Breastfed baby not pooing but not constipated, please help!

[farmertom]

Nearly 5 month old has been having trouble pooing. When he was born everything was fine and first few months poo'd normal and no issues. Then about 2/3 months he started to go 5 days/week without pooping now it's over a week usually and the few days before he goes he is upset/uncomfortable and doesn't sleep well. It's so hard to watch him in discomfort and he's so grumpy.
Have spoken to the doctor who recommended starting solids or offered a laxative. Have started solids (tiny bit of prune purée for three days now and no difference). Reluctant to start laxatives as he is not constipated, his poos, when he does them are normal.

Sorry for long post. Has anyone had anything similar happen with their babies? Any advice or tips greatly appreciated x

Also, have a look at Eric.org.uk which has loads of info

@PurpleRayne89 personally I wouldn't give him laxatives and chose not to with my little one. I just it was putting even more into his system which was trying to get used to solids.
Looking back it didn't last long in the scale of things and he worked it out himself.

How is your baby acting? If it's grisly/uncomfortable then that was what DS was like. I don't think he was ever in pain and when I read about it now it does seem that it's very normal for some breastfed babies.

@Underpaidsnackbitch I’m seeing the HV tomorrow, perhaps she could share her views. Usually when I ask them anything their response is “I don’t know”. I see a different one every time. Useless!

I’m not keen on using the Movical, I couldn’t see this making much difference. If he struggles to pass watery stools already. How would this improve things! Monday, yesterday and today I’ve given ‘prunes, prunes, prunes’
From Ella’s kitchen. Today I added extra boiled water and gave it to him. No luck at all. He’s strained and strained until he’s bright read and nothing! There was one small drop of poop in his nappy.

It’s like it takes days for him to squeeze it down. I don’t get it, clearly something is as miss. I’ve cycled his legs, massaged his tummy, pushed legs to chest, given prunes with added water, foot and body massage with coconut oil, warm bath. Nothing seems to help him. @brightmonitorx2 @farmertom does this sound familiar?

I’ve just read up on serious conditions involving missing nerves and I just don’t want it to be this.

Honestly that sounds just like he was. How many days has it been?
I really do think that it is normal. It's horrible and it hurts your mum heart but he won't remember a thing.
There's so much for there tummy to do to start working and as someone up thread said, breastfed babies tend to just use all of the milk without much leftover.
I'd keep doing what you are doing and try not to worry.
Unfortunately I agree re HV as mine were useless.

With the doctor they tend to just check if they have a temperature, if they are eating and drinking and no rash and if all those are ok they don't seem worried.
So as long as you also think those are ok then I would try not to worry. It's hard being a baby, everything is new.
I remember actually a car ride used to get him to poo! No idea why, maybe the movement, but he went through a stage of going nearly every time, might be worth a try!?
I do remember the feelings of helplessness though 😢 x

Probiotics did wonders for my little one's constipation. Her issues started around 2 months too after her jabs, no idea if related

@brightmonitorx2 it’s been 3 at the moment. Doesn’t sound like much but with the fussing and sleepless nights it feels like 6. Again, no sleep last night. I have slept 5 hours in the past 2 days! I went to collect his prescription this morning and the doctor forgot to write the prescription and send to pharmacy so now I have to wait until he’s back in tomorrow. Shows how seriously I’m being taken. Funny enough he’s never had his temperature taken. I guess I could do it myself at home anyways and flag anything out of the ordinary. I cannot wait for this period to be over so I can enjoy my baby. It’s just the paranoia thinking it could be something more serious.

@Avonacha he’s been using BioGaia for the past 2 weeks.

@PurpleRayne89 could it maybe also be a developmental leap as well? Think there's one at about that age which could be contributing as well? Or a sleep regression actually as well!?
It all seems to come at once 😭
Hang in there!
Oh and re the temperature, I got an ear thermometer from Amazon, it's brill, use it all the time with both kids, would 100% recommend getting one. Honestly it gives me a much better sense of peace of mind, like the main sign something isn't wrong in little ones is high temp, well one of the signs anyway!
You've got this 💪💪 I remember feeling exactly the same like I can't even enjoy my baby and it passes, it all passes and you'll forget it all (until the next thing comes along!). 9 months on is much easier x

So just do update, he pooped today. We were given lactulose by my GP as I refused the Movicol due to the amount of water my son would be expected to drink. It took just under 48 hours to work. Massive explosion that stank to high heavens. The was on 2.5ml twice a day 11 hours apart. Things I tried before hand;

Belly massage
Leg cycling
I love you massage
Pushing knees to stomach
Warm bath
Apple juice
Orange juice
Boiled water (cooled)
Carry around in sling
Vibrating swing chair
Probiotics
Prune purée with extra water
Offering extra breast feeds
4ml syringe of cool boiled water
Prayer

Finally after the 4th dose of lactulose he exploded. I am not sure but could of been a combination of the above. I don’t think he would of went without the medication tho. I’m laying off the solids for a week or maybe two. Just to clear him out. He will be 6 months next week so Ill introduce water properly in a cup. I’ll offer water with every feed. Hopefully he begins to pass stools easier as this struggling to pass them is not nice. Hopefully someone in future looking fir answers finds this of use.

@PurpleRayne89 so happy he managed to go! Is he feeling better in himself/happier?
You must be so relieved as well. Really pleased it worked xx

I also recommend bicycle legs, tummy and I love you massage, lots of tummy time and looking at a poo gallery just to check baby isn't constipated. Glad you've been advised here to stop the solids. Very outdated bad advice from your GP.

Forgot to add, laxatives can cause their own side effects so I have avoided in my ebf baby. (Nice to see the OP back too)

Cheers @brightmonitorx2 thanks again. He’s fine. I’m just curious to see when the struggling to poo goes away once and for all. I’ll pace myself with the weaning. @Flittingaboutagain
Its terrible advice to wean a young baby in order to prevent digestive complaints. Can’t believe this is how they are advising parents. I’m happy waiting a little longer to be fair. If this issue persists, I’m going to update the thread.

I did say I’d update I’m case someone in future needs advice / information. So after the lactulose sorted his constipation, he came back again right away. I started him on Movicol paediatric 6.9 I do half a sachet in the morning and one in the evening. I sometimes use it to mix my purée food. Has meant he’s had a bowel movement everyday since starting. I will continue for 4 week and wean him. I’ll update again in a months time.