almost 4 weeks old, only one poo in a week - is this normal?

[eeyore2]

Hello! Please could somebody reassure me - my baby is almost 4 weeks old. She didn't regain her birthweight and stayed the same weight for 10 days so midwives and health visitor asked me to start formula top-ups of 2-3 oz after every other breastfeed, which we started on Monday last week. Since then she's only had one poo and passes wind often, usually with quite a horrible smell. Do I need to speak to a doctor or health visitor? Thanks very much!

Yes I would ask them.

Yes do ask but don't worry too much! I've been advised by a doctor that as long as they pass wind they're usually fine. Good luck!

dd2 had terrible stinking wind and only pooed every other day at about four weeks - i cut dairy out of my diet, she started pooing normally and the wind disappeared. it may be worth trying the formula that doesn't have cow's milk protein for the top ups; i think they are often sensitive to cows milk when tiny, but grow out of it eventually.

If you want to continue BF then please seek some expert feeding advice, most problem can be resolved without resotring to toping up with formula (although you already are in this case so you'll need to work on reducing this)

Ask to seek to the infant feeding co-ordantor at your hospital or ring one of the Breatfeeding helplines.

Formula can make baby's consipiated espicaly when switching from BM so seek advice from the MW/HV on this to.