3 1/2 month old hasn't had a bowel movement in 3 days?

Question

He's exclusively breastfed, very content/happy and still has wet diapers. I know that bowel movements only a couple times per week are common for breastfed babies but was wondering when I should call the doctor, just in case.

Answer 1

Whatever you do, do NOT give a 3 1/2 month old baby laxative. It can be very dangerous. It is common for babies to go a few days without a BM. Mine used to go 4 day at a time and he was breast-fed only.
His Dr. who is the chief of pediatrics at Robert Wood Johnson hospital, said that as long as the bay is acting normal, that is fine. If the baby is crying and his tummy seems hard or red, then you may be concerned.

Also if you formula feed that is harder to digest.
Breast-feed babies usually go more often.

Please call the pediatrician to get your mind at easy.

NEVER, NEVER follow advice of strangers and give your baby any drugs of any kind.... Laxative could cause severe diarrhea and dehydration on a such young baby. Any baby for that matter.

Even cold medicine for babies has been pulled out of the market because of some babies dying after been given it.

ALWAYS be careful with over the counter meds... Call the Dr. That is the best choice. Do not feel funny about calling and asking questions. They are used to it and expect to be called.

Answer 2

Since breast milk doesn't have the "fillers" that formula has, you don't always have frequent BMs (as you indicated that you knew in your question) with a breastfed baby.

Personally, I wouldn't call the doctor unless it is unusual for your baby to go this long without a BM or unless your baby is straining, grunting, or seems uncomfortable / distressed.

My exclusively breastfed 2 month old baby girl sometimes only has 1 BM a week, but it is usually a really big one. She has plenty of wet diapers and is usually a happy baby, so I haven't talked to the doctor about it at all.

Answer 3

Hi Sweetie,
I am a mom of three boys who were all exclusively breast fed. My sons would go several days without bowel movements. My pediatrician told me that this is because the stool is so soft that it does not cause as much pressure as the more solid formula stool and therefore does not trigger the bowel to evacuate as often. Also there is less waste produced from breast milk as it is more digest able than formula. If your little one seems uncomfortable, or if this continues for another day, give a call to the doctor. Try not to worry, though, worry gets you no where. Keep up the good work!! Love to you --MissDelanne

Answer 4

Use the babylax as the doctor recommended, your baby will not become dependent. Not all children react the same to breast milk, or to formulas for that matter. One of the things to take into consideration is the heat that has been at or near record levels for the past few weeks. This does have an effect on children, especially the youngest. Try feeding him a bottle of water several times a day. He DOESN'T have to drink much, just keep fluids in him and his bowls may loosen on their own. Pick up a gallon of Baby Water, it's formulated and specifically filtered for thier systems. Give it at room temperature at first and see how he takes to it. He is used to his mother's milk and it will be just a bit warmer, so it's an easy transition to the cooler water. The best thing to do for now would be to give him regular doses of babylax and NOT allow him to go 16 days on his own. I hope this helps.

Answer 5

You can always call the doctor now- just to ease your mind. I think my son typically has a BM every other day or every 3 days; he is 3 1/2 months old and is exclusively breastfed. I don't worry about it unless he is being fussy or it has been 4 days without a BM. I haven't had to call the doctor yet. Good luck!

Answer 6

It is quite normal, but if the problem persists i would contact doctor. I have a girlfriend whose newborn only had a bowel movement the first day after her birth. When she came home she never had one on her own for 3 months. The doctor had recommended suppositories. To make a long story short to get her to go on her own they gave her prune juice and there has not been a problem since and she is now 11 months old. May be worth the try if the problem persists. (prune juice).
Hope this helps

Answer 7

Some babies get constipated. Breastfed babies normally don't have as much trouble with bowel movements as formula feed.
First of all, if it has been three days it may be best to just contact the peditrician for advice.
Anytime my baby's were constipated, I did one of three things based on their age. I used water with just a bit of sugar. I also used water with a bit of corn syrup in it. If the baby is older then apple juice also helps.

Answer 8

oh my god!!!

ppl here are really making a big stink about this and they don't even know what they are talking about

right.....as said above breastfed babies don't have any waste to poop!....it is totally normal for a breastfed baby to go DAYS without a poo

mine is also nearing 4 months of age and she goes about every 5 days....and it's ALOT

don't stress and just prepared for that blow out diaper! haaaaaa

edit....and it's not a "problem"......it's NORMAL....don't compare formula babies to breast babies.....and more than 5 days is okay too

Answer 9

My son had the same problem. My doctor said it's fine until they go FIVE days without a bowel movement. Shocked me, that is for sure! The doc told me to wait it out, if he hadn't gone after 5 days to call, and then she would suggest a laxitive. She did also say that I could try prune juice if I felt like it because that can get the movement going. Good luck!

Answer 10

This is a tough one because your baby hasnt started solids yet so I cant say try prunes. I would try calling the doctor. It is normal for babies to only have a few BM's a week but a happy baby now, can be a cranky baby in an hour. Call your doctor and see what you can do and good luck!