Can't Poop Not Constipated Though

About

Contact

Newsletter

What's New

BabyTube!

Pregnancy

Childbirth

Baby care

For mom

For dad

Can't Poop Not Constipated Though

by Melanie
(Texas)

Hi,
My seven week old has had this problem for about 6 weeks now. He just doesn’t seem to have the urge to poop.

We have him on a sensitive formula, and also put corn syrup in his bottles, and even give him an ounce of pear juice every day. But he still doesn't poop on his own.

The only time we get him to go is when we help him. And we try to wait on him and then it gets to where he is upset and hurting. So we go ahead and help. Do you know what could be causing that?

Baby Help Line Response:

Hi Melanie!

Since your baby has had this problem right from the start, I really think you should contact a pediatrician if you haven't already. (And if you did talk to one, who wasn't good, contact another!)

Straining as well as some tummy pain is completely normal for young babies. Also, formula-fed babies usually pass stools less frequently in the beginning than breastfed babies. (Later on, the opposite is more common.) I don't know how long you wait for your baby to pass stools before you help him. At around two months, babies tend to start pooping less often. However, a rule of thumb is for a bottle-fed baby to at least go every second of third day.

However, it seems as if you are really doing all you can to help your baby, and the problem remains. Have you tried massaging is tummy? That might help a little bit.

I know is very rare cases, babies can have a somewhat small anus, making pooping harder than for the average baby. However, babies having this condition also usually have severe constipation, poor weight gain and other problems, so if your baby is not constipated and healthy, such a problem is highly unlikely.

Milk allergy or intolerance might also be possible reasons for his problems, unless the formula you use is completely milk free of course. Also something to discuss with a pediatrician!

Most likely, his intestines are just immature still. Sensitive formula, together with massage and "poop-exercises", such as bicycling his legs are good ways to help him. Since he is not constipated, I'd suggest you reconsider the corn syrup and pear juice or at least discuss it with a doctor.

So, my best advice, since your baby has had this problem for such a long time is to talk to his doctor about it.

I really wish you good luck!

/Paula

Comments for
Can't Poop Not Constipated Though

Click here to add your own comments

Jul 21, 2009

Our 10 weeks old is not pooping in two days, what to do?
by: Lara&Berto

Our 10 weeks old baby has not done any bowel movements in two days, is it normal?
This is the first time he is like this also he seems to show signs of being uncomfortable.
He is breast fed, not on formula, which he hates (formula that is).
We are new parents and we are going through the trials of learning the ropes.Can anyone give some advise?
We have read that it is natural for this to happen to breast fed babies, because the body usually tends to absorb all the nutrients of the mother's milk.
But to see him unhappy is really heartbreaking for us.. hope soemone can help!

Sep 03, 2009

our doc said...
by: brandi

I took my 4 month old to the doctor for this problem. He is not constipated because when he does poop it is all liquid but he will go for 3 or four days without pooping. The doctor said that in breast fed babies this is normal and to leave him alone. that they can go for week without pooping and we should not worry unless he poops out something hard. juice and syrup are for consitpated babies. I feel bad though after the 3rd or 4th day because he gets very uncomfortable. There is alot of poop in there because when he does go he has a "poop explosion" as we call it. it is enough to overflow his dipe and all up his back. after 4 days I usually help him go with a glycerine suppository because I cant take the crying. any suggestions??