Exclusively breastfed formed poop

[sissah]

Why would an exclusively breastfed 9 week old have completely formed poop? About three weeks ago, our son stopped pooping daily, and as they've spaced further apart (now about once a week) have gone from liquid with seeds to a puree-like consistancy to a puree-like consistancy with some formed pieces to completely solid poops.

He's very fussy and cries with everyone except me - to the point of hysterics, and recently has stopped taking a bottle from his sitters (I work one day a week outside the home, so for 10 hours every Saturday, he's averaged only about two ounces). Other than that, he eats a lot and has plenty of wet diapers.

I'm concerned about this; should I be? Thanks so much for your help!

[DrBobSears]

There's no harm in the baby going without much intake during the 10 hours you are away (other than being hungry/fussy). But as for the stools, I do see this happen sometimes in exclusively breastfed babies. It may be a cow's milk sensitivity through your diet. You could try going 100% casein free and see it that helps. You could also give the baby a probiotic once or twice daily. I don't have a specific brand that I like the best - any infant one should do.  Try that, and let me know.

[sissah]

Thank you so much for your help! I'll definitely try and let you know how it goes!

[sissah]

Hi Dr. Bob! Thanks, again, for taking the time to give me some advice on this one, and I just wanted to give you an update. I started cutting dairy out of my diet a week ago (though I'm sure some slipped through - I had no idea how prevalent casein was in foods!). And, it worked! Four days later, he started pooping again daily (actually twice each day), and they are back to a normal, breastfed consistancy. I didn't try the probiotic, but the dairy seemed to be the issue. Thanks so much!

Alyssa

[DrBobSears]

Glad to hear. Mom's milk always "does a body good", but cow's milk - not so much. After things have been going well for a few weeks, you could sneak some yogurt and see if that's tolerable.  Cheese is often ok too.  Just go carefully and learn what your baby will tolerate.