4 day old bfed baby not pooping....need advice

[momoftworedheads]

Hello all!

My son is 4 days old, I am breastfeeding him and he has not pooped since yesterday afternoon. I am nursing him 12 times a day. He is really tiny and I have really large breasts and he is having a time latching on at almost every feed so that he cries and nurses a few minutes then cries and stops and falls asleep. I am worried he is not getting enough, and my nipples are so sore from how he latches and pops off. Any advice you would have would be great - I did get a pump today and am cleaning everything now so that I can try to pump for him after each feeding to see if that gets him to poop!

Take care,

[PatioGardener]

First of all, Congratulations!!

How many heavy pees did he have in the last 24 hours? As long as he is peeing well (4 heavy pees on day 4, 5 on day 5, 6 on day 6 and onwards) the lack of poops is not as worrying. If pees are not enough or small amount or dark in colour, I'd talk to a health care provider right away.

Usually the meconium has passed and baby has breastmilk poops by day 5. If the meconium doesn't pass it is easier for jaundice to build up and then baby gets sleepy and the cycle continues.

I think your idea to pump is great. If you are able to feed that milk back to baby by a syringe, small spoon or medicine cup, or a tube at the breast, that will likely wake him up and inspire him to suck more.

Catching him to nurse before he is humgry may help too - as may letting him latch himself (www.breastcrawl.org)

If he hasn't pooped by tomorrow, or isn't making enough pees, I'd definitely talk to a health care provider.

I hope he nurses stronger soon and produces a huge poop for you tonight!

[moondiapers]

When did your milk come in? or has it yet? The answer will make a big difference.

[momoftworedheads]

Milk came in today. He is peeing - it is clear - about 3-4 diapers a day. He had huge poops in the hospital and one quater size one yesterday. He has not pooped at all today. I have a small syringe if I need to give him some milk. Thanks for your info!

Take care!!

[moondiapers]

Originally Posted by momoftworedheads

Milk came in today. He is peeing - it is clear - about 3-4 diapers a day. He had huge poops in the hospital and one quater size one yesterday. He has not pooped at all today. I have a small syringe if I need to give him some milk. Thanks for your info!

Take care!!

How long has he been acting frustrated/ popping off? Was it before or after your milk came in? Maybe he was ready for more milk while you still only had colostrum? Or now that your milk has come in he's having a hard time adjusting to the flow. I'd keep offering the breast (maybe express a bit first so your breast is softer and easier to latch onto) often and see how he is after a good 24 hours of milk.