I have been breastfeeding my one-month old son, and in the last couple of days, his poo has become green. I know about the foremilk-hindmilk inbalance, but I don't know how to fix it. He nurses from one side only each feeding for about 10 minutes. We're doing the same thing we've been doing so I don't understand why his poo is green all of a sudden. He has a slight cold; could that be the cause?
2006-12-28 06:54:31 · 13 answers · asked by Terry 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
There's nothing wrong with him, why are you worrying? Infants have poop that is all sorts of colors. Brown, yellow, even green. It's totally fine. The only time you should worry is if he's constipated, has bloody stools, or has diarrhea.
2006-12-28 06:58:18 · answer #1 · answered by CelebrateMeHome 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You *could* try feeding for two feedings on one breast before switching. However green poop is pretty normal, and isn't a sign of imbalance unless it is also frothy, and usually the baby is gassy as well.
"Light yellow to bright green, loose/runny, curdy, lumpy, seedy, creamy, mustard-like
These are normal breastfed stools. The consistency, frequency and color vary from day to day. My wife described the smell as "curried yogurt". Opinions on this odor description differ widely.
Green, frothy stools
This can be a result of a hindmilk/foremilk imbalance. A true imbalance is rare. It is often seen accompanying a forceful letdown. Lactation consultants will help moms find a nursing pattern which works to combat this problem. If letdown it too forceful in the early weeks, the solution can be to allow milk to leak into a cloth diaper during letdown, then latch baby back on. Feeding two to three times off the same side may also show improvement. Caution should be used with same side feeding as it can decrease supply.
Green, mucousy stool
This can be a result of a virus. Often the only sign we see of a virus is in the green stool. This is evidence of malabsorption in the intestines. Watch for how many days and with what consistency it is occurring. With a virus, it will run its course over a few days and begin to improve.
Another cause of malabsorption in the intestines can be teething. The profuse saliva of a teething baby can cause irritation in the intestines interfering with proper absorption. When babies teethe, we can see lots of drooling. Large quantities of saliva is swallowed which can irritate the intestines causing runny, acidic stools. This can also cause a rash in the diaper area. "
http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/pediatricks/poop.asp
2006-12-28 07:10:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your son has a cold, the mucus draining from his sinuses into his stomach could turn his poop green. My daughter had that with her first cold. It could also be something you ate, but if you haven't changed anything, that seems unlikely. You should check out www.kellymom.com for suggestions on combating the foremilk/hindmilk imbalance if you think it may be that.
2006-12-28 07:00:32 · answer #3 · answered by Mary S 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have really bad overactive letdown (I am breastfeeding my now 8 month old son) which causes the foremilk/hindmilk issues. I found TREMENDOUS help at the LLL forums. Maybe they can help you as well. Good luck to you and baby!!
http://forums.llli.org/
2006-12-28 23:23:26 · answer #4 · answered by Betsy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
His poo will change color from time to time.
Its not a cause for concern. You certainly dont need to do anything to try to change it.
Your diet effects whats in your breast milk. His body grows and sheds new healthy intestinal bacteria all the time. Changing poo colors means his system is working.
The only time to worry is if there is blackened poo, white chalky poo, or obvious blood.
2006-12-28 06:57:55 · answer #5 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have a friend who stopped eating sugar, and baby's stools went back to yellow (this was a breast fed baby). Try reducing your sugar intake (or stop it all together) for a few days, and see if this makes a difference.
2006-12-28 18:29:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's gross, but normal. Be glad this is all for now. It gets worse when the baby eats other things.
2006-12-28 06:57:42 · answer #7 · answered by thezaylady 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
has he been on any medicines? usually anything pink or purple will turn the poo green.
2006-12-28 06:57:00 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
possibly. but you might need to think about changing his diet. altough what you are doing now is probably the best thing. so long as he isn't in pain or anything like that i think you're fine. good luck !
2006-12-28 07:03:58 · answer #9 · answered by Emily 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Poop can be in many different colors. There's nothing wrong with your child.
2006-12-28 06:56:52 · answer #10 · answered by Wiccan~Momma 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