Have you been told it's normal that your breast fed baby isn't pooing?

One piece of advice that is frequently given is that it's "normal" for a breastfed infant to not poop much, even during the first few weeks of life. Breastfeeding is a journey that is full of well-intentioned advice and tales. Infrequent bowel motions can be a warning sign for newborns, although this may not be the case for older babies (after six weeks or so). Let’s break down why.

What’s Normal for a Newborn’s Bowel Movements?

In the early weeks, a baby’s output is one of the most important indicators of feeding success. Here’s what you should expect from a breastfed baby’s nappies:

●      Day 1–2: 1–2 meconium nappies (black, sticky stools).

●      Day 3–4: 2–3 greenish transitional stools as milk begins to come in.

●      Day 5 onwards: At least 2 soft, yellow poos a day about the size of a £2 coin.

By the end of the first week, your baby should have frequent, soft yellow stools—usually after every feed. If they’re not pooing this much, it could signal they’re not getting enough milk.

Why Frequent Pooing Matters in the Early Weeks

Breast milk is designed to nourish your baby and keep their digestive system moving. When milk is transferring well, it naturally stimulates your baby’s digestive tract, leading to regular bowel movements. This is why healthcare professionals monitor output closely in the first weeks of life.

Fewer bowel movements in a newborn could suggest:

1. Inadequate milk intake: If your baby isn’t feeding effectively, they may not be getting enough milk to produce stools.

2. Poor latch or milk transfer: Issues with breastfeeding technique or tongue-tie could be affecting how well your baby feeds.

3. Dehydration risks: Reduced pooing combined with fewer wet nappies could mean your baby isn’t staying hydrated.

Where Did This Myth Come From?

This belief probably originates from what occurs after six weeks. By that time, breastfed infants may start to poop less frequently as their digestive systems develop and they take in more nutrients from the breast milk. Newborns, who should be voiding multiple times a day, are exempt from this sporadic mutation.

Why Early Intervention Is Crucial

Waiting too long to address infrequent bowel movements in the early weeks can lead to complications such as poor weight gain or supply issues for the breastfeeding parent. Monitoring output is one of the simplest ways to ensure breastfeeding is going well.

What to Do If Your Baby Isn’t Pooing Enough

If your baby isn’t meeting the expected pooing milestones:

1. Seek Support: Reach out to a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support organisation for help assessing latch and feeding.

2. Track Other Signs: Look for weight gain and wet nappies (at least 6 by day 5).

3. Don’t Ignore Your Gut: If something feels off, trust your instincts and get advice from a healthcare provider.

The Bottom Line

While older breastfed babies might go days without pooing, this isn’t typical or healthy for newborns. Regular bowel movements in the early weeks are a vital sign of effective feeding and sufficient milk intake. If you notice your baby isn’t pooing much in the first six weeks, don’t hesitate to seek help—it could make all the difference in your breastfeeding journey.