some advice about baby bowl movement

[morrison1976]

Our daughter skye is almost five months old now. Normally her bowl movements are quite good. Sometimes she would go a day without going, but would always go the next day. Today is the third day she has not gone. She seems a bit frustrated and ratty. Is this anything to be worried about, or is this normal at her age?

need more info - BF or FF? Any solids yet (not recomended at 5 months I know, but relevant to your question).

Generally - FF babies go less often, BF more often (several times a day). FF babies can react to different brands of milk, pooing lots with one brand, but every couple of days with another brand.

Being a little bit ill can mean fewer poos.
Solids can mean fewer (or more!) poos.

Gp/HV/MV have advised me to give baby DS a couple of spoons of Orange juice if constipated, as a gentle laxative, but that was back in the dark ages (12 years ago.)

Heh. Or bf babies can go less, as it is more easily absorbed. no right answer really, but differences in usual behavior should be noted.

And, yy. Back in the day we would just sneak a bit of oj in if we suspected constipation. Fortunately I have no idea what the current advice is. Vaguely I recall feed more for bf?

It isn't anything to worry about unduly though. Maybe a bit of massage or a warm bath might help her comfort levels?

She is being breast fed. I have read that some babies breast fed or not, can go many days without going, and its quite normal at her age. But i also know it could be that she is constapated. We are seeing the mid wife tomorrow, so maybe she can give some advice oo.

my daughter used to go 2/3 weeks when bf and I worried myself sick about it. We were referred to consultant who told us that 2 weeks when bf is fine and lots do it. I used a little brown sugar in warmed water to get her going maybe once a week and did the same for her brother when he came along - just the once he needed it as he went about a week - be prepared though it worked immediately (within an hour) and very thoroughly if you know what I mean! it is a bit old-school but works. Once they went onto formula they were both immediately fine. Apparently breast milk can be so pure/good that there is virtually no waste. However, I agree with outofbodyexperience too - any change in behaviour and patterns needs a check - gp can feel tummy and decide on constipation quite easily. Often lactulose is then prescribed - again works pretty quickly we found!

thanks for all the replies:)