Constipation in breastfed newborn

pooch90

Hi,really hoping someone has some wonder cure for us!
Little man is 10 days old and exclusively breastfed, he has had bouts of constipation lasting two days and is in so much pain with it. I know its normal for breastfed babies not to poop everyday but he is clearly in distress and you can see his little body cramping. We have tried the bicycle legs Tummy massage and cool boiled water. He can't sleep at night so newbies parents are shattered and hormonal momma is crying all the time! I've done internet searches and keep seeing to insert a cotton bud tip with Vaseline into his bum but I really don't want to do something like that if it can be avoided.
Any experienced parents have any suggestions for me?
TIA, Pooch & Pup.

dori_dormer

Are you sure it's constipation? What are his poops like when he does poop? If they aren't hard and dry it's unlikely to be constipation.

He could be suffering from wind? That would cause cramping and distress too. Babies can need burping for up to 30 min after a feed. There's also gripe water if he's not burping a lot.

I certainly wouldn't be putting a cotton bud up my babies bum unless doc suggested it.

Have you spoken to phn?

pooch90

dori_dormer wrote: »

Are you sure it's constipation? What are his poops like when he does poop? If they aren't hard and dry it's unlikely to be constipation.

He could be suffering from wind? That would cause cramping and distress too. Babies can need burping for up to 30 min after a feed. There's also gripe water if he's not burping a lot.

I certainly wouldn't be putting a cotton bud up my babies bum unless doc suggested it.

Have you spoken to phn?

Waiting on a call back from the phn and have appointment with her tomorrow anyway.
You could be right and it be trapped wind, he doesn't wind well after feeds but farts well!
He has only done one poo since all this started and it wasn't hard but we had given him a good dose of water at that point.
I'm going to go to the chemist now and get the gripe water,hopefully it will help,thanks for the suggestion.

cyning

Ok: first things first you need to see a lactation consultant. Any baby under 6 weeks not pooping multiple times a day would make me wonder about a milk transfer issue: something like a tongue tie. That would also cause them to swallow extra air when feeding which could be causing extra wind and pain. How is his weight gain? Avoid water sugar water Vaseline etc at this age.

And even if your Phn/GP/paed all say no tongue tie I wouldn't necessarily believe them. A lc will also be able to assess if there's other issues.

Sligo1

Pooch, I wouldn't be sticking cotton wool buds up my baby's bum... Even if my GP suggested it. If my gp suggested it I would change gps. You could
Perforate their bowel. Hope the little mite is feeling better soon and you find a solution.

Sligo1

Just to add, a nice warm bath can work wonders for the bowels. I've also heard a tiny brown of brown sugar in warm boiled water can work... However, I'm not sure if you can give this to newborns? You'd need to check that one...

pooch90

We are going to try another bath later and I got the gripe water. Chemist said he reckons its probably colic.

bp

pooch90 wrote: »

We are going to try another bath later and I got the gripe water. Chemist said he reckons its probably colic.

My baby had that - exclusive bf too. I got Colief...amazing stuff for us but a pain to administer. Has to express an ounce a day, divide it up into syringes of 10ml and insert two drops before each bf....but it worked a charm for us. Some found just dropping into into their mouth while latched worked

pwurple

The baby is 10 days old and has only pooped once?

Go straight to GP, do not pass go.

Seriously, this is a tiny newborn. I'd try water and all the rest if they were older, but not a 10 day old.

hairyprincess

Mum needs to avoid gassy foods, such as onions, cabbage, broccoli, they can cause the baby to be gassy. Also make sure mum is drinking lots of water and eating well.

How Strange

With a baby so young I'd be going straight to the gp if they had only done one in 10 days. That's definitely not normal. I really wouldn't take any chances with a baby so young.

I didn't think colic kicked in until around 4-5 weeks.

jlm29

She didn't say the baby had only gone once in 10 days, she said the baby had only gone once since the constipation started- and didn't specify how long ago this was.

