Breastfed Newborns And Diarrhea: What's Normal?

is it normal for a breastfed newborn to have diarrhea

Diarrhea in newborns is a common issue, but it can be hard to tell if your breastfed baby has diarrhea. Normal stools in breastfed babies are often loose, runny, and seedy, and babies can have several bowel movements a day. However, if your baby's bowel movements abruptly increase in number and looseness, it is likely diarrhea. Diarrhea can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, bacterial or parasitic infections, food allergies, or changes in the mother's diet if breastfeeding. It is important to monitor your baby for signs of dehydration, which is the main complication of diarrhea.

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Diarrhoea in breastfed babies can be caused by changes in the mother's diet

Diarrhoea in newborn babies is relatively common and can be caused by a variety of factors. It is characterised by a sudden increase in the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. While mild diarrhoea is characterised by the passage of a few loose or mushy bowel movements, severe diarrhoea is indicated by the passage of many watery bowel movements.

Breastfed babies are known to have softer stools than formula-fed babies, and they also tend to poop more frequently. Hence, it can be challenging to determine whether a breastfed baby has diarrhoea. However, if your baby's bowel movements abruptly increase in number, or if they exhibit other symptoms such as poor eating, acting sick, or a fever, they may have diarrhoea.

Diarrhoea in breastfed babies can be caused by a variety of factors, one of which is the mother's diet. Certain foods and drinks in a breastfeeding mother's diet can trigger diarrhoea in the baby. For example, consuming spicy food, sugar, coffee, cola, or herbal teas may change the composition of breast milk, leading to diarrhoea. Additionally, if a breastfeeding mother is taking certain medications, such as antibiotics, or nutritional supplements, these can also pass into the breast milk and potentially cause diarrhoea in the baby.

It is important to note that breast milk is generally considered protective against diarrhoea. Studies have shown that breastfed babies get diarrhoea less often than formula-fed babies due to the antibodies present in breast milk, which help protect infants against common childhood illnesses, including diarrhoea.

If your breastfed baby has diarrhoea, the recommended treatment is to continue breastfeeding at more frequent intervals to prevent dehydration. It is crucial to monitor your baby for signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, absence of tears, infrequent urination, and darker, concentrated urine. If dehydration is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.

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Diarrhoea can be caused by a virus, parasite, or bacterial infection

Diarrhoea in newborns can be caused by a virus, parasite, or bacterial infection. It is important to note that breastfed babies get diarrhoea less often than formula-fed babies. This is because breast milk is full of antibodies, which help protect infants from common childhood illnesses, including diarrhoea.

Viruses, bacteria, and parasites are living organisms that exist in water and soil, on the surfaces of food, and on surfaces we touch, such as countertops. Some bacteria live in our bodies and do not cause problems, but other kinds of bacteria, as well as parasites and viruses, can make us very ill if they invade our bodies. Bacteria and viruses can live outside the human body, but parasites require a living host to survive.

Bacteria and parasites can usually be destroyed with antibiotics, but antibiotics cannot kill viruses. Children with viral illnesses can be given medications to make them more comfortable, but antibiotics are ineffective against these infections.

Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can cause a wide variety of illnesses and can infect any of the organs in the body. Viruses are often responsible for respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold, and digestive illnesses, such as diarrhoea. Bacteria can infect any part of the body but often cause diarrhoea when they invade the digestive tract.

Diarrhoea can be caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Rotavirus, for example, is a virus that is the most common cause of intestinal infections in infants. Salmonella is a less common bacterial cause of diarrhoea, which often contains streaks of blood. Giardia is a parasite that is more likely to be the cause of diarrhoea in childcare centre outbreaks.

In addition to infections, diarrhoea in newborns can be caused by food allergies, taking certain medications (such as antibiotics), or drinking too much fruit juice.

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Diarrhoea can be caused by antibiotics or other medications

Diarrhoea can be caused by a number of factors, including certain medications. If your baby has recently started taking antibiotics, this could be the cause of their diarrhoea. Antibiotics are known to cause mild diarrhoea, and it is not an allergic reaction. It is important to continue giving your baby the prescribed antibiotics, but if any serious symptoms occur, be sure to contact your doctor.

Diarrhoea can also be caused by other medications your baby may be taking, such as those for parasite infections. Additionally, if you are breastfeeding, your baby may be reacting to something in your diet, such as vitamins or protein powders, which can get into your breast milk and trigger diarrhoea. It is always a good idea to review your own diet and make adjustments if you suspect something you are consuming is causing your baby's diarrhoea.

