Feeding Newborns After Pooping: Is It Necessary?

do newborns need feeding after pooping

Newborns can poop anywhere from every feed to every few days, and this frequency can vary depending on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Breastfed babies tend to poop more often than formula-fed babies, and their stools are usually softer and more liquid. Formula-fed babies tend to have firmer and more paste-like stools. In general, newborns will poop more when they are younger, and the frequency will decrease as they get older. While it is not necessary to feed a newborn after every poop, it is important to monitor their diaper output to ensure they are consuming enough milk and getting adequate nutrition.

Characteristics Values
How often should newborns poop? Frequency varies by baby. Some newborns poop every time they eat, others only every few days.
Does breastfeeding or formula feeding affect the frequency? Typically, breastfed babies tend to poop more often than formula-fed ones.
What should the first stool look like? The first stool is called meconium and is usually black and tar-like.
What should regular stool look like? Yellow, green or yellow-green, brown, or yellow-brown.
What should be the consistency of the stool? Soft, liquid, runny, or pasty.
How often should you change diapers? It depends on the baby's frequency of pooping, but it's normal to change diapers every feeding or every two to three days.
When to call a doctor? If your baby hasn't pooped in four days, hasn't had a bowel movement in a few days, or shows signs of constipation or diarrhoea. Also, look out for maroon or bloody stools, black stools after the first few days, white or grey stools, and stool with a large amount of mucus or water.

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Newborns' poop frequency

In the first few days after birth, newborns pass meconium, a black, sticky, and tar-like substance. After about three days, newborn bowel movements turn into a lighter, runnier stool, which may be light brown, yellow, or yellow-green in colour. This is considered regular stool. The colour is similar for both breastfed and formula-fed babies, but breastfed babies' stools tend to be seed-like in texture and very soft, almost liquid-like.

Some newborns poop five times a day, while others only poop every five days. If your newborn poops less frequently but is eating regularly and has soft, typical-looking stools, then that's normal for your baby. However, if they go for more than a week without pooping, contact your pediatrician as this could be a sign of constipation.

Breastfed babies may pass loose, seedy stools that look and feel like mustard. It is also normal for them to have looser, runnier stools, indicating they are absorbing the solids in the breast milk. Formula-fed babies' bowel movements may be firmer and more paste-like, but the stool shouldn't be firmer than the consistency of peanut butter.

As your baby grows, you will likely notice changes in their stool. Changes in diet, such as switching from breast milk to formula or introducing solid foods, can lead to variations in stool amount, consistency, and colour.

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Breastfed vs formula-fed babies' stool differences

Breastfed vs Formula-Fed Babies: Stool Differences

Meconium

All newborns, regardless of whether they are breastfed or formula-fed, will initially pass meconium. Meconium is the thick, black or dark green substance that was held in their intestines before birth. After the baby is about three days old, the stool changes into a green colour.

Colour

After the initial passing of meconium, the stool of breastfed babies will turn yellow and seedy. The colour of the stool may also change to a shade of brown. Formula-fed babies' stools are typically yellow or tan, but green stools are also common. Slight changes in colour are usually the result of the baby's intestinal lining or how they digest milk and are not a cause for concern.

Consistency

Breastfed babies' stools are more liquid, and will look more watery than the stools of formula-fed babies. Formula-fed babies' stools are normally firmer, with a consistency similar to peanut butter.

Frequency

Breastfed babies tend to have more frequent bowel movements than formula-fed babies. Breastfed babies have an average of three bowel movements per day, and it is normal for a breastfed baby to have a stool after each feeding or as little as once every seven days. Formula-fed babies have an average of two bowel movements per day.

Smell

Breastfed babies' stools may have a sweeter smell. If formula is introduced, or when solid foods are started, the stools may have a stronger odour and the appearance may change in colour and consistency.

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Signs of constipation in newborns

While it's normal for a newborn to poop after every feed, it's not always the case. The frequency of a baby's bowel movements can vary, and it's not unusual for newborns to go a few days without pooping. However, if your baby hasn't pooped in a few days, it's a good idea to look out for signs of constipation.

