We get lots of questions about baby care, but the most frequent center around poop. From the moment our babies are born we become obsessed with the stuff. Why all the fuss?
As a new parent my may be surprised at how much you think about poop,. The parental instincts that kick in every time you notice a change in your baby’s poop are essential to catching a problem right away.
The first poop:
Your care provider will want to make sure your baby passes their first stool know as meconium before you leave the hospital. Meconium is sticky and very dark brown, dark green or black. It is made up of all the things your baby swallows in the womb. Babies usually pass meconium in the first few hours after birth (some may pass it while still in labor). It is a sign that the digestive system is starting to work and that there is no intestinal obstruction.
Getting meconium off your baby’s bottom is challenging. Remember to take it slow and not wipe too hard. Olive oil (or coconut oil) is a great way to gently remove the sticky, tar like stuff while leaving a barrier to make the next cleaning job easier. Meconium will only last the first few days and should transition to yellow, seedy poop for breastfed babies and brown poop for formula fed babies.
How much is normal?
Whether you choose to formula feed or breast feed most babies will poop between 2-5 times in a 24 hour period. You may notice poop at every diaper change or every other. Normal will be different for each and every baby. One day they may poop ten times and the next day nada. Small, hard pellets or blood can be a sign of constipation. Call your provider if you notice a drastic change in constancy, shape, or color.
What color should poop be?
Color will vary just as much as shape and constancy. Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason. For the most part breast fed babies poop should be mustard yellow with a seedy or cottage cheese texture. Formula fed babies will have browner, smoother poop. It is ok for your babies poop to change over time too, but if you notice a drastic or sudden change call your care provider.
How to combat diaper rash!
Most babies will suffer from some form of diaper rash at least once. Frequent diaper changes can drastically reduce the amount of rash and frequency. You can also use a cream such as Desitin or make your own to protect your babies bum between diaper changes. If you baby has open blisters or a very bad rash contact your care provider as it may be a yeast infection that requires special treatment.
We hope you enjoyed this blog all about poop! If you have additional questions, our postpartum doula and infant care specialists are available to chat anytime 717-393-7667