Are newborn bowel movements dark and
tar-like? Don't worry, it's just meconium.
You should see newborn bowel movements within the first 24
hours after birth. This first one is called meconium. It is
a black tar-like substance and can last up to several days.
Newborn bowel movements should be regular by the third day. Breast fed
babies usually have a yellow colored stool commonly referred to as
"mustard poopies" and appear to have seeds in it. Formula fed babies
have a normal colored stool ranging from brown to slightly green.
Your baby should have several each day but if for some
reason they are having less than one a day, please contact your
pediatrician for advice.
If your baby is having a hard time pooping, they could be in pain from cramps and gas. This can make them very uncomfortable and cry alot which can be frustrating for you if you don't know why they are crying.
Your doctor should what's best.
Please Do Not follow any of the myths that you may have read about online
such as mineral oil, glycerin suppositories or Karo Syrup. They can harm
your baby.
-Mineral oil isn't safe and has no nutritional value. It can also interfere
with the necessary absorption of
baby vitamins
from the
breast milk
or formula.
-Most doctors do not recommend the use of glycerin suppositories. They
would more likely suggest an infant bulb syringe to insert a small amount
of warm water into the colon to get the stool moving...sort of like a
baby enema.
-Karo syrup is essentially a sugar and any sugar is not healthy for newborn
babies.
Please contact your pediatrican first.
It is natural for your baby to grunt or get slightly red in the face when they
are trying to "poop". You can always try to help by bringing
their knees up to their chest, then out straight, then into their chest
again and repeat as necessary.
Return from "newborn bowel movements" to Changing Diapers Page
Return to Newbornhelpline.com Home Page
|
