Poop is something that becomes part of your everyday conversation when you have a baby. In fact, cleaning up poop is what I spent most of my days doing, especially when my baby was a newborn. Those newborn poop EXPLOSIONS just went everywhere! However, when my baby was around 4 months, the pooping would stop altogether for a few days at a time. I was so shocked at first, and could not believe constipation for breastfed babies can happen!

Soon, I learned it was quite the opposite because breastmilk is actually so perfect. It pretty much digests completely, so there is no waste for the body to expel! Your baby’s bowel movements will naturally change over time. This is much more expected if you’re starting to wean your babies. Although, are you noticing your baby is passing less poop compared to the usual? Do the stools look hard and dry? This is a sign that you have a constipated baby!

What Causes Constipation for Breastfed Babies?

Change in Diet

The most common reason why babies, even those that are breastfed, get constipated from their diet. Though it’s true that babies that are exclusively breastfed rarely have constipation, their bowel movements may change once you start introducing them solid foods. First foods, like rice cereals, often contain too little fiber. Another cause might be due to the transition from breast to cow’s milk. Some babies have an intolerance over a protein in the cow’s milk. That alone is considered the biggest contributor to constipation for breastfed babies.

Your baby might be dehydrated

When your baby is dehydrated, their bodies have a tendency to soak up the fluids from what they consume and excrete. That’s why in turn, this can result to dry and hard poops!

Underlying illnesses

In some rare cases, constipation for breastfed babies can be a sign of other medical conditions like botulism, hypothyroidism, metabolic disorder, or allergies from certain foods. Hirschsprung’s disease, although very uncommon, can also manifest signs through constipation. It’s a type of birth defect that prohibits their guts from properly functioning.

Is it possible my milk is causing it?

Here’s the fact: constipation for breastfed babies happens on very rare occasions. Breast milk gives the perfect nutrition for babies as it contains the right amount of fats and proteins.  Bowel movements in the first few months can be very frequent. That’s why they poop so much! But eventually, at around 4 months, you should expect that the bowel movements are not as often.

However, if you decide to introduce formula milk, it’s possible they might get constipated. Some formula milk has a different protein composition that might trigger your baby’s digestion. Consult your doctor if this happens.

What is the regular poop schedule? When should you start worrying?

As mentioned earlier, a baby’s pooping schedule can vary month after month. Newborns poop more regularly, with some even pooping right after feeding. By the third or fourth month, you should anticipate that the poops are less frequent. Some babies can go as long as 1 to 2 weeks without passing their bowels.

One thing to look out for is the consistency of their stools. As long as their poops are soft and loose, your child is unlikely to be constipated. Here’s what you should expect the stools to look like:

• Newborns that are exclusively breastfed – stools are runny and watery. Over time, they can get a bit more firm and less frequent.
• Babies who are fed with formula milk – stools are much more firm and they don’t poop as frequently as breastfed babies.
• Weaning babies (age 6 months and up) – stools will become a little bit firmer

Don’t worry, it’s very rare that constipations indicate signs of other health problems. The only time you need to take your baby to the doctor is if:

• At 2 months, your baby is not having any bowel movements for 2-3 days
• Repeated episodes of constipation
• Slow and minimal weight gain
• Blood in the stool
• Baby is vomiting and has a bloated stomach

Relieve Constipation for Breastfed Babies

Whenever babies are constipated, they might be restless and look very distressed. But don’t fret! There are certainly different techniques you can apply to provide instant relief to your constipated baby. Here are a few tricks:

• Breastfeed more! Did you know that breast milk is a natural laxative? Just be patient and try to nurse them more.
• Move your baby’s legs and arms gently in a circular motion. Small exercises like these can stimulate your baby’s bowels.
• Give your baby a warm bath. This helps them relax, particularly during the times they strain to pass their stools.
• Softly massage your baby’s tummy. This can aid in letting the poo pass a little better.
• For babies who are starting with their solid foods:
  • Offer them foods with fiber like fruits and vegetables. You can mash, puree, or cut them to little bites.
  • Dilute fruit juices (1 part juice to 3 parts water) and give them in between meals

To Conclude…

Poops are a part of your new mom life. Cleanups can be exhausting, especially if your baby is pooping so much! Noticing that your baby is passing their stool less frequently and the consistency is hard and dry? Your baby might be constipated! Constipation for breastfed babies is rare, but a change in their diet, dehydration, and underlying illnesses can cause them to have problems with their bowel movements.

Usually, breastfed newborns may poop after so frequently, maybe even after every meal. After a few months, however, they may only move bowels once or twice a week. What’s important is the consistencies are soft and runny. If your baby is constipated, there are many techniques you can do to ease your baby’s tummy. However, look out for some signs that are out of the ordinary and seek professional help if this happens.