Constipation in newborns can occur due to a change in diet, a lack of fluids, or an illness. It is characterized by hard, dry stools that are difficult for the baby to pass. Here are some signs to look out for:

  • Hard, dry stools: Typically, a newborn's poop should be soft and watery, especially if they are breastfed. If the stools become hard and dry, it could be a sign of constipation.
  • Pain and discomfort: If your baby is constipated, they may experience pain and discomfort during bowel movements. They may strain, grunt, or turn red while trying to pass stool.
  • Blood in the stool: If there is blood on the outside of the stools, it could be due to a small tear in the rectum, which can cause pain and worsen constipation.
  • Pellet-like stools: If the stools are small and pellet-like, it could be a sign that your baby is having difficulty passing stool.
  • Soiling between bowel movements: Soiling, or liquid waste leakage, between bowel movements can be a sign of constipation.
  • Less frequent bowel movements: If your baby is having bowel movements less frequently than usual, it could be a sign of constipation.
  • Withholding: If your baby is experiencing painful stools, they may try to hold them in, which can worsen constipation.

If you suspect your newborn is constipated, it is important to consult your pediatrician. They can help determine the cause and provide guidance on how to relieve your baby's constipation.

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Signs of dehydration in newborns

Newborns can poop anywhere from every time they eat to every few days, and this is usually normal. However, if a newborn is pooping three or more extra-watery diapers a day, it could be a sign of diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration in newborns is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Here are some signs of dehydration to look out for in newborns:

  • Dry diapers for 6 or more hours: One of the most common signs of dehydration in newborns is a lack of urination or wet diapers. If your baby has not produced any urine in 6 to 8 hours, this could indicate dehydration.
  • Dry mouth or lips: Dehydration can cause the mucus membranes in the mouth and lips to become dry.
  • Sunken eyes with few tears: If your baby's eyes appear sunken, and they are not producing many tears when crying, this could be a sign of dehydration.
  • Lethargy and listlessness: Dehydration can cause your baby to become lethargic and listless. They may seem uninterested in playing or being active and may just want to sleep.
  • Rapid breathing: Keep an eye on your baby's breathing. If it becomes rapid, this could be a sign of severe dehydration.
  • Dark-coloured urine: If your baby's urine becomes dark and concentrated, this could be an early sign of dehydration.
  • Sunken soft spot on the head: In infants under one year old, the soft spot on the front top part of the head may appear sunken or flatter than usual due to dehydration.

If you notice any of these signs, carefully monitor your baby's fluid intake and contact your doctor if you have any concerns. Dehydration can be dangerous if left untreated, so it is important to take prompt action and ensure your baby receives adequate fluids.

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What to do if your newborn is constipated

Constipation in newborns is rare, especially in breastfed babies, but it can happen. If your newborn is constipated, there are a few things you can do to help. Firstly, contact your pediatrician. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and recommend ways to help your baby.

Your pediatrician may suggest giving your baby apple or prune juice, but never give juice to your newborn without first consulting a doctor. If your baby is formula-fed, your doctor may recommend switching to a different formula. For breastfed babies, a doctor may suggest checking your latch and position while feeding.

True constipation is usually caused by a change in diet, a lack of fluids, or an illness. If your baby is constipated, they may be extra fussy and seem uncomfortable when trying to pass stool. Their stool may be hard, dry, and difficult to pass. If your newborn hasn't had a bowel movement in four days, this could be a sign of constipation, and you should call your pediatrician.

To prevent constipation, ensure your baby is well-hydrated and consuming enough fluids. For formula-fed babies, this means ensuring they are fed regularly and getting enough formula. For breastfed babies, ensure your baby is latched and positioned correctly during feeding.

If your newborn is constipated, don't panic. Contact your pediatrician, who will be able to provide advice and guidance on the best course of action.

Frequently asked questions

Newborns do not need to be fed immediately after pooping. However, it is important to monitor your newborn's diapers, as their waste can indicate their health, dehydration, and constipation status.

Newborns may poop as frequently as every feeding or as infrequently as every two to three days. Breastfed newborns tend to poop more often than formula-fed newborns.

If your newborn hasn't pooped in four days, you should contact your pediatrician as it could be a sign of constipation.

When hungry, your baby may seem restless, cry, stick out their tongue, or suck on their hands and lips.

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