Doula

Doula

Wait, is it Normal if My Breastfed Newborn Goes a Few Days Without Pooping?

YES, it is completely normal! Newborn poop can be a mystery as it changes. It is hard to wrap your mind around your baby not pooping anywhere from 4-8 times a day, especially when you feel like all you do is change diapers in those first few days and weeks.  Some newborns poop with every feed, while others only go a couple times a day.  Every baby is different.  Again, it is completely normal for your baby, who has been pooping several times a day to move to only go a few times a week.

WHY does that happen and WHERE does that poop go?

Great questions. “Newborn babies often poop after every feeding, about 6 times per day.  In the first few weeks after delivery your baby’s intestines are maturing and becoming more efficient at extracting nutrition from breast milk or formula.  As their intestines get better at digesting food, the time between bowel movements gets longer and longer.  Before you know it you have a two-month-old that is going several days without dirtying their diaper. If your baby has blood in his or her stool, persistent crying, fever, or isn’t feeding normally, you need to seek medical care. ”

How Long Can A Baby Go Without Pooping?

Diaper output is one way to help parents feel assured that your baby is having his or her needs met since we can’t measure how much breast milk they are getting from your breasts. Your newborns first poop is called meconium, the dark green or black tar like substance for the first few days after delivery.  This slowly transitions as your milk comes in and turns into a mustard seed like runny consistence but can vary from brown to yellow green, this too is NORMAL.

Charts and Visual




Days 1-3
First 6 weeks                       
BreastfedNewborn will pass meconium by 24-48 hours after birth. It will change to a green-yellow color by day 4.Runny, yellow stool. Expect at least 3 bowel movements per day, but may be up to 4-12 for some babies. After this, baby may only poop every few days. 
Formula-fedNewborn will pass meconium by 24-48 hours after birth. It will change to a green-yellow color by day 4.Light brown or greenish stool. Expect at least 1-4 bowel movements per day. After the first month, baby may only pass stool every other day. 
How Often Do Breastfed and Formula-Fed Newborn Babies Poop?

Always chat with your pediatrician or health care provider if you have concerns or something seems out of the ordinary with your newborns bowel movements.  If your baby is pooping only once a day in the first few weeks, this can be a sign that they are not getting enough to eat. Unless your health care provider suggests, do NOT give your baby water or juice if you think they are constipated.

There can be a variety of changes in your babies poop based on what you, as their parent are eating, if you are introducing formula, solids or if they are having a sensitivity or allergy to any of the above.  Rest assured, know that your breast milk provides everything your baby needs, so nothing goes to waste! If you would like even more helpful hints to read about, check out my blog page at https://www.yourfamilysjourney.com/doula-blog/

ABC’s of Postpartum Care

Mom, Baby and Family Postpartum Care

Your After Baby Consultant will help you out with the ABC‘s of Postpartum Care:

 

Postpartum Care

A- Ask for help

B- Breast or Bottle feeding support

C- Contraception (YES, you can get pregnant right away)

D- Doula (Postpartum Support)

E- Expectations (BE REALISTIC) [Read more…] about ABC’s of Postpartum Care

Introducing…Tucson Bump2Baby…Welcome to your VILLAGE

Tucson Bump2Baby

Are you pregnant?

Want to be living a healthier lifestyle?

Curious about labor and delivery and want to be better informed?

Interested in having some additional support during labor and delivery?

Concerned you don’t know enough about taking care of a newborn?

Recently had a baby?

Struggling with breastfeeding?

Want more sleep?

Worried about postpartum depression or anxiety?

Have to go back to work?

Nervous that your home isn’t baby-proofed?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, we can help! You are not alone. Pregnancy and parenting bring on a WHOLE LIST of new questions and concerns, joy and happiness, as well as fears and anxieties about doing everything right. Whether this is your first, second, fifth, or your SURPRISE baby, we have you covered. [Read more…] about Introducing…Tucson Bump2Baby…Welcome to your VILLAGE

What do all these postpartum titles mean AND what can they do for me?

Have you ever wondered what ALL the names given to postpartum professionals mean?  It can be a confusing and daunting task trying to figure out who can best support you and your family’s needs after the birth of your child(ren).

My ALL inclusive, comprehensive, postpartum support is based on your individual needs. I come ready to help foster independence and build your confidence as you begin your parenting journey. [Read more…] about What do all these postpartum titles mean AND what can they do for me?

You want WHO in the delivery room?…..WHY??

Delivery room attendents
Delivery room attendents

As a postpartum nurse and doula I often hear about, see and feel the aftermath of this decision.  This may seem like a non-issue for some, especially if you are doing this alone or if all family members get along, but for others it can sting or leave lingering negative feelings about the whole birth process. [Read more…] about You want WHO in the delivery room?…..WHY??

Postpartum Meaning: 1st, 2nd and 3rd time?

Postpartum Meaning

An undefined period of time after delivery for bonding, resting and adjusting while feeling loved and supported.

I have been blessed with 3 beautiful children, 2 daughters and 1 son. Parenting has been an incredible journey of ups and downs, mostly ups but one that has made me the person I am today. My first daughter was a big stubborn beautiful baby, my son was a robust handsome boy and my second daughter, my littlest princess, came out in a flash and hasn’t slowed down since. All three deliveries were very different, but I remember them all as if they were born yesterday. I am truly blessed! [Read more…] about Postpartum Meaning: 1st, 2nd and 3rd time?

Due to COVID 19, Colleen will be providing virtual and/or in home support.

Feel free to call, text or email her for virtual support in the comfort, safely providing virtual and in-person support based on families needs!