5 week old breast fed poop

Simplesbest · 2025-10-10T19:20:51+00:00

Hi all, Is this a trip to the doctors? 5 week old is exclusively breastfed. He only poos every 4-5 days. Today he was straining for about 15 mins before he passed a solid poo. It was solid enough that you could have tipped it out the nappy and it wouldn't have left a trace. After that thicker liquid poo also passed. It was all still the usual yellow mustard colour. Is there anything I can give to help, was wondering if he should have a few sips of water a few times a day? He is my fourth ebf baby and never had this before. Thank-you

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UnderMedicatedMum · 10/10/2025 20:53

Bit of a shocking title OP.

Are you still under your midwife? They should be able to advise. You could also call your maternity unit. At 5 weeks old, most still offer support and advice

I can’t fully remember what age you can give cooled, boiled water from so would rather not advise on that.

Maddy70 · 10/10/2025 20:57

I read that twice before realising what you meant..

AhWeNoss · 10/10/2025 20:59

Understood what you meant right away. It’s pretty obvious and not shocking at all.

Firstsuggestions · 10/10/2025 21:05

With baby's of that age it is always worth a visit to the doctors just in case, they never mind giving them the once over and better safe than sorry.

Do not give the baby water. Before 6 months they should only have breastmilk or formula but your instinct that lack of fluids could be contributing to the harder poo is a good one. Sometimes if the baby is a little dehydrated it can cause this but isn't the only possible cause. How is your feeding journey going? Are you noticing any other signs like fatigue, dry chapped list, increased fussiness, or a sunken fontanelle? If so call the local paeds ward for a check.

If he is otherwise healthy and happy still go to the GP for a once over. In the meantime, warm baths, plenty of tummy time, this can be supported tummy time with him lying on you. Do exercises like bicycles, hip rotation and anything to keep his mid section active. Also recommend tummy massage, lots of youtube videos on this.

Going every 4-5 days it not in itself a cause for concern. My one could easily go 5-6 days

Original poster

Simplesbest · 11/10/2025 20:31

AhWeNoss · 10/10/2025 20:59

Understood what you meant right away. It’s pretty obvious and not shocking at all.

Thankyou. I literally can't understand it from any other angle, just means what I intended it to mean to me so not sure what anyone else even means 🙃 😅

OP posts:

TheBroonOneAndTheWhiteOne · 11/10/2025 20:35

OP I had four babies, and the last one surprised me by only having a poo once a week. All the others shat six times a day.
I did take DS to the GP because it was unusual, but they found nothing wrong with him, and we just used to get ready for him on Saturdays.............

He improved once he started solid food.

Original poster

Simplesbest · 11/10/2025 20:36

Firstsuggestions · 10/10/2025 21:05

With baby's of that age it is always worth a visit to the doctors just in case, they never mind giving them the once over and better safe than sorry.

Do not give the baby water. Before 6 months they should only have breastmilk or formula but your instinct that lack of fluids could be contributing to the harder poo is a good one. Sometimes if the baby is a little dehydrated it can cause this but isn't the only possible cause. How is your feeding journey going? Are you noticing any other signs like fatigue, dry chapped list, increased fussiness, or a sunken fontanelle? If so call the local paeds ward for a check.

If he is otherwise healthy and happy still go to the GP for a once over. In the meantime, warm baths, plenty of tummy time, this can be supported tummy time with him lying on you. Do exercises like bicycles, hip rotation and anything to keep his mid section active. Also recommend tummy massage, lots of youtube videos on this.

Going every 4-5 days it not in itself a cause for concern. My one could easily go 5-6 days

Thankyou that's all really helpful. I'm not sure if I'm still under midwife. I had a home birth and team have been pretty hands off as he's not my first. Not seen any health care people since he was 2 weeks old. He seems fine to me, none of the red flags you mentioned. He feeds really well. Really heavy wet nappies at least 8xs a day.
Going to look up the baby massage you've suggested in a min and will try that if he straining again.
I've got the 6 week check on Monday so I'll ask the gp.
Thanks again for taking the time to help xx

OP posts: