Theoretically, EBF means no constipation, right?

[lalemma]

The consensus seems to be that exclusively breastfed babies don't get constipated, or only very rarely. Right?

My little guy is a bit over a month old, and EBF. We're on day three of no poop. My new-mom brain is having trouble being cool about this.

In the "he's fine, breastmilk is very low-residue" column:
*he is eating enthusiastically and wetting diapers well and frequently.
*I can hear normal gut sounds. (Yes, I totally keep pressing my ear to his little belly to check. Yep.)
*he passes gas.
*he doesn't seem uncomfortable, or like he's straining to move his bowels.
*his little belly isn't hard.

In the "Oh God, I've broken him already!" column:
*he's only a bit over a month old. All our baby books seem to think that less-frequent pooping shouldn't happen until a few weeks later.
*the transition from a gazillion poops a day to three days without a poopy diaper wasn't instant, but was pretty fast. Like over three or four days the pattern changed.
*he was previously getting a single bottle of fortified-with-formula breastmilk a day, but hasn't for about a week: he's just on my milk now. Unscientific confirmation bias leads me to worry that this is somehow related, even though I think that it would actually be the other way around, right? You cut out all formula, the poops should be more frequent, not less?
*he was premature and still has two weeks to go to his original due date. He has a completely clean bill of health, and is approaching normal term-baby weight, but I can't help but worry that what would apply to a term infant in terms of, uh, rarity of pooing might not apply to him (yet).

We're seeing his pediatrician for a weight check tomorrow, and of course I'll ask about this stuff then. In the meantime I'm hesitant to try the thermometer-up-the-butt trick to bring on a poop unless I'm pretty sure he's actually constipated. Otherwise it just seems kind of mean.

Help, mamas! What say you? Normal, or break out the thermometer and the Vaseline, stat?

[PatioGardener]

If he's peeing well (6 heavy pees in 24 hours) and growing well (5-7 oz a week) then he's probably switched over to the 'no poop for a week then massive blow out' pattern. Keep a change of clothes handy

It's not constipation unless the poop is hard/pellet like - which I bet it won't be!

[sewaneecook]

Originally Posted by lalemma

*he was premature and still has two weeks to go to his original due date.

This is what I'd be most concerned about. All milestones need to be adjusted for his due date. He shouldn't be going days without pooping until about 4-6 weeks old *after due date age*. Is he staying latched on for long periods (20 minutes or so)? This ensures he's getting the hind milk which produces more poop (the foremilk is more hydrating). Did you cut out the formula overnight, or did you lessen the amount he was getting gradually? It can take a bit for your supply to catch up after weaning off formula.

[KarlaC]

I wouldn't sweat it(yeah easier said than done, I know btdt). Cody went up to 6 days without a bm for the first 2 months of his life. After that it was/is every 2-3 days.

I took him to the ped & she gave me some horrible advice(switch him to formula & use suppositories every day).

Luckily I didn't. I did find if he got really uncomfy I could give him warm baths that came up to his chest & bicycle his legs a lot & he would go. Sometimes car rides did it too since he HATES the car seat & the strain of screaming seemed to get things moving.

As long as he's not jaundiced, is wetting appropriately & gaining weight I would try not to worry too much. Hth, hang in there mama.

[Erinz]

You could contact LLL or a good LC to confirm this, but babies poop on different schedules. My first pooped multiple times a day and I thought that must be normal. If I hadn't had a friend who, when we got talking, told me her son only pooped ever 7-10 days I would have been FREAKED when my second did that. My second son poops every 3-7 days.... totally wild (and preferable imo lol).

as pps have said, lots of wet dipes, not a lot of straining, just fine!

oh I just re-read your op.. please no up-the-butt stuff for him! he sounds normal It's hard being a first time mama, I remember it oh-too-clearly xo

[Abraisme]

This is actually quite common. An EBF baby isn't considered constipated until they've gone 7 days without pooping. Both of my children started going MUCH less around 4 weeks.

My DS would often go up to 7 days between bm's... I was also worried about it, so I took him to the dr. The dr said that it's normal for some EBF babies to go less, as breast milk is really efficient food.

Currently my 4mo DD will often go 5-6 days between bm's. Less diaper changes for me!

[lalemma]

Thanks, ladies! We're off to the pediatrician later today, so between your reassurances and whatever the doctor has to say, we'll get to the (heh) bottom of this.

[lalemma]

Quick update for anyone who might happen on this in the future with a similar question: the pediatrician was completely unconcerned about the lack of pooping, and explained that unless there were other signs of possible gastric issues (vomiting, obvious discomfort, distended belly, suddenly no longer wetting, refusing to eat, etc) even at this early age there was no reason to be concerned. (And then he related an anecdote about his all-time record, a baby patient who only pooped every couple of weeks, like clockwork.)

[sammyloo]

My 10week old just went 9 days - my son used to go for 1week - 10 days too. I took her to the pediatrician because she did seem uncomfortable and my regular doctor couldn't see her and the one we did see also gave me bad advice that I chose not to follow - give her a bottle with mineral oil (it says on the bottle not suitable for under 6 years! I am supposed to give it to an EBF child who is 2 mos?)! She finally did go with a suppository and we are now on day 4 of not going again. I am not going to do a suppository again I don't think. I just don't make frequent poopers. Funnily enough, when my son did wean around 2.75 years old, he started pooping more!

[abc123xyz]

My first DS was a 10-14 day pooper from the beginning. Once mecconium was passed, poopy diapers were few and far between but when he did go...watch out!!! It was explosive!!! Our second DS was an infrequent pooper for about a week and a half after birth, only going twice in that time and now he goes about 3-4 times per day!!! Weird and funny at the same time! Just wanted to let you know that it's nothing to worry about unless there is pain or dehydration issues. As long as baby is urinating and seems content, is growing and happy...you're probably good to go. Our ped said she wouldn't consider worrying until day 14 with no poop!!!