Breastfed Newborn Poop: What's Normal And What's Not?

how often should my breastfed newborn poop

Breastfed babies can have very different pooping habits, and it's a topic that has been widely debated. While some breastfed newborns may poop after every feed, others may go several days without pooping. In the early days, a baby typically has one dirty diaper for each day of life, and after day four, stools should be yellow and at least 3-4 a day. After 3-6 weeks, some babies may start stooling less frequently, and this is normal as long as the baby is gaining weight.

Characteristics Values
How often should a breastfed newborn poop? There is a wide range of normal when it comes to bowel movement frequency in babies. A newborn baby can average around 12 changes in a 24-hour period. A breastfed newborn often poops after every feeding (roughly six to 10 times a day), but after three to six weeks, they typically slow down and start having bowel movements less frequently. Some breastfed babies may have just one bowel movement a week.
What should the poop look like? The first few poops of a newborn are called meconium, which is a thick and sticky residue that is greenish-black in colour. After the meconium has passed, the baby's poop will start to change to a lighter greeny-black colour and then to a yellow hue. It is often quite bright, grainy, and loose. The texture will change too, from sticky to grainy, even loose. It should be soft and easy to pass.
What should I do if my baby hasn't pooped in a while? If your baby hasn't pooped in a while, pay attention to their mood. If they seem more fussy or uncomfortable, especially after feedings, they might be constipated. Other signs of constipation in newborns include slight bleeding after bowel movements, refusal to eat, and making strained faces while pooping.

shunchild

Breastfed babies can go a week without pooping

It is not uncommon for breastfed babies to go a week without pooping. This is because breast milk is perfectly designed to meet a baby's nutritional needs, so there is often very little waste produced.

There is a wide range of normal when it comes to bowel movement frequency in babies, and this will change as they grow. In the early days, a breastfed newborn may poop after every feed, which could be up to 10 times a day. This is because their gastrocolic reflex is immature, so their colon is signalled to empty whenever their stomach stretches with food.

Changes in Pooping Habits

After a few weeks, a breastfed baby's stool schedule will change, and they will typically start having bowel movements less frequently, ranging from three or four times per day to once a week.

The type of milk a baby consumes can affect their pooping habits. Breast milk contains a natural laxative, so breastfed babies often poop more, especially when they are newborn. Formula is harder for babies to digest, which changes the texture of their poop and makes it more solid, so formula-fed babies are more likely to become constipated.

When to Worry

If your baby hasn't pooped in a while, pay attention to their mood. If they seem more fussy or uncomfortable, especially after feedings, they might be constipated. Other signs of constipation include slight bleeding after bowel movements, refusal to eat, and making strained faces while pooping. If you are concerned, it is always best to consult your doctor or a lactation consultant.

shunchild

Breastfed babies may poop after every feed

It is common for breastfed babies to pass stool after every feed, which could be as many as eight to ten times a day. This is because their gastrocolic reflex is immature, prompting their colon to empty whenever their stomach stretches with food.

After the first few days of life, when a newborn's first stools (meconium) have passed, the poop of breastfed babies changes from a dark greeny-black colour to a lighter greeny-black, then to a yellow hue, and from sticky to grainy to loose in texture. It should be soft and easy to pass, and have a mild, sour-milk kind of smell.

After a few weeks, a breastfed baby's stool schedule will change, and they'll poop about three or four times per day. Once a baby is older than six weeks, they may poop even less—perhaps as little as once per week. This is because breast milk has the perfect nutritional balance for babies, so very little waste is produced from it.

If you notice a change in how often your baby normally poops, it's best to speak with a paediatrician. If your baby is breastfed, you may even talk to a lactation consultant, as the nutrients in breast milk can play a role in your baby's poop.

shunchild

Breastfed baby poop is sweeter-smelling

The first thing you'll notice about your breastfed baby's poop is its sweet smell. While formula-fed babies' poop has a pungent odour, breastfed babies' stools have a slightly sweet, not unpleasant odour. This is because breast milk is designed specifically for your baby and their digestive system, so there's often very little waste produced from it.

