Breast feeding makes baby poo

[JKDcot]

Hi
FTM here of 4 week old. He seems to be having tummy issues (gas or constipation although his poo doesn’t look hard/dry).

He often writhes sounds like he’s uncomfortable trying to fart or poo. It’s only when he’s breast feeding that his bowels seem to loosen and he poops. He is EBF and it’s not a problem as such just wondering if it’s normal and what I can do to help alleviate his pain. I bought gripe water and infavol (arriving tomorrow thanks Amazon!) but not sure if either will help?

Any suggestions much appreciated
Thanks

Yes it’s normal. Breastfeeding is him eating which kicks the digestive system into gear. You know how you need the bathroom not long after your dinner?

If he seems in pain or struggling to poo you can do the little bicycle exercises with his legs or massage his tummy. If you google you should find a video showing how to do them.

Pooing during a breastfeed is totally normal. The milk gets their gut moving. As he’ll be feeding several times a day, he’ll have lots of opportunities to poo! I don’t think breast fed babies really get constipated?

Is he constipated? What is the consistency like? Or is he just learning to poo?

www.aboutkidsgi.org/childhood-defecation-disorders/infant-dyschezia.html

My 6 week old is exactly the same

Took me by surprise

So much poo along with adult sounding farts from such a tiny earthling

Yep, totally normal. I once read that the reason young babies strain so much is just a coordination issue. Every time they bear down they tense their muscles rather than relax them so they can't poo. Breastfeeding makes them nice and relaxed.

Just go clarify, a normal coordination issue that all babies have and grow out of. Not a problem with your baby

Great thank you all. Feel much better about it. I don’t like to see him writhe about in pain. His poop is normal consistency so maybe I’m over worrying.
Assume no need to give infacol or gripe water then if he is just learning how to go and BF will loosen the bowels anyways

That's completely normal.

Take his legs and 'cycle' with them to shift gas (lay him on his back). Make sure he burps fully after each feed. Lots of gentle patting.

You can also massage his back and gently massage his abdomen.

Also normal for my FF baby - a poo with every bottle!