HELP PLEASE - No Poo?

I was unsure wether to post in here or in the BF section? Mods please move if approriate

Well my DS is 6 days old today and apart from his 3 mec poos on the day he was born (one of them all over me LOL) he hasn't done another one? Should I be worried?

He seems to be feeding well (he had lost 150g on Sat - but regained 40g Sunday when leaving hossy). He has lots of (often very) wet nappies - I can't believe how heavy they are sometimes and he farts HEAPS - they have a sweet "eggy" smell (TMI?). My milk seems to be in - nipples very full and bbs bigger etc and I can hear/see him swallowing and even gulping. My visit from MCHN isn't till Friday arvo and I don't want to wait that long to ask...

He is a fairly happy newborn, good colour and alertness etc... What do I do (apart from worry?)

CF, I would take him to the MCHN or a GP for a check. This can happen with newborns and isn't always a problem, but it can sometimes indicate that he's not getting enough milk or that something is else is going on. It is better to get it checked out just to be sure. After about 8 weeks or so, it is common for bf babies to go up to 2 weeks without a poo, but in the early weeks it isn't so common.

How often is he feeding at the moment? How long is a feed taking? Would you say it's more than 5 heavily wet disposables or 6 - 8 very wet cloth nappies in 24 hours?

Thanks for replying MR - he is feeding every 3-5 hours - with a few "top ups" eg fed at 3am (45mins) and again at 4.30am for a shorter feed when he woke etc. He will have anywhere from 15-30mins per boob. I change him between "sides" to wake up a bit. Our feed/change/feed cycle takes about an hour. He is def having at least 5-6 VERY wet sposies? I can call the m/w at my hossy for the first 6 weeks - I guess I should call them?

I think it would be a good idea to give her a call and see what she says. The wet nappies sound great, but if you can squeeze an extra feed in, it wouldn't hurt.

Thnaks again MR - called hossy - they rec'd some tummy massage and leg movement - otherwise off to GP in the morning for some more "physical" intervention (apparently involving a cottion bud) I feel so helpless - lots of tears atm (mine) and that "mother guilt" is kicking in already - should I be dong more? feeding more? do I wake him to feed?

Hi ControlFreak
Do the tummy massage and the leg movements. For the leg movements lay your baby on his back and move his legs as if he is riding a bike.
Another thing I would suggest is to wet a washer with cool water and then stroke his anus with the corner of the washer. Do this every nappy change for at least 2 minutes or a little longer if he will let you.
If your baby passed mec then everything is working. Lots of wet nappies are a good sign.

CF, please don't feel guilty!!!! You're a new mummy, it's a hard time for all of us :hug:

In answer to your question, yes, I would absolutely be feeding a bit more. At this point in time I would be suggesting every 3 hours around the clock. All the other things you've mentioned indicate that he is getting plenty of milk, but 5 hours is a bit long for a such a young baby. How many feeds would you say he is having in 24 hours?

It seems that going to see your GP is the best idea, as this sounds as though it's not just a lack of milk. But you never know, the extra feeds might help, and I wouldn't think they would do any harm :)

:hug: That mother guilt is a killer. Please try not to feel bad though - you are doing a really great job.

Would he be having 8 - 12 feeds in 24 hours? That is the usual amount for a newborn, but less can be ok, and the wet nappies are a good sign. If he routinely goes over 3 hours between feeds, you might need to wake him to fit a couple of extra ones in.

The early weeks are a huge learning curve for both you and your DS, but soon you will have a nice pattern going and will feel more confident. You really are doing such a great job. He is very new still!

Thanks Alan - I am quietly freaking out! I can go to GP at 7am tomorrow - but will try all those strategies this arvo/tonight in the hope of getting this sorted...who knew I wanted to see poo sooooo much?

Please try not to freak out too much. You are doing exactly the right thing by doing something about it early. :hug:

LOL at wanting to see poo so badly - I can assure you the novelty will wear off!!

Try not to worry hun, I am sure that your baby will be fine. They can be very scary things to look after. You are doing a fantastic job.

cf dont freak out too much you are doing all the right things...
suggestions here are great! hoping for a poo for you lol!

Well I woke him up for a 3 hourly feed at 5.45pm - and implemented all the suggestions - he didn't seem to mind any of it and his little timmy wasnt sore or painful which is good I guess - still lots of farts while feeding.

I can be at the medical centre at 7am in the morning and there is a nice doctor on duty - so will be up early to get in the queue! Hoefully there will be some poo action overnight.

I will wake him again at about 9pm for another feed...he does love his boobies LOL So I guess that has to be a good start!

Thanks for all the support - had a good cry in the shower (damn hormones) and am feeling a bit better.

Hi Control Freak
No need to feel guilty. This is quite common.
As long as he is still making lots of wet nappies don't worry until about day 10.
Remember that breast milk is made especially for your baby and it is possible that he is getting the perfect amount at the moment and not needing anymore just yet so not drinking more to try and increase supply...does that make sense?

If you are worried visit your GP or nurse but don't panic.

OK - new reason to panic - gosh this mum stuff is hard.... can I take him to the GP without a medicare card? We have the paperwork to send away? Any ideas? DH thinks i am overreacting and should just wait and call the MCHN tomorrow? But if I am not at the med centre early - you can wait all day? ARRGGHHH... what to do? I think I will go to medicare tomorrow anyway and lodge in person...

Please POO Blake :pray: Please...

Now that is a prayer I never thought I'd say!

Thanks again...

Just go - I'm sure this happens sometimes with such young babies. They'll sort it out

Hope you get poos soon.

I agree. Forget the medicare card, and tell the Dr you have put your application in, even you have to go to medicare straight after the dr. You can always pay for the consult and claim it back when you do get the card.
Good luck. Hope tomorrow brings the poops.

I would feel pretty certain that a Dr would see such a young baby without a medicare card. I don't think it would be a drama at all.

Sounds like all went well with the last feed, good on you :D. With that bit extra going into his tummy you might just get that poo during the night :crossfingers:

Hang in there CF, you're doing a great job :hug: