HELP! Breastfeeding poop question... - Breastfeeding Message Board

neshee · 07-18-2007, 09:56 PM

Okay, I have breastfed before, but do NOT remember her poop EVER being this color! I am scared, b/c I have a preemie and he is only 5lbs 10oz and so little. For the last couple days his poops have gotten darker and now are brown and orangey-pink. Sorta coral?? Now, he also has HORRIBLE gas and ALOT of it, not only with poops but just b/c. I can actually put my hand on his belly and feel his bowels move!! I called the NTU nurse and they said it sounded "normal", and that it was probably something I ate. Well, I can just say that I am only pumping for now, another problem, and so I have a HUGE supply in the freezer. I grab one, thaw and feed. So, I have no clue what I ate at all. Some is early milk, some newer. I am going to call the ped in the morning, as I thought it was blood at first, but then under the light looks more coral and brown. It also hasn't been as seedy as I think it should be. I remember my DD's poops were mustardy and seedy. Sometimes green, but mostly yellow. I am worried. I don't think it it blood, as it isn't bright red, but curious what it could be. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Oh, he was born at 31 weeks, and is now almost 5 weeks old. Thanks.

klr2k · 07-18-2007, 10:27 PM

I had that happen a couple of weeks ago - and I too have a now 5 week old. Turns out (in our case) that our LO has colic fairly badly. Altho I cant say thats why the poop is the color it is....BUT the hard tum is likely due to gas and an upset tum.

It sucks and its so hard to watch.

My LO pushes so hard sometimes and just sobs.....in fact if your hand is near his bum you can feel the pressure and force of his itty-bitty farts....its not hard to tell they are in pain...

Try the Mylacon drops....we've moved on from that to Gripe Water as per our doctors suggestions. I cant say whether it works well or not as it hasnt been long enough.

neshee · 07-19-2007, 08:34 AM

Thanks. Waiting for the doc to call back...as usual. Mine doesn't have a poop or gas problem, as far as getting them out...they are explosive and LOUD! His poops have been very frequent and he is also on a Enfamil Enfacare additive to my milk so that he grows faster, due to him being premature. I am wondering if it is due to the early milk...I think I read somewhere that early milk causes brown stools. Well, I will see what the doc says. I hate to make an unnecessary trip to them, but I NEVER hesitate when it comes to my kids...me on the other hand...I wait, LOL! Thanks again, glad to know that breast milk poop can be brown/orange/coral colored. He also threw up a little more than normal this morning....hmmm....maybe a virus too. The worry of motherhood never ends, LOL!

mcr285 · 07-21-2007, 05:28 PM

first, congrats on your new little one!

you might hate this suggestion, but it might help to throw out all the stored milk and start over... then date each bottle and keep a written record of what you're eating (sharpie markers are great for dating stored milk because it's only as permanent as you need it to be). that way you can keep track of what you and baby are eating, and it might help you identify any allergies or irritating foods.