Sligo1

Pooch when did the baby last open their bowels? If it is an extended period I would visit your GP. If it is not an extended period Could you try eating a load of green veg (spinach and broccoli), and also prunes are great! These laxative effects will hopefully be passed to your baba through your breastmilk. Gripe water is good but I didn't think you could use this on babies younger than 1 month?

mirrorwall14

Isn't it 2 to 3 poops a week is reasonably normal for Breastfed babies? However 10 days old is very young. I would going to the doc before doing anything. I'm assuming baby is getting enough fluids? Wet nappies are regular?

tinkerbell

Breastmilk is a natural laxative - OP, are you feeding on demand? Stop the cool boiled water, whoever told you to do that is after giving you bad advice. Breastfed babies do not need cool boiled water, it's not advised at all, it will also mean your baby will breastfed less after getting the water which will make the situation even worse. Your first port of call should be a person who specialises in breastfeeding - lactation consultant, Ciudiu, La Leche League, etc.

Newborn babies do not sleep through the night, they want to breastfeed and be close to mama. Do not stick a cotton bud in his bum.

Please join a breastfeeding support group.

cyning

mirrorwall14 wrote: »

Isn't it 2 to 3 poops a week is reasonably normal for Breastfed babies? However 10 days old is very young. I would going to the doc before doing anything. I'm assuming baby is getting enough fluids? Wet nappies are regular?

Not until after 6 weeks. After 6 weeks it's fine before 6 weeks you need to be looking at milk transfer issues etc. It would be the most common cause.

Little Miss Cutie

Pooch, I don't think you are meant to give them any water.

My GP has been really clear, if I am worried about anything regarding wet/dirty nappies that I should head straight down to her.

If you havent heard back from the public health nurse this morning, I think you should head to the GP

pooch90

Just to clarify,he has gone more than once in the ten days,its since day 6 that it has slowed down,really since my proper milk came in. The midwife in the hospital that I rang in a panic recommended the cool boiled water and PHN backed this today. PHN also recommended the gripe water but in tiny quantities. He took some yesterday and today is way improved. He isn't dehydrated and is doing regular wet nappies. The PHN just said that he could be taking in excess air when crying before feeds as we had been changing him before feeding and he screams when being changed. She also said to just keep an eye on my diet and trial and error eliminate things that may be upsetting his tummy/giving him gas. I've cut out caffeine too but I don't know id that's coincidence that he's better today. She gave him a thorough exam and is happy with his progress.

Thanks for all the input.

tinkerbell

Just a word of advice pooch but PHNs are notoriously bad at giving terrible breastfeeding advice. I would contact a leader from la Leche or ciudiu etc to ask for advice (you can get phone numbers on their website). The very fact that they recommended cool boiled water to a newborn enough to make me think the PHN doesn't know what she's talking about.

Oh and it's normal for newborns to hate their nappy being changed! It takes a while for them up get used to nappy changes.

dori_dormer

Yes I wouldn't be taking advice regarding breastfeeding from phn. A lactation consultant is well worth the money.

Also we were told in hospital to change nappy after feed. Maybe try that so he's not stressed out before hand?

dori_dormer

Yes I wouldn't be taking advice regarding breastfeeding from phn. A lactation consultant is well worth the money.

Also we were told in hospital to change nappy after feed. Maybe try that so he's not stressed out before hand?

LegacyUser

I would suggest first off lay off giving him anything but breastmilk, no water or gripe water....totally unneccessary.

Breast milk has everything he needs.

Second, make sure he is getting a good feed. Newborns tend to like feeding lying down, take your time.

Lastly, we have three children.....as newborns, we came across what became known as the pooing chair.....me lying on bed on my back with legs bent. Baby sitting more or less upright on legs. Don't rub his belly, it's painful. Don't cycle his legs, again painful. Just lie there and let gravity take it's toll. When he eventually goes (which he will) he will feed like crazy and then sleep for a long time.....2-4 hours.

