Newborn Bowel Movements

When a new baby arrives you naturally pay close attention. Monitoring every movement and action very closely. So when the doctor says he would like for your baby to have a bowel movement after every time she/he eats. Which is probably every 2.5 hours that's what you're looking for; but what if that does not happen? True enough that every baby is going to be different. One things for sure 1 or no bowel movements at all is unacceptable you should definitely seek medical attention as to why your baby is constipated so young.

You should go through 3-4 plus dirty diapers a day after day 4. So be sure to carefully monitor every bowel movement your baby has after day 4. Examine the stools they should be yellow after day 5 and about 2.5cm long. You should know that normal stools of a nursing baby is usually yellow and it's loose; it should be soft to watery, and it maybe seedy or curdy. You should remember that on day 4-5 the newborn will probably have 3 bowel movements, but the seedy mustard color stools will continue from day 6 through the first 4 to 6 weeks. Four a day is average, so don't worry if your baby decrease from 6 to4 bowel movements that's normal and should be expected.

For breastfeeding babies those numbers listed above are low. Nursing babies usually have bowel movements after each feeding about 8-12 daily. The odors are not as offensive compared to the stools of a formula-fed baby. Beware that the pattern can and more than likely will change from the ages of 4-6 weeks. Though your baby will have less bowel movements note that the quantity each day will be greater. Remember that " some breastfed babies can have a bowel movement every few days or even once a week" this is fine just as long as the stools remain soft and not dry, hard, or constipated.