Straining, crying but no poo – 8 weeks

[Aubergenie]

Not sure if this is the right section, but it?s kind of related to feeding?

Over the last week my 8 week old BF ds has obviously been really uncomfortable. He?s been frequently straining, making growling noises and crying, clearly trying to do a poo, but with no result. Is there anything I can do to help him along? When he does finally poo, it?s really explosive a quite vinegary-smelling. Is this normal?

I find that when I try and wind him, I don?t manage to get many burps up. Do you think that?s causing it?

hiya, it is normal for a BF baby of his age to go for many days without doing a poo.
it will be excplosive, that's normal too

lots of babies do strain a lot when trying to poo because they just don't like the feeling of it and it upsets them and they end up tightening everything up, making it harder for it to come out.
he should improve over time.

if poos are explosive and runny then he isn't constipated so nothing really to worry about.

You could try holding him upright over a potty or other receptacle in a squatting position with his back against your tummy like a supported squat & encouraging him with deep relaxing breathing, grunting (like pushing). You can do this in front of a mirror, you might need to be there for several minutes. After a bath is a good time or upon waking, or after a tummy massage (clockwise movements around his tummy, from your point of view). If he gets too distressed with any of it then stop it of course. Try looking up EC positions (elimination communication) for more on how to hold them & pictures. If you can get lucky (!) you can see what comes out & confirm he has not been constipated unless it is very hard pellets.I have heard of bf babies going for up to 3 weeks without anything!

Thanks for the tips. He finally went yesterday and he's definitely not constipated. It's just that it seems so painful for him in the run up to doing it, and that can last for several days. I'll try the EC stuff next time it starts up again. Thank you!