment available to get your baby to exercise. Keep the baby active to aid proper timely stools.
5. Prune juice
Prune juice, is another way to help your baby with constipation. It has nutrients that will help your baby to treat constipation.
6. Change the formula milk
In case, you have added formula milk to the baby’s diet with breast milk, consider changing it since the formula milk might be a reason for constipation in the kid.
7. Add fiber to solid foods
If you have started feeding some solid stuff to the baby, try giving him fibrous foods to aid constipation.
With the following aids, one can help the baby pass its stools in time. Infants having issues with passing their stools are a common problem but in case the issue goes for long, one should immediately consider consulting a doctor. Just remember a healthy diet for the baby and the breastfeeding mother is totally important for both their wellness and health.
