HELP - ebf baby constipated?

[whittywan]

My DS is 4 weeks old (my first) and bf has been going really great. We have never had any trouble with latch/supply and he has had excellent weight gain. He also has 3-4 large bowel movements per day. He does seem to have some mild reflux but it doen't seem to be causing hm too much discomfort so we haven't yet tried the gaviscon.

However, each morning he squirms, strains and intermittently screams for about 2 hours before passing his first stool. It looks really uncomfortable and he just can't settle down properly until it is out.

I can't help but feel that something is 'blocking' him up and causing this extreme discomfort or could it be the reflux.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

is it soft when it arrives? They do put a lot of effort into pooing at this age but if it is still soft then it wont be constipation.

The stools are soft

If the stools are soft, he's not constipated, as seona says. I think this is just one of those things.

There are some baby massage techniques that may help, I think the bicycle technique and some of the abdominal massages are meant to help ...

fully bf babies can go for a week without pooing (as there is no wastage in breastmilk)so dont think he is constipated.

My LO used to get grumpy and strain shortly before he did his weekly poo - Dh used to say "LO is brewing again" lovely term of phrase I think it just took a bit of time for his body to start working efficiently.

If he is a bit refluxy then his poos could be a bit acidy & so are uncomfotable for him to pass.

I went to a baby massage class at local childrens center but they are very common now & you might be able to google a local class. Try circling around tummy button in a CLOCKWISE movement at bedtime & when baby seems uncomfortable.

Thanks YoMoJo. Have given massage a try and seems to relieve his discomfort somewhat. Will definitely try a baby massage class too!

Try giving him a small amount of water - just a couple of gulps. Tends to help move things along Congrats!

If exclusively BFing, no need to give water - may compromise supply/demand mechanism.

BF babies don't usually get constipated - usually stools are fairly soft/liquid and yellow/orange until weaned onto solids (around 6mths). However, could be wind? Baby massage might help, or gentle try raising his legs up towards his tummy.