Breastfeeding and Baby's Bowel Movements
All new babies pass a thick, sticky, dark coloured bowel motion in the first few days after birth. This is known as meconium and it is simply waste that developed in the bowel whilst in utero.
Some evidence suggests that early breastmilk, colostrum, aids the removal of meconium. Once this has been emptied a breast-fed baby’s bowel movements will often change to a lighter mustard colour which can look a little strange to a new mum.
Over the first few months it may resemble curd or be very runny and at times may be a very bright yellow or orange! Rest assured this is normal. In fact, breastfed babies bowel motions tend to remain runny and yellowish until solid food is introduced.
They also smell inoffensive unlike formula-fed babies nappies. A fully breastfed baby will not get constipated and is usually less colicky, although this is not guaranteed as I discovered when breastfeeding my own children.
If bowel movements are green, runny and smell foul seek medical advice. Your baby may be drinking too much fore-milk and not getting enough hind-milk, he may not be positioned correctly at the breast, or he might have a tummy bug. Less commonly he may be intolerant to something you have eaten or medication you are taking.
