how long between bms is normal?

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

I haven’t posted much lately since Caden has been doing better. However, I’m a little concerned about his lack of bms lately. I don’t remember the last time he had one, but I’m pretty sure it was at least 7 days ago. He is exclusively bf, and I know that can be normal, but how long is too long? His tummy is soft, and he isn’t gassier than normal (normal for him is pretty gassy).

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

It varies from child to child depending on what they normally do but I’d definitely say 7 days is too long. I get concerned if Seth does not go everyday since he normally has two a day and will usually intervene to try to get things going if he goes more than two days without a bm. I’d put a call in to the ped. just to see what they say.

[Anonymous]

I’ve actually read that for breastfed babies, even 8 to 10 days is ok, as breastmilk is much better digested, and doesn’t have much “garbage” in it, for lack of a better term. If you think it’s at least 7, or maybe even 8 days since he’s gone, you may want to try something to help him go or give the doc a call anyway, you don’t want to be stuck over the weekend with real poop issues! dfb052007-3-15 16:47:49

[Anonymous]

If it is a change for Caden then I might do something to “bring it on”. I’m not sure what he is up to in terms of bottle/spoon etc…that will influence what you do. Does he take some water from a bottle?

[Anonymous]

The thermometer used to do the trick for Myles.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone

Of course, the day I posted this he had a big bm (soft as usual), so I guess all is well! I was just concerned about the length of time it had been since his last one.

He isn’t on solids yet (tried rice cereal, but he wasn’t interested), so it’s just breastmilk. I guess he just doesn’t have much waste right now???

Anyway, thanks again. He is doing well (except sleep), so I’m thankful for that.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t worry about the time as long as the BM continues to be soft…Brianna used to go a super long time between bm’s but when she did..it was a doosey!!!

[Anonymous]

So glad I found this post – I am dealing with the same issue with my 6 week old. I have been freaking out because he hasn’t had a BM since Monday night – and he is exclusively BF. Before that he would go several times a day. Good to hear that this is normal.

I was beginning to think the Prilosec was having a neg. affect on him.

dsduffy2007-3-21 18:29:53

[hellbennt]

Danielle,

http://www.kellymom.com

and

http://www.askdrsears.com

are excellent resources

[Anonymous]

thanks for the links Laura.

Oh, and the thermometer worked for Jake last night – thankfully!

[Anonymous]

Danielle,

I just wanted to mention that I’ve read that using a thermometer can cause the child to become dependent on it. I’m not sure if that is true, but I did read that somewhere. I think that is supposed to be done with the child is actually constipated. When breastfed babies go awhile between bms, they’re not constipated but just processing their food more efficiently.

I have done some research on it since Caden has been doing this. Now that he is 5 months old, I have started him on Oatmeal (baby cereal) once or twice a day, and he is pooping more regularly. So, that helps.

Anyway, I just wanted to mention that, but like I said, I may be wrong, and you should do what you feel is best with your own baby. I just thought I should tell you about what I’d found while researching.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I asked Myles’ doctor about the thermometer and she didn’t think it would cause dependency. I even told her that at one point (before I found natural remedies to add to his diet) that I was using it almost every day. Myles was definitely constipated when I did it though. Maybe that makes a difference.

[Anonymous]

Christine,

I think you’re right – asking your doctor is probably the best advice, especially when there is so much conflicting information to be read out there!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the heads-up about the thermometer.

I know am thinking that he isn’t constipated, just that his bm’s are less frequent – he is 6 weeks old today and the dr. said that it is totally normal for him to go less frequent. Whew! I totally forgot about all of this from my older son, I feel like a first-timer!

[Author]

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