No panic, no medicines, just relax and wait and all we be well.

LegacyUser

Sligo1 wrote: »

Pooch when did the baby last open their bowels? If it is an extended period I would visit your GP. If it is not an extended period Could you try eating a load of green veg (spinach and broccoli), and also prunes are great! These laxative effects will hopefully be passed to your baba through your breastmilk. Gripe water is good but I didn't think you could use this on babies younger than 1 month?

Shocking advice, just shocking. "Eat loads of green veg and dose them with gripe water"

Can't believe this post has not been removed, utterly shocking advice. Ireland's relationship with proper breastfeeding is in the 1950s

spottybananas

Why do you change his nappy before a feed, usually they poo during or after a feed so that would be making unnecessary work for yourselves and could have him taking in more air alright. Definitely don't give water, and I would consider making a complaint about a gp or midwife who advised this. As mentioned bf babies don't need it and it can affect your supply as baby will feed less.

Did you try Infacol? And laying him over your knees to wind him? I would definitely contact Cuidiu or an lc.

Sligo1

Off topic, but I initially changed my first baby's nappy after a fed as instructed by midwives, phns ect. Pooch, when you get to know your baby's habits you will learn to change them when you think you need to. For the most part of my first baby and entirety of second baby.... I always changed my baby half way through the feed. This was a). To wake them up so they would take a little extra boob. And b). No way was I gonna wake him and her up to change their nappy when they were sound asleep after a nice long feed. Mine didn't usually poo directly after a feed tho... So maybe that's why this worked for me. They were usually too busy asleep and milk drunk.

moving_home

pooch90 wrote: »

Just to clarify,he has gone more than once in the ten days,its since day 6 that it has slowed down,really since my proper milk came in. The midwife in the hospital that I rang in a panic recommended the cool boiled water and PHN backed this today. PHN also recommended the gripe water but in tiny quantities. He took some yesterday and today is way improved. He isn't dehydrated and is doing regular wet nappies. The PHN just said that he could be taking in excess air when crying before feeds as we had been changing him before feeding and he screams when being changed. She also said to just keep an eye on my diet and trial and error eliminate things that may be upsetting his tummy/giving him gas. I've cut out caffeine too but I don't know id that's coincidence that he's better today. She gave him a thorough exam and is happy with his progress.

Thanks for all the input.

You are doing great. Well done on getting this far. Those first few weeks are so overwhelming and such a learning curve. I think people on this thread could have been more gentle and supportive if they think back to what it was like.

pooch90

Special thanks to the last three posts, have to admit some of the other replies really upset a very hormonal me.

Didn't give him any water yesterday and we had another awful night of constant crying and upset. He didn't sleep for longer than 30 mins at a time but he seems to settle in the morning (when I take over from his poor exhausted Daddy). He won't settle for either of us at night no matter what we do.

Re changing the happy before feed,in our naivety we thought as he got so worked up about being changed that a feed would be a nice way to calm him after! Now we realise this doesn't make sense. I'm going to try and change him midway through a feed. He is feeding well though. Just need to get more wind out I think. Have tried all the positions going for winding, just need to stick at it.

On the bright side he did poop last night normal colour and consistency and he doesn't seem to have the cramping pains as much since the little dabs of gripe water. His cord fell off this morning. It had been a bit weepy so I'm hoping (but doubtful) that may have been part of his discomfort. At least with it gone I can give him decent Tummy massage if he's sore.

spottybananas

Our baby was like this now and then from 7 days old onwards. I remember asking at 2 week check up if there was anything we could do to help with wind pains and as expected she said no just wind him well and give cuddles. We tried bicycling his legs and he went mental! Lots of daddy pacing with him at night, gripe water, and back rubs made a small dent in the misery.

