EBF - constipation?

[mumtobealloveragain]

I'm hoping someone has experience/knowledge of this. Sorry it's tmi about poo

My baby is 10wks and EBF. Always has runny yellow poo which I'm told is perfectly normal for breastfed babies it's never solid. Normally poos twice a day. All good.

Yesterday and today she is really irritable. Her tummy seems quite hard (like it gets when they have wind before they burp). She seems in discomfort, and even when she's laughing and playing she does a little moan every now and them. She's bringing her legs up a lot, straightening herself out by flinging herself backwards etc. She's feeding fine and plenty of wet nappies. I don't think it's wind and the fact he hasn't pooed at all in 48 hrs now makes me believe she is constipated/needs a poo.

Can anyone recommend what I can do to help, I've tried raising her legs and rubbing her tummy/back but not helped. Would water help or is that pointless (Ive never given her water)

How long should I leave it before I get worried?

It can be quite normal for ebf not to poo for a few days & for lo's movements to change as their digestive system matures. The most important thing is that she's not in pain going to the toilet when she does go. Ds1 I could ( & still can!) set my watch to, ds2 would literally do it all over 1 day then go 4 or 5 days with nothing.

It does sound like your little one needs to go. Massaging the tummy in big circles in a clock wise direction (never anti clockwise as this sends things the wrong way), followed by little circles going around the tummy iyswim. A warm bath may help & massaging in the bath or straight after. You could try rocking her hips gently by lifting her knees towards her tummy. I'd give all that a go first & more than likely she will go.

I'd be wary of giving water to her, she should be getting all the water she needs from your milk. If you do decide to give her a few sips of water make sure it's cool boiled water, not straight from the tap & only give a few sips. You don't want her to fill herself up on water & then not take enough milk.

Hope this helps & she goes soon - you'll probably find she explodes when you're out & about when you've forgotten something like wipes/nappy/change of clothes said from bitter experience