Does Breastfeeding Make Your Baby Poop More?
Obie Editorial Team
When it comes to your baby’s bowel movements, there really is no “normal.” Your baby might poop at least after every feeding while your friend’s baby might only poop once every week. It seems like one of you should be concerned, but the frequency (or infrequency) of your baby’s bowel movements isn’t really any indication that there might be a problem. Usually, your baby’s bowel movements will be relatively frequent until he or she reaches six months, but if they aren’t you still shouldn’t worry. It’s worth bringing it up to the doctor, but only if your baby’s infrequent diaper changes are accompanied by other symptoms such as a lack of desire in eating or vomiting should you be really concerned. Though your baby’s bowel movement schedule will mainly be determined by his unique development, it’s true that breastfed babies often poop more than babies drinking formula.
The reason that babies who are breastfeeding poop more is that the breast milk contains immunoglobins. According to studies, these immunoglobins also serve as a natural laxative. In addition to creating more bowel movements, breast milk makes your baby’s poop smell less and be less messy because the body can process it more easily. Of course, that might not be the case if you eat or drink something that doesn’t agree with your baby’s system, but it is a general rule for babies that are breastfeeding.
Whether or not you’re breastfeeding, your baby’s frequent bowel movements might cause a diaper rash because the skin will never have time to fully dry. Diaper rash is painful and difficult to heal, so make sure you prevent the problem before it has a chance to begin. Talk to your doctor about different creams and lotions you can apply to keep his or her bottom properly moisturized and protected from the rash.
Though it seems like your baby’s bowel movements would be an indication of his overall health, they are actually hard to judge. Every baby develops differently, and some might have different digestive systems than others at different stages. You should only be concerned if your baby’s bowel movements suddenly change. For example, if your baby usually poops three times a day but suddenly started pooping only once every week, you should let his doctor know because something might be wrong. The same is true for babies who suddenly have watery poop, which could indicate infection.
Source: Tanya Remer Altmann: The Wonder Years: Helping your Baby and Young Child Successfully Negotiate the Major Developmental Milestones. American Academy of Pediatrics. 2008
The reason that babies who are breastfeeding poop more is that the breast milk contains immunoglobins. According to studies, these immunoglobins also serve as a natural laxative. In addition to creating more bowel movements, breast milk makes your baby’s poop smell less and be less messy because the body can process it more easily. Of course, that might not be the case if you eat or drink something that doesn’t agree with your baby’s system, but it is a general rule for babies that are breastfeeding.
Whether or not you’re breastfeeding, your baby’s frequent bowel movements might cause a diaper rash because the skin will never have time to fully dry. Diaper rash is painful and difficult to heal, so make sure you prevent the problem before it has a chance to begin. Talk to your doctor about different creams and lotions you can apply to keep his or her bottom properly moisturized and protected from the rash.
Though it seems like your baby’s bowel movements would be an indication of his overall health, they are actually hard to judge. Every baby develops differently, and some might have different digestive systems than others at different stages. You should only be concerned if your baby’s bowel movements suddenly change. For example, if your baby usually poops three times a day but suddenly started pooping only once every week, you should let his doctor know because something might be wrong. The same is true for babies who suddenly have watery poop, which could indicate infection.
Source: Tanya Remer Altmann: The Wonder Years: Helping your Baby and Young Child Successfully Negotiate the Major Developmental Milestones. American Academy of Pediatrics. 2008