If your baby is older and has started solids, their diarrhoea could be related to changes in their diet. Certain foods, such as dairy products, eggs, gluten, peanuts, and shellfish, can cause food allergies and sensitivities that lead to diarrhoea. It is important to be mindful of the potential causes of diarrhoea in your baby and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

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Diarrhoea can be a sign of dehydration

Diarrhoea is the sudden increase in the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. It is common in newborns and young infants, and it can be challenging to distinguish between regular bowel movements and diarrhoea. However, diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration:

  • Dry mouth and lips
  • Absence of tears when crying
  • Infrequent urination (for example, none in 8 hours)
  • Dark, concentrated urine
  • Sunken or curved downward soft spot on the head
  • Decreased number of wet diapers (less than six per day)

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it is crucial to contact your healthcare provider right away, as dehydration can have severe consequences for your baby's health.

To prevent dehydration, it is important to ensure that your baby is adequately hydrated. Continue breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, and offer feeds more frequently to provide extra fluids. You can also give your baby oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Additionally, pay close attention to skin care and hygiene, as diarrhoea can irritate your baby's skin and cause diaper rash. Change wet and dirty diapers promptly, and apply a protective ointment to create a barrier on your baby's skin.

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How to treat diarrhoea in breastfed babies

Continue breastfeeding

It is important to continue breastfeeding your baby, even if they have diarrhoea. Offer the breast more frequently to provide extra fluids and prevent dehydration. Do not stop breastfeeding your baby because they have diarrhoea.

Offer oral rehydration solutions

If your baby is severely dehydrated, you may need to give them an oral rehydration solution (ORS) such as Pedialyte or Kao Lectrolyte in addition to breast milk. ORS can help replace lost fluids and salts. However, do not use ORS as the only fluid for more than six hours, as your baby will need calories and may become hungry.

Solid foods

If your baby is over four months old and has started solid foods, continue to offer them. Starchy foods such as cereal, applesauce, strained bananas, mashed potatoes, and other high-fibre foods are good choices during diarrhoea.

Change your baby's nappy frequently

Soiled nappies can irritate your baby's skin and cause a nappy rash, so change wet and dirty nappies often. Keep your baby's nappy area as clean and dry as possible and use a thick layer of petroleum jelly or nappy cream to protect their skin.

Look out for signs of dehydration

Diarrhoea can quickly lead to dehydration in babies, so it is important to watch for signs such as producing less than six wet nappies in 24 hours, a dry mouth and lips, lacking tears when crying, and a sunken or curved downward soft spot on the head. Call your doctor immediately if you notice any of these signs.

Practice good hygiene

Diarrhoea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, so it is important to practise good hygiene to prevent its spread. Wash your hands after changing your baby's nappy or using the toilet, and remind other family members to do the same.

When to call a doctor

While mild diarrhoea can usually be managed at home, contact your doctor or healthcare provider if:

  • Your baby has a fever or other symptoms in addition to diarrhoea.
  • There is blood in your baby's stool.
  • Your baby appears to be in pain.
  • Your baby is not eating well.
  • Your baby is excessively sleepy.
  • Diarrhoea does not go away within 24 hours.
  • You notice any signs of dehydration.

Frequently asked questions

Diarrhea is the sudden increase in the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. It can be hard to tell if a breastfed newborn has diarrhea as they normally have soft, squishy, and frequent bowel movements. However, if your newborn's stools are very runny, larger in size, and more frequent than usual, then they have diarrhea.

Diarrhea in breastfed newborns can be caused by a change in the mother's diet, a viral or bacterial infection, antibiotics, or a parasite infection.

It is important to continue breastfeeding your newborn frequently to prevent dehydration. You should also offer them oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte or Kao Lectrolyte to replace lost fluids and salts. Additionally, you should change their diaper often and apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or ointment to protect their skin from irritation.

Diarrhea usually lasts several days to a week, regardless of the type of treatment. However, if the diarrhea lasts longer than two weeks or does not improve within 24 hours, you should contact your healthcare provider.

You should call a doctor immediately if your newborn shows signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, absence of tears, infrequent urination, or a sunken soft spot on their head. You should also seek medical attention if there is blood in their diarrhea, if they have a fever, or if they appear to be in pain.

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