5 1/2 mo. old hasn't pooped in 12 days! Worried sick.

[tykys]

My son (born 3 wks early) has always been a once a week pooper, with a huge blowout at the end of the week. But I'm really worried right now because it's been 12 days! I usually don't resort to suppositories, but I did today because it's been so long, I mean, it's gotta come out (I also tried prunes earlier in the week - back to back days). I gave it to him 3 hours ago and still nothing. Should I take him to urgent care? I'm just so worried. All night last night he was pulling off and on the breast in bed, so I can tell he's not feeling right. Advice please!

[2boyzmama]

Is he exclusive breastfed (except the prunes you gave him)? A breastfed baby can safely go 2 or more weeks between poops. When did he have the prunes? A few days ago? A week ago?

Unless he's really acting like he's in pain, I wouldn't rush to urgent care right away. Maybe call the ped Monday morning if he still hasn't pooped.

[tykys]

Yes, he is exclusively breastfed besides the prunes..

2 weeks? Good to know! I have been so worried, this soothes my mind a bit. Thank you.

Where does it all go? LOL

ETA - He had the prunes Wednesday and Thursday night.

[2boyzmama]

Originally Posted by tykys

Yes, he is exclusively breastfed besides the prunes..

2 weeks? Good to know! I have been so worried, this soothes my mind a bit. Thank you.

Where does it all go? LOL

ETA - He had the prunes Wednesday and Thursday night.

Breastmilk is so complete, there literally isn't any waste! Some babies digest every bit of it, some still poop every day. Really I wouldn't worry unless you reach three weeks, or if you see signs of pain or illness.

[naupakamama]

After about 6 weeks post birth, my DD2 went easily 2 weeks between poops. We even resorted to wax suppositories a few times because it had been so long and she seemed uncomfortable. She is eight months now and still goes a long time between poops even with demanding a good amount of table food.

I definitely wouldn't be worried. The glycerine suppositories worked well and didn't seem to bother her if you want to try something.

[cheryllynn]

I would be watching for any signs of skin issues. If body wastes can't get out with poop/pee they will start to back up and come out the skin.

I hear about this no pooping thing and don't quite understand it.

As older children/adults we should be having 2 - 3 poops a day.


When dd didn't have a bm for 24 hours, I did a tummy massage along the large colon - up the right side, across, down her left side, with every diaper change. I usually got a poop after that.

[ASusan]

You could do a bath with Epsom salts. The absorbed magnesium may help bring more water to the intestine and loosen things up a bit.

While she's lying on her back ,you can bicycle her legs for her. That can help stimulate the colon.