Baby not pooing!

[Fleanne]

Hope someone can help. My 5 week old hasn’t had a poo for a week and I’m reading/getting conflicting advice.

Googling suggests that between 6-8 weeks babies will poo less. Even the NHS website says EBF babies can go a week between poos. However, when I spoke to a health visitor on Thursday she said this was not normal and I should see a doctor (when I can get an appointment!)

The HV suggested giving 1oz water to get things moving, but baby hated the water and only managed half the bottle before crying. Still no poo.

I’ve tried bicycling legs & tummy massages but nothing seems to help! Is there anything else I can try?

[Andromache77]

I'm not a doctor but if your baby is exclusively breastfed I believe that this not unusual, however seeing a doctor is not bad advice at all, to rule out any problems and to put your mind at ease. 5 weeks old is tiny, they won't find it odd but caring, which is what you're being.

[Fleanne]

Thank you. Earliest appointment I can get is on Wednesday. Really hoping there is a poo before then!

[PaulHollywoodsSexGut]

Foot massage
Foot massage
Foot massage

www.greenyway.com/en/cms/article/sumXjj/

Worked a treat on my two.
Just make sure you do it on a large mat and stand back.
From experience you will get one of two effects:
“Muck spreader” OR “toothpaste”

Good luck!

[Fleanne]

Thank you! Will give it a go.

[MaverickSnoopy]

I've had 3 mixed fed babies and at times when more bf they pooed once a week, sometimes less. Every HV I have seen between all children (approx 6) has said this is normal. Try tummy rubbing and you can Google exercises to help them poo. I used to lift DDs legs over her head and it would help wind out shortly followed by poo.

[Fleanne]

Thanks Maverick. I wonder why my HV said something different?

Anyway, since I last posted we’ve had a massive poo explosion Who’d have thought a messy poo would make me so happy?? Lol.

[picklemepopcorn]

Expect another poo explosion! One is rarely enough!

[PaulHollywoodsSexGut]

Congratulations @fleanne

[rubyroot]

@Fleanne- we’ll there you go!

...because not all hvs know what they’re talking about, or perhaps they were just saying to see a dr just in case- to cover their back. When they’re this little sometimes it’s best, even to put your mind at rest. But- you don’t need to now- pleased your babe has poohed. I’m not an expert, buying thought it’s rare for b fed babies to be constipated. My baby poohed ten times a day for the first three months so think yourself lucky. He finally did what yours is doing now and poohed every four/five days when he was about five months. That was great, but not so great if we were out and about