My newborn is 8 days old. He hasnt had a bowel movement in 3 days, should I be concerned? ?
Well I would personally want to hear “Everything’s okay” from a doctor and not a nurse (no offense to nurses out there). Babies can’t control their bowel movements so i doubt he’s holding it in or anything. But I mean if he’s eating, then he should be pooping…I’d get a doctor to look at him, although I doubt it’s life-threatening.
If he is breastfed it IS cause for concern at this age. “Some breastfed babies, after the first three to four weeks of life, may suddenly change their stool pattern from many each day, to one every three days or even less. Some babies have gone as long as 15 days or more without a bowel movement. As long as the baby is otherwise well, and the stool is the usual pasty or soft, yellow movement, this is not constipation and is of no concern. No treatment is necessary or desirable, because no treatment is necessary or desirable for something that is normal. Any baby between five and 21 days of age who does not pass at least one substantial bowel movement within a 24 hour period should be seen at the breastfeeding clinic the same day. Generally, small, infrequent bowel movements during this time period mean insufficient intake.
The best way to tell if something is wrong is to take a rectal temp – lube up a rectal thermometer and gently insert it 1/8 inch into baby’s bottom while baby lies across your lap – wait 45 seconds and read – if no fever then no problem. It is not unusual for a baby who is eating well to not poo for a few days. Just pay close attention and if baby becomes lethargic, won’t eat, has totally dry diapers or a fever then get to an ER right away. Good Luck!
