New parent problems (possibly tmi!)

[naptimenevercomes]

So I have a 5 week old baby. I'm obviously biased but I think he's the best thing in the world :-) he sleeps well, eats lots, nappies all good etc!

The only thing is when it comes to trying to do a poo he really strains and twists and gets quite red in the face. This can go on for half an hour sometimes (he will be pumping and pooing during this). Other times he will simply poo with no fuss. Is this just a wind problem? He's not constipated as he poos a lot (midwife said not to worry when I asked about the quantity as he eats a lot too 🤦🏻‍♀️). So Aibu to take him to the doctors just to get it checked out? Am I being a precious first baby parent???

I've googled (I know, sorry!) and it suggests online that this can be normal in newborns?

I just worry about him (much wanted and tried for baby) and he is so perfect I hate to see him upset :-(

Thanks all!

It's normal in my experience. Their wee tubes and passages are so teeny tiny, it takes a ton of effort!

@AudacityOfHope thank you :-) I think it probably is normal you're right I'm just terrified I'll leave it and then I'll find out it's not normal and feel like a terrible mum 🤦🏻‍♀️ I've definitely over thought this all! I guess I could wait until his 6 week check and ask then :-)

It does sound normal but if it would help you I'd get it checked by the doctor.

Before people say - don't waste the doctors time. What you are doing is stopping you worry which could make you anxious or feel low. You will also gain confidence in your health visitor as you have had it confirmed that what you said is correct. This will lead you to feel less anxious and be able to trust her advice.

People on here can't diagnose and I would always say get it checked out as we can't see your baby so we don't know.

All very normal, have a Google of dyschezia.

I agree with rose if you are worrying about it, get it checked. It's better to know it's fine rather than weeks of worrying for you. If you need reassurance over anything, that is absolutely fine.

Being a 1st time mum can be tough to begin with working out what is ok and what's not, so don't listen to anyone who says you are being precious, you are being cautious and that's ok.

Congratulations on your baby and enjoy it 💐💐💐

Thanks everyone! You are (of course!) all right and I guess better safe than sorry!!!

Thank you also for the congratulations :-) he is pretty amazing!!!! 😛

Eats a lot as in milk right?!

Sounds normal to me but you know baby best

Haha yes he's bf :-) no steaks yet ;-)

Aw, congratulations.

Five weeks is still very new, his bowels are still getting used to being worked. Sounds fairly normal to me and I found dd improved with the dramatic pooing when her abdominal muscles toughened up and she had gravity on her side when sitting.

Saying that she’s gone on to have ongoing issues with constipation so it’s worth keeping an eye on and talking over with your hv about what point they would recommend seeing a GP especially for it.

Congratulations 🤗.
Mention it at your 6 week check but I'm sure all will be fine.
My DD did have constipation problems but nothing that Movicol couldn't sort out!.
It's natural for you to worry; he's so tiny still.
Enjoy your precious baby x

Sounds fine. I used to be able to hear my newborn doing his poo grunts from another room.

Very normal.

Our granddaughter had awful problems when she was a baby, now it's a window-wide-open every time she uses the loo, she's 8!