Green poo

[foodaholic]

My 7 week old EBF DS initially had normal korma-like seedy poos but at around 3 weeks they suddenly changed to green, mucousy, more smelly poos. They have continued to be this way and am a bit worried although I spoke to the HV and doctor about it at our 6 week check. They said not to be worried as he's putting on loads of weight and is otherwise happy and contented. The doctor said that it's unlikely to have anything to do with my diet and I shouldn't therefore cut anything out. I know that green poo can sometimes mean that the baby isn't getting enough hind milk but given his weight gain and the fact that I let him feed until he pulls himself off the breast, I don't think that this is an issue. I trust the HV and doctor but can't help but continue to feel a little freaked out when I see his nappies. Concerned that they'll never change back, which doesn't seem normal. Does anyone else have any experience of this?

yeah, my first DD had this alot until i started only feeding from one breast at a time.

it IS generally too much foremilk and not enough hindmilk.

try not to worry about it too much though, unless he was in obvious pain, it;s nothing much to worry about- it's just weird seeing flouro green poo isn't it?

My DD had this for about 6 weeks. Never worked out what caused it, didn't seem to do her any harm and went away on its own. I saw the HV, doc and also asked a paed about it too - none of them were at all concerned so I didn't worry too much (wasn't referred to paed about it - she sees him anyway but I mentioned it when we were there and he wasn't concerned either).
It is a bit freaky, I agree, but will probably resolve itself and then you can find something else to worry about relax.

Does he also have eczema?

Yes, my DD2 did exactly the same thing. It went on until she was about 8 weeks old and stopped of its own accord. Hers also had flecks of blood in. There was no sign of infection when her poo was sent to the lab.
I had had thrush (and so had she) and I half-suspected that was making her guts gassy etc and causing the green.
Honestly, I think there is very little rhyme or reason when it comes to baby poo.

Thanks - hopefully it'll clear soon. I've actually had thrush for a while now (didn't realise what it was until last week) so that could be it. He doesn't have exema as far as I'm aware

DS2 was also the same. He's 17 weeks now and I started feeding just one side a feed about a month ago and we've had many more yellowy poos since. Occasionally I'll feed both sides, often for his last feed of the day, but feeding just one side a feed has really helped. He is also putting weight on well, lots of wet and pooey nappies too.

sorry - didn't read well. i meant to say that he has pretty much followed just under the 50th centile since his initial growth spurt at 2 weeks old. feeding just one side now hasn't made any difference.

Hi there,
I am a mummy and a nutritionist and I can positively assure you that green poos are very common and very very normal, although, yes they are yukky ;)
Green poos are not only common with breastfed babies but also bottle fed ones too.
HVs always change their advice about how to breast feed but completely emptying one breast in one feed and then using the next one at the next feed ensures baby gets plenty of hind milk and worked wonders for my little one.
If you ever get too concerned or notice a worrying difference, never feel bad about going to your local health visitors clinic and questioning them!
Hope it helps, if you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.
Leanne x