If he's pooing "normally" which for a bf baby is runny and all sorts of brown/yellow shades then this will pass eventually, small consolation I know but it's just his body getting used to digesting milk. If you're concerned at any stage definitely call a Cuidiu counsellor or go to gp....but maybe not that clueless gp

Also, my husband jokes that our baby wipes have acid in them, such is our son's reaction to having his nappy changed. He managed to fluster my cool as a cucumber mum when she changed his nappy at 2 weeks old, I had to take over because she couldn't deal with the screaming ball of fury!

Call me Al

You're doing brilliantly. Well done. I know from experience those first months are so so hard. You're trying to figure everything out and nervous that you're doing something wrong if they cry or struggle when they feed or poop.
My advice is to do what works for you. I remember my eldest bring the most contrary sleeper at first. Grunting and grimacing through the night was par for the course for him and I used to lie there looking at him terrified something was going to happen him. Despite my misgivings I co-slept with him more nights than not, and it worked.
He was colicky and my husband used to walk the floor with him for hours in the evening singing quietly to him trying to get him to settle.
Like most things though this stage passed. It's all now a distant blurr.
Tip on winding, maybe try popping him over your knee. Rub his back for a bit and then sit him upright. It worked really well for both of mine.

pooch90

Had to laugh at the ball of fury comment,that's exactly what he's like,as soon as his feet come out of the babygrow!
We haven't actually spoken to our GP yet,just PHN and midwife in hospital. We have the 2 week check on Wednesday so will have a long list for GP then,hopefully he will improve.
Good to know that others have gone through the same situation and there's light at the end of the tunnel. Looking at him right now asleep you wouldn't think he was the same child as 5 hours ago.

moving_home

pooch90 wrote: »

Had to laugh at the ball of fury comment,that's exactly what he's like,as soon as his feet come out of the babygrow!
We haven't actually spoken to our GP yet,just PHN and midwife in hospital. We have the 2 week check on Wednesday so will have a long list for GP then,hopefully he will improve.
Good to know that others have gone through the same situation and there's light at the end of the tunnel. Looking at him right now asleep you wouldn't think he was the same child as 5 hours ago.

For about a month I used to dread evenings as she would just scream for hours and we didn't know what to do! There is definitely light at the end of the tunnel. You will look back and laugh in a few months at some of the stuff you did and thought. I know I do. Feel so bad for her as I made so many mistakes!! They do say the eldest is the practice child I suppose. There are lots of Facebook groups out there for support and advice. Pm me if you want the names.

This takes me back 25 years! My second was a hungry baby, but got constipated at about 3 weeks. An older PH nurse showed me how to bathe him in a bath with lots of water, as opposed to the few inches recommended. His tummy was massaged gently for up to 5 minutes, which isn't as easy as it sounds! I was also advised to drink at least a litre of extra fluids, either milk or water.
You are doing a great job and in even a few weeks, you will have forgotten all this as new joys appear. First real smile, babbles in response to you, the need for bigger babygros, etc....
Enjoy this time as it really is so very short and before you know it you'll be waving that bundle of fun off to College.

Couchkitten

Sound like your having a rough time. Hang in there it all starts to get better soon. People are dead right on the water - that is very out of date advice from your phn. Constipation in babies looks like pepples so I think your totally right about it being wind. It's interesting that the baby claimed down in the morning. Maybe he just wanted boob. I found my LO fed almost constantly at times until about 8 weeks.

Try and join a breastfeeding support group. It was my lifeline. In general formula feeding is so much the norm that many people in our lives can be giving advise that is damaging to feeding. Good luck!

spottybananas

Oh sorry I thought it was a gp that told you to give him water but it was midwife and phn wasn't it.

