Why is my baby straining so much?

[Writerwannabe83]

I have a 5 week old baby who is exclusively breast fed. His stools are of normal colour and consistency but when he is opening his bowels he is really, really straining and appearing to be in quite some discomfort. When it's happening in his sleep he is grunting, straining, his body stiffens up and it can go on for ages.

We've had a history of trapped wind and colic and were using
Infacol but as of 4 days ago we have been using Gripe Water and we have seen a dramatic improvement in his burping.

I just don't understand why it's taking so much effort when his stools are loose, well, typical breast fed baby loose?

Or is it normal?

My 5 week old baby is exactly the same! Keeps me awake half the night with all the noise he makes in his sleep, although he seems to sleep through it. Still using infacol, haven't tried gripe water. Hope someone has some advice!

Pretty normal for them to pull some funny faces while doing a poo, and it to look a bit odd. So long as he's not screaming it's fair to assume he's not in pain. You can always try a bit of tummy massage (try the baby massage classes at your surestart), but tbh, it sounds well within normal.

I think it can take them quite a while to get used to just the amount of effort necessary. They can make a fair fuss - mine certainly did.

Mine was the same. They are just learning how to do it and it becomes less effort over time. Mine used to work on it in the small hours, next to me in bed. It really made me laugh! Now he is 4mo and he does it quite quickly and efficiently. One strain, tensing of belly, and out it comes!

My 3.5 week old does it too- told by midwife, health visitor and paediatrician that it's totally normal and will eventually pass :-)

Sounds completely normal. If his stools are normal and he's not in pain, ie crying and distressed, he will be fine. Sounds like his digestive system is just maturing.

My one too used to strain so hard, her little face was so intense! Always soft so not constipated. Just how they poo, she still strains but no way near the way she did in newborn stage.

He's been really straining this morning to the point where he's been crying. I have since changed him and there was so much poo!!! It was still normal in colour and a really runny consistency do he's definitely not constipated but it's upsetting to see. He's in his Moses Basket now and straining away again, he isn't crying this time but does seem to be really uncomfortable

Mine used to sometimes like a feed while they pooed. Have you tried that? Maybe a bit of tummy massage might help too

I'm feeding him now but the straining is making it difficult - he keeps squirming and when he strains he pulls his head do far back that I swear he's going to tear my nipple off. I changed him about 10 minutes ago and there was another good sized runny poo. He's always been a windy baby but it's usually in terms of it being difficult to get him to burp after feeds. I will try the tummy massage tip, thanks

Things like sticking him in a sling or a bath might help too. Have a look on youtube at the Tiger in the Tree hold, might help with the wind and the pooing. If you think it is an issue go with your gut feeling and speak to your HV.

My dd was genuinely horrendously constipated and I used to cycle her legs for ages which she really enjoyed. Occasionally she would let out a big fart so it obviously helped.

I also used to line her anus with Vaseline. It worked with a constipated baby but may make no difference with a soft pooer. Might be worth a try.

Tiger in a tree hold can also help a wee one with wind

Oh I didn't read your post properly jilted. I see you have already said that.

We must both be right!