Breastfed babies' stools are also typically softer and runnier than formula-fed babies'. This is because breast milk contains a natural laxative, so it's easier for babies to digest. As a result, breastfed babies often poop more, especially in the early days. Formula-fed babies, on the other hand, tend to have firmer and bigger stools as formula is harder for them to digest.

The colour of your breastfed baby's poop will also be different from that of formula-fed infants. Shades of mustard yellow, green, or brown are normal for breastfed babies, with some babies having "seedy" yellow stools. Formula-fed babies, on the other hand, tend to have poop that is a paler yellow or yellowish-brown.

In terms of frequency, breastfed newborns often poop after every feeding, which can be around eight to ten times a day. However, after three to six weeks, they typically slow down and may start having bowel movements less frequently, sometimes as little as once a week. This decrease in frequency is due to the maturing of their digestive system and the fact that breast milk has the perfect nutritional balance for them.

It's important to note that every baby is different, and there is a wide range of normal when it comes to poop frequency and appearance. As long as your baby is content, gaining weight, and has soft stools, there is usually no cause for concern. However, if you notice any changes in frequency or appearance that concern you, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for advice and guidance.

shunchild

Breastfed baby poop is runnier

Breastfed baby poop is typically runnier than that of formula-fed babies, and this is completely normal. Breast milk is designed to be perfectly suited to a newborn's digestive system, so it's efficiently absorbed with minimal waste. This means that breastfed babies may only poop once a week or even less frequently, and this is fine as long as the baby is gaining weight and appears healthy.

The texture of breastfed baby poop is usually soft to runny, and it may even resemble mild diarrhea. It often has a mustard yellow colour and a slightly sweet or sour smell. This is all normal. The poop may also be watery and contain small, white, seed-like particles. Each bowel movement should be about the size of a US quarter (2.5 cm or larger).

If your breastfed baby is passing hard, dry stools, they may be constipated, although this is uncommon in breastfed infants. If they are just having infrequent stools, especially after six weeks old, this is likely normal. However, if they are also displaying symptoms such as fussiness and a lack of interest in breastfeeding, seek medical advice.

The frequency of bowel movements can vary greatly among breastfed newborns. In the early days, it's typical for a baby to have one dirty diaper per day of life, so one on the first day, two on the second, and so on. After the first few days, they may start having three to four stools per day, and this can continue for several weeks. Some breastfed babies may even have up to 12 bowel movements per day during this period.

After six weeks, it's common for breastfed babies to start pooping less frequently, sometimes as little as once a week. This is because their gut is maturing and absorbing more of the breast milk. As long as they are gaining weight and appear healthy, this reduction in frequency is not a cause for concern.

If your breastfed newborn is having fewer than three bowel movements per day in the first six weeks, they may not be getting enough milk. Consult your paediatrician or lactation consultant if you are concerned.

Newborn Bubbly Saliva: Is It Normal?

You may want to see also

shunchild

Breastfed baby poop is yellow and seedy

The normal stool of a breastfed baby is loose (soft to runny) and may be seedy or curdy. After 4–6 weeks, some babies may start stooling less frequently, with bowel movements as infrequent as one every 7–10 days. This is because breast milk passes through a baby's digestive system without leaving much solid waste. As long as the baby is gaining weight well, this is normal.

Breastfed baby poop typically has a slightly sweet, not unpleasant odour. It is important to note that the texture of the stool is more important than frequency. There is no need to worry as long as the baby's pooping pattern stays fairly consistent, their stools are reasonably soft, and they are acting like their usual self.

However, if a breastfed baby has not passed stool in four days, it is important to call the doctor as it could be a sign of constipation.

Frequently asked questions

A breastfed newborn may poop after every feeding session, which could be about 8-10 times a day. After a few weeks, this may change to 3-4 times per day. After 6 weeks, they may poop even less, perhaps once a week.

Yes, it is normal for breastfed newborns to have frequent bowel movements, often after every feeding session. This is because breast milk contains a natural laxative, and their immature gastrocolic reflex signals their colon to empty whenever their stomach stretches with food.

The number of bowel movements per day will decrease as your newborn gets older. After 6 weeks, it is not uncommon for breastfed newborns to poop as little as once a week. As long as your baby is still eating, gaining weight, and has soft stools, they are likely pooping enough.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment