[Georgette47]

Please help!
I have an 18-day-old newborn who is absolutely lovely - but she has not had a bowel movement in 7 days!
I know that it is not unusual for older breastfed babies to go this long, but do you know of younger babies who have lasted this long without a poo? She is fully breastfed and is having the right number of wet nappies each day. We saw a GP on Saturday and he said to return in a couple of days if there is no action.
Thanks for your help. I'm obsessing about this poo!

[Leafprincess]

I would be a little worried too.

I found this link which has good information about breast fed babies and poop
http://www.llli.org/faq/bm.html

Maybe also call the breast feeding association?

I'm not an expert, all I can tell you is mine would do anywhere between 4-6 poops a day when he was two weeks old. They weren't all huge poops but poops all the same.

Hopefully, it's nothing and she poops soon, please give us an update

[I'mBeachedAs]

Yeah I would definitely follow up with the dr. My son is the same age and poos about 8 times a day. I believe they are meant to do at least 2-3 poos a day at this age. Good luck finding the poop!

[ubermum]

It's fine so long as there is plenty of wet nappies. One baby in my first mothers group used to go every 17 days like clockwork until solids were started. Breast milk is fully digestible so doesn't create much poop in some kids. So long as your child doesn't appear constipated or uncomfortable, and is well in all other respects, I woulndn't worry.

[MrsSmith247]

My DD was similar. She'd pooed about 3-4 times by 4 weeks and was still doing brown toothpaste-consistency poos when they should have been yellow and runny by that stage. My supply was super low and we ended up at the paed via our GP at 4 weeks.

Id return to the GP/ Mcn asap, but don't let them tell you the answer is formula. Some formula can constipate babies so you run the risk of compounding the problem. Im certainly no expert but maybe try a day or so of extra feeding and see if that flushes through. Its what worked for my DD (and supply!)

Edit: I should have said 'don't let them tell you formula is the *only* answer. If your baby is dehydrated and formula is required then by all means use it. I just meant it shouldn't be the go to if you have other options.

This post has been edited by MrsSmith247: 31/12/2012, 08:22 AM

[LambChop]

My son used to poo about once a fortnight. No need to worry until your GP tells you to, don't take other peoples experience as 'right'.

[CupcakeMumma]

My ds pooped lots and lots, but my dd was very intermittent, plenty of wet nappies, happy, sleeping well, not in discomfit and she'll poop when she's ready. Be prepared it might be messy, but if you are concerned always see your gp. Bm is very digestible so some don't poop for 10 days or more. Lam chop is right, every bub is differeent

This post has been edited by CupcakeMumma: 31/12/2012, 08:22 AM

[lucky 2]

In my experience it would be very unusual for a baby of 2+ weeks old to not be pooing at least 2-3 times each 24 hrs.
But, you have been to the Dr and have been given a management plan, ie come back if no poo!
How is your baby's wee output? Are you seeing your chn for weight checks?
Could you see a LC?, if there is any concern over growth or not enough milk intake then that's what will likely help the best. As well as seeing the GP to make sure baby is not unwell (which you have done).
In the meantime could you just keep bfing and bfing, 8 or more times in 24 hours, switching from side to side if your baby would like to keep suckling after 2 sides.
If baby is well then a poo should be just around the corner so to speak.
Let us know how things are, all the best.

[muggins_00]

It's very common for breastfed babies to not poo every day but if YOU are worried then go back to the Dr. And make sure you have a change of clothes for your bub and top for you and plenty of wipes on hand wherever you go, when bub finally goes it will be a BIG one!

[Camizebra]

My DS started a couple of times a day, then once a day, then now once a week (but unfortunately it's one of EPIC proportions). This has been the norm for about three months now. I guess this is just his thing. Like you, I completely obsessed over his poo, which for me, was a waste of time because my bub is happy, healthy, gaining weight and so on. I think as long as your baby isn't constipated, I wouldn't be too concerned.