The ball of fury was reserved for nappy changes and bathtime for the first few months. I have photos of him bright red and bawling during both activities. He loves baths now but still wails being dried and dressed, still whinges during some nappy changes.

jlm29

You're doing great! Well done. It's hard going when sleep is scarce, but it gets easier. Cuidiu are a great resource- they might have a breastfeeding support group in your area? And I'm sure if you have any questions they'd be very happy to take phone calls.
Good luck!

dori_dormer

I remember my boy going nuts at nappy changes too. He was a february baby and I think going from warm arms and baby grow to the relative cold and nakedness was a shock! We had a plastic changing mat and put a towel over it so it wouldn't be so cold against his bum.
My boy was also a savage feeder too and didn't sleep more than 2 hrs straight until well past 6 months. I remember the exhaustion well!
It might help to cosleeper, just look up safe practices first!

dori_dormer

I remember my boy going nuts at nappy changes too. He was a february baby and I think going from warm arms and baby grow to the relative cold and nakedness was a shock! We had a plastic changing mat and put a towel over it so it wouldn't be so cold against his bum.
My boy was also a savage feeder too and didn't sleep more than 2 hrs straight until well past 6 months. I remember the exhaustion well!
It might help to cosleeper, just look up safe practices first!

Little Miss Cutie

Our little man finds changing time very upsetting unless he wants it changed. I find letting him lie on the mat for a minute or two before we start chaning him helps keep him calm.

This has also really helped with his wind, less crying seems to equal less wind.

We are trying to figure it out daily too Pooch, day 15 today

Toots

When my little guy was 2 weeks old, he didn't poop for 7 days. He was obviously in pain and nothing we did would work, he was taking his feeds (I was worried that he wasn't so I had expressed some milk and gave him a bottle to make sure) and was having plenty of wet nappies. Also he was farting for Ireland, and they were absolutely stinking. At about 2am one night when he was screaming the house down, I rang the maternity hospital in floods of tears and spoke to a midwife who told me what I'd described was textbook constipation. She told me to get an orange, squeeze it, filter the juice through a muslin, and put a teaspoon of it in a bottle with 5 tsps of water. She said if that didn't work within a few hours I was to bring him in so they could check him over.

Well just to give a bit of advice to any parent who is advised to do this, I'd recommend wrapping your child in some sort of tarpaulin because it's a very effective constipation reliever! About 15 mins after drinking it, there was a rumble from his nappy, and he erupted like a volcano. It was EVERYWHERE! It came out the arms, neck, and leg holes of his onesie, it was all over me, the couch, the floor, everywhere. When I saw how much there was, it was no wonder the poor child was roaring in agony.

He was very colicky and I remember walking the floor for hours with him - my whole family joined in! My dad was particularly good at calming him, he'd put him on his shoulder and do laps of their dining room table singing to him. Apparently he did the exact same thing with me when I was that size. I found holding him like this worked wonders, although each baby is different.



Without a doubt the first few weeks are the hardest, so do try not to despair, you're doing a great job. If it is colic, don't be too worried if none of the colic remedies work - none did for me - but it does settle down as they get a bit older. I think by the 8 week mark it wasn't totally gone, but had definitely improved.

Couchkitten

We always held our LO like that when she was fussy. I saw a mother of 10 do it with a baby and thought that this was a lady who knew what she was doing! A swing was also magic!

Neyite

srobinson wrote: »

Shocking advice, just shocking. "Eat loads of green veg and dose them with gripe water"

Can't believe this post has not been removed, utterly shocking advice. Ireland's relationship with proper breastfeeding is in the 1950s

Mod:

if you have a problem with a post, you report it. Giving out on a thread is unlikely to ensure a moderator notices it.



OP, we have a wonderful community of parents here that are ready to share their knowledge, and I'm sympathetic myself given I had a colicky breastfed newborn. But I'm afraid that suggestions on this thread are veering towards medical advice, especially since your baby is so new. You should really only deviate from formula/milk in a baby that tiny on medical advice.

The only advice I can give you is to consult with all medical professionals that you can, and I hope you find a solution soon. But for now, I have to lock this thread, I'm sorry.