Can a 14 week old breastfed baby get constipated?

Question

She hasn't been for 3 days now and I know breastfed bubs can go a few days without pooping but how long before I start to get concerned

Answer 1

I definately wouldn't be worried at this stage. I soley breastfed my daughter. I was concerned too, but the clinic nurse said up to 10 days without a poo is normal.

The clinic nurses have a wealth of information, and are always available for a chat. You should contact them. Ask at your local hospital for numbers.

Answer 2

A breastfed baby is almost never constipated, and, if she is, it's a sign of a *serious* problem. It is not like a baby who gets formula, and you can't just "fix it" by giving any sort of home treatment.

That said, constipation in a breastfed baby has nothing to do with the length of time between bowel movements. As long as the bowel movement--when it does come--is soft and huge, it is not a problem. Some babies go only once in 2 weeks, but it is *normal*. I had a baby who only had one bowel movement a week (and once went for 2 1/2 weeks--when the two of us were traveling alone internationally of all times!!). Treating it as constipation can cause serious problems.

And, by the way, it has *nothing* to do with what you eat, either!! Your milk can never be "too thick" or "too thin", and an allergy to something in your diet won't cause constipation.

Answer 3

Some breastfed babies poop 5 or so time a day. Other breastfed babies go for 3 to 5 days w/o a single poop.
And they are BOTH very normal.
As a Mommy who breastfeeds, I understand your concern, when the only indication you have of your child 'getting enough to eat' is by how many wet and dirty diapers.

But no worries. If your baby is unusually cranky, draws up her legs to her belly, strains, screams....then take her to the doc. They can listen and feel her abdomen, and determine if she has some gastrointestinal blockage or distress.

Answer 4

You can call the doctor, but there is probably nothing to worry about. When a baby's digestive system matures, most of the breast milk gets absorbed, and there is not much left. It is not unusual for breastfed babies to go without a poop for a week or even longer. It doesn't mean that she is constipated. If you worry, call your pediatrician though!

Answer 5

Breastfed babies can go up to 1 week without a bowel movement since there's little solid in breast milk. Try to learn as much as you can about your little one at each stage of development. It will help make you less nervous as a mom. "What to Expect: The First Year" is an excellent resource by age. Also, check out this free website with an excellent search engine:

Answer 6

sometimes the milk from the mom could be to trick and the baby can not take it
some children go with out days without pooping put if you are so wary call the child doctor and take the child to the doctor that way the doctor can tell you weather the child is good or something is happening whit her stomach

Answer 7

It's not usual for a breastfed baby to go that long without pooping. I would call your doctor, but I wouldn't be alarmed. You might need to give her a little laxative, but not without m.d. consent.

Answer 8

highly unlikely she is constipated. booby babes have no trouble poopin'. i would call the doc just to be sure she shouldnt be looked at though. thats pretty young to be skippin poops. most babies that age poop more than once a day. my son started once a day poops arround months, sometimes he skips a day but its rare, he's never gone 3 days and he is a booby baby. good luck and congrats.

Answer 9

If you are exclusively breastfeeding she cannot get constipated. I wouldn't worry unless it's been more than 5, then contact your pediatrician. As long as you are sure she is getting enough milk and she isnt in pain, she is probably fine.

Answer 10

i would talk to your doctor. my son went 3 days without a BM, and the doctor suggested mixing dark carro syrup into a bottle of pumped milk, ratio of 1 tsp per 2 oz. it works great.