3 week old baby question - PLEASE HELP!!! - Parenting Issues Message Board

HEAVEN-SENT · 10-07-2003, 07:11 AM

My daughter is 3 weeks old and has not had a bowel movement in 36 hours. I'm concerned because she usually poops 2-3 times a day, so I'm not sure whats going on here. I have not changed her feeding regimen (nurse during the day, supplement formula at night) so I don't know what is going on. She does not seem to be uncomfortable, but I hate the fact that she hasn't gone yet.

Is this normal or should I be concerned? I'm going to call her pediatrician, but I'm just wondering what you think and if you have any suggestions for me.

Thanks in advance,

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Mommy to Alexis
9/15/03

Laura79 · 10-07-2003, 07:26 AM

my daughter, now 18 months was always constipated. if babies don't go at least every 24 hours, then you have a problem. most likely, your doctor will have you change the babies formula and give him/her a supository (sp) stuff like this though, you should always see your doctor about...if can get very serious. hope i helped. let me know how it goes. good luck.

KimRick · 10-07-2003, 09:18 AM

My daughter was CONSTANTLY constipated when she was a baby. It got to the point, when she got older, to where she would purposely hold it in because she was afraid that it was going to hurt. Even now, at 8 years old, I can't even give her children's vitamins (iron fortified or not) because they'll constipate her. If I were you, I would bring this up to the pediatrician. It can lead to complications later on.

coppertop · 10-07-2003, 06:46 PM

For breastfed babys it is completely normal to go days without pooping (even up to a week). In fact my nine week old just went four days without pooping until last night. I'm not sure how the formula supplements change things though...

sawbuck44 · 10-08-2003, 06:35 AM

Once when my son hadn't gone for over 12 hours, I went to take his temp. You know where that goes and guess what came out almost as soon as I stuck the thermometer in?! Warm wash clothes laid on baby's stomach and putting them on their belly while rubbing their back also helps. I wouldn't be too concerned that there is a problem, but do mention it to the pediatrician.