Help, Newborn won't poo!

[thewindbeneathmywings]

My da is 3 weeks old but was 4 weeks early. He's not pooing and is clearly uncomfortable 😣. He does a tiny smear in his nappies but hasn't done a proper poo in almost a week.

I've tried the tummy massage and leg cycling but nothing works.

Does anyone have any other good ideas to help him?? 😢

How are you feeding him? Have you recently switched from bf to formula?

I'd get an OOH GP appt I think if nothing for a week. They might be quite relaxed about it but it's worth getting checked

If you're bottle feeding can you give him some cooled boiled water in a bottle

I would speak to GP or HV, they may be able to prescribe something.

I wouldn’t be giving a baby that young water without professional advice from a doc!

Are you breastfeeding? DD1 went 13 days once, I took her to the GP who recommended I drink orange juice- worked very well! Don't know why but it did. Worth a shot.

He's breastfed. A mix between bottle with expressed milk and straight from breast.

I spoke to the HV on Thursday and she's visiting again Monday. I'm not sure that the tiny bit he's doing each nappy change is enough or I should expect more.

Nappies are always very wet.

He's seemed ok but the last 24 hours very unsettled. Still feeding well but not sleeping long without waking and only sleeping for any length of time when on my/DP chest or shoulder

@dontyoubother I've actually had a fair bit of orange juice today so fingers crossed!!

At this age you need to seek medical advice.

Are you drinking plenty of fluids?

Probably they need a suppository. Mine had the same and ended up being diagnosed with an underactive thyroid despite this not being detected by the heel prick test after birth. The constipation was the only symptom. I'd definitely just go to the GP.

I'd see a doctor about it just to feel better.

Did he pass his first poo within 72 hours?

Buy some windis. Basically bum straws that get the gas and poo out. Oh my god. Soooooo satisfying!!!! (Seriously though they really work)

I had this with my DC. She hadn’t pooped in ten days. I ended up on a&e and they put a teeny sliver of glycerine in her bottom and she filled several nappies in a matter of minutes!

she’s been fine since.

if he doesn’t poop keep hassling your HV/midwife.

Thank you for all the advice.

I probably do need to increase my fluids, especially with it being warmer.

Interesting about the under active thyroid. I have this so hoping the heal prick test was accurate and he doesn't have it!

He did poo in the first couple of hours after birth. Then quite frequently over the first few days then, every 24 hours.

@badg3r I saw these advertised. Think I'd be too scared in case they hurt him!

Hey! My dd passed didn’t poo from day 3/4 until day 14 or so. I was beside myself snd had doctor apts etc. They sought advice from paediatrician & they were not concerned as she’d opened her bowels & showed no sign of distress. They said it’s common for ebf babies to not poo for days and days - their body just holds onto all the good stuff. BUT call the Drs, they will get you in ASAP as you’ve got a newborn. They can check baby over and reassure you. I did all the tricks re tummy massage & warm bath etc - I think she just went when she was ready - and wow it was massive poo explosion. On Mother’s Day as I recall

He needs a GP

You drink lots more. Feed baby more.

Definitely needs checking in person by a GP, someone needs to listen for bowel sounds with a stethoscope and feel his tummy for problems