Blood in Poo

by Jade
(Ipswich)

My baby has a lot of blood in his poo. We have been to the doctors but they didn't really say what it was! I also don't know what to do about it ,since I dodn't get any instructions.

Help, I am very worried!!!!!!


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Baby Help Line Response:

Hi Jade!

I certainly understand that you are worried. Good of you to take your baby to the doctor. Since you were sent home, I assume the doctor ruled out any severe illness.

Most often blood in a baby's stools is not an emergency. They may have it from constipation and anal tear from passing the hard stools.

There are also reports of infants with blood in the poop from food allergies and intolerances; cow's milk and soy protein being the most common. Even breastfed babies can experience this, if their mom consumes a lot of the protein they are allergic to. In such case, it will help if mom eliminates the cow's milk or soy from her diet.

You don't mention the age of you baby and if you breastfeed or not. If you do breastfeed, oversupply can actually also cause some blood in stools. This is due to the lactose in the foremilk, which can irritate the bowels.

Other reasons are different types of infections.

Here is quite a good compilation of reasons for blood in baby stools, available from Kellymom.com. (Opens in new window)

Unless you are completely sure that the blood is related to constipation, you should find another doctor, who can help you sort out the problem. I can't say why your baby has blood in his poo, but I sure know I wouldn't settle with "no help" from the doctors.

Another thing, the color of the blood and poop matters. If it is bright red, it is fresh and hence likely to be due to an anal tear. If it is dark, it is due to something further into your baby's belly. Dark red jelly-like poop, or dark blood streaked with mucus should defintely be discussed with a doctor immediately. Also, if your baby has a lot of blood in the stools or if it is combined with other illness or pain, then a doctor should be consulted.

But if you know that the blood is related to constipation, you can find tips on what to do here. (But in any case, I think you should still find a better pediatrician to talk to!)

Good luck and remember - parents always know best if something is not right with their children!

Paula





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