Help! My newborn baby won’t poop!
One of the most common concerns Dr. Lauren receives from parents is that their newborn baby isn’t pooping for days at a time. Why does this happen? How can chiropractic adjustments help a baby poop? What’s normal and not normal regarding baby poop? Let’s address these questions!
Causes of constipation in newborns
If a newborn baby is fussy, straining or crying when pooping, has a swollen or bloated belly, or has hard, pellet-like poop, constipation could be a possibility. A lot of times, a provider may claim that a baby is colicky, when in reality, they are struggling to poop.
Constipation is more common in formula-fed babies because formula powder can be more difficult to digest than breast milk. However, babies that are breastfed can experience constipation as well. There are several factors that could contribute to constipation in babies such as,
Milk or food allergy/sensitivity
Mother’s diet
Not getting enough fluid, dehydration
Changes from breastmilk to formula
Introduction of solid foods
Stress as a result from traveling, heat, or a big life event such as a move
Rare medical condition causing allergies or thyroid issues
Chiropractic care can help a newborn baby that is suffering from constipation or digestive issues. Stimulating that all-important vagus nerve in baby through chiropractic adjustment is a natural, non-invasive approach to relieving constipation. When the spine is adjusted, it allows the nerves in the body to better communicate with the organs, including the stomach and intestines. An adjustment restores the nerves in the spine to aid in optimal bodily functions, such as bowel movements. There is a common saying in the chiropractic world of “that post-adjustment poop,” because it's not unusual for a baby to poop 30 minutes after an adjustment. It is not recommended to give babies laxatives, enemas, or suppositories to get them to poop.
What’s normal and what’s not normal for baby poop?
To better understand what is going on with your baby’s digestive tract, it is beneficial to learn what is going on with their poop. You can typically identify what’s going on with your baby’s digestive health by studying the texture, color, and frequency of their poop. These three factors can tell parents a lot about the health of their baby.
Your baby should be pooping at least every other day. If not, there should be reason to further investigate what is blocking their little system. Breastfed babies typically poop several times a day, usually after a feeding. After the first six weeks of life, a breastfed baby may poop less often. This could vary from once a day to once a week. A breastfed baby’s poop should be a mustard, orangish yellow with a grainy texture. Good news - breast milk is easily digestible and a natural laxative! Formula-fed babies should poop three to five times per day. After the first six weeks of life, they may poop once a day or every other day. A baby who consumes formula should have tan, slightly solid poop with the same texture as hummus. Baby’s poop starts to turn brown as they begin eating more solids.
If your baby’s poop is lime green, this could indicate digestive distress - possibly from a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance, the stomach bug, or food sensitivity to something that mom is consuming. One or two lime green diapers are fine, but contact your pediatrician if baby’s diapers are consistently lime green. If a baby’s poop is white, this could mean they aren’t properly digesting and their liver isn't producing enough bile. Red poop with a raspberry color could be a sign of bacterial infection. If your baby has white, red, or consistent lime green poop, contact your pediatrician immediately. Further causes for concern would be diarrhea, mucousy-textured poop, or blood in the stool.
Our goal at Golden Family Chiropractic is to aid in the overall health of your baby, including supporting their digestive system. If this system is blocked, Dr. Lauren is skilled at working with newborns to get them pooping!
