Breastfed babies rarely defecate often make many parents feel worried. If this happens to your baby, don't panic, okay? Let's look at the following explanation.
Characteristics of defecation (BAB) is one indicator of infant health. So, it is important for mothers to pay attention to changes in the color or texture of the stool, as well as the number of times your child has a bowel movement in 1 week. That way, Mother can monitor the health and nutritional adequacy of the Little One.
Is it normal for breastfed babies to rarely defecate?
Breastfed babies who rarely defecate are usually normal and nothing to worry about, right, Bun. This is because the composition of breast milk is fully utilized to meet the nutritional needs of infants. So, the waste that is excreted from the body through defecation tends to be small.
Actually, there is no specific benchmark how often is a normal bowel movement in infants. Generally, newborns who are exclusively breastfed will defecate 6-10 times in the first week of life. When entering the age of 3-6 weeks, babies will only defecate every few days, some even do not defecate for about 1 week.
It's different with formula-fed babies. Generally, formula-fed babies will defecate more often, which is 2–4 times a day until the age of 4 weeks. After that, the baby will defecate every day or twice a day.
Beware of Constipation Symptoms in Breastfed Babies
Although breastfed babies rarely have normal bowel movements, it is possible that this is also a symptom of constipation or difficulty defecating.
This condition is actually rare in exclusively breastfed babies. Generally, babies begin to have difficulty defecating when they are given additional formula milk or have started consuming complementary foods (MPASI).
Babies can be said to be constipated if they experience symptoms of difficult bowel movements in 1 month. These symptoms include:
- Defecate less than 2 times in 1 week
- The baby looks difficult and uncomfortable when defecating
- Baby stools are hard and dry, making it difficult to pass
- Her stomach will feel harder to the touch
- Decreased desire to breastfeed
- Stools are large, can even tear the wall of the anus and cause bleeding when expelled
Breastfed babies rarely defecate is a generally normal situation. Even so, you also need to know the signs that your little one is constipated. Also, make sure this situation doesn't affect her weight. So, continue to make sure your little one experiences an increase in weight according to his age, yes, Bun.
If your little one has symptoms of difficulty defecating as above, try bathing him in warm water and giving him a gentle massage on his stomach. If your little one is still having difficulty defecating, you should take him to the doctor to get an examination and treatment that is safe for him.