Green stools breastfed baby

Baby’s Poop - La Leche League International

ERIN PUSHMAN, CHARLOTTE, NC USA

Originally published August 2016, republished here with the express permission of the author.

What to expect—and learn—from baby’s diaper for the first six weeks.

Five days into my second child’s newborn life, I opened his diaper and found what I had been waiting—no, hoping—to see: a mustard-yellow poop smeared on the inside of his diaper. I was delighted and relieved. For the first ten days, I continued to watch my son’s diaper for signs that he was getting enough to eat.

I was not the first mother to glean important information from her baby’s poopy diaper. Knowledge is power in the baby poop department. A diaper-savvy mom can look for important signs about her own milk supply, the baby’s nutrition, and even potential problems like allergies.

So what should you expect from baby’s diaper?

During the first day of life, your little newborn is going to make a blackish, tar-like mess called meconium. Meconium is a baby’s first stool, the one she made by ingesting mucus, amniotic fluid, and other materials in the womb. The good news is that your breastfed baby isn’t going to poop a lot at the very beginning. In the first postpartum days, a baby is pulling colostrum from mother’s breasts. That early, nutrition-packed milk comes in miniature servings that are just right for baby’s miniature stomach—and somewhat laxative to help get rid of the meconium. Those small servings of mom’s colostrum won’t lead to lots of dirty diapers, but moms can look for specific signs that mean baby is getting enough to eat.

During the first 24 hours, your baby should produce at least one meconium stool. During the second 24 hours, baby should have at least two poopy diapers. When the baby is three to five days old, she should make at least three poopy diapers each day. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding says, “The number of wet and poopy diapers should increase day by day through the first week to ten days. ”

Size also matters when it comes to baby poop. During the early days, mom can keep an eye on the size of baby’s poop to make sure breastfeeding is going well. According to the authors of The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, baby’s poop should be “at least as big as the ‘okay’ circle you make with thumb and forefinger.”

Meconium can be hard to clean from a baby’s skin. Fortunately, midwives, doulas, and natural-minded mamas have found that olive oil is an easy and effective way to clean meconium from your baby’s tender skin. As an added bonus, olive oil also acts as a barrier to protect the skin and make clean-up easier after the next poop. Some moms even apply olive oil before their baby’s first poop.

Moms in the know also watch for gradual color changes. Poop should change color each day, and there are many versions of *normal*. This LLLGB post has clear pictures of changes you might see.

What about texture?

Once baby’s poop turns yellow, it is often described as seedy, or, as the authors of The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding put it, “small curd cottage cheese. ” It’s also going to be soft and fairly fluid, almost like pancake batter or even more runny. Small amounts of mucus are normal too.

Poop matters

When changes are happening in the baby’s diaper, they are happening in mother’s breasts too. Mom’s colostrum gradually becomes transitional milk, and then mature milk. Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, writes in Breastfeeding Answers Made Simple, these types of milk “reflect a continuum of changes that occur after birth as the mother’s hormones shift and her breasts begin making more milk.” For the first seven to ten days, changes in the diaper tell moms that everything is going according to plan.

When all is not well in baby’s diaper

If your baby’s poop does not move through a color change during the first five days, or if your baby is not pooping enough, she may not be getting enough to eat. The bottom line is that she should be making at least three, “okay” sized, yellow poopy diapers every day by day five. Baby should continue to poop more and more through the first week or so, and continue with frequent, daily poops through the first six weeks.

The most likely cause of scant or infrequent poop (or poop that does not move toward yellow by day five) is that baby is not getting enough milk. If you notice all is not well inside your baby’s diaper, seek breastfeeding help as soon as possible. Problems leading to a baby’s low milk intake can vary from the structure of a baby’s mouth to mother’s milk supply. There are nearly always breastfeeding solutions to breastfeeding problems. A lactation consultant, health care provider, or LLL Leader can help you work out what the problem is.

Green poop

What if your baby’s poop is green after the first three or four days of life? If he is gaining weight and usually seems content, most experts say not to worry. Green poop may have several causes: naturally green or artificially colored foods in mom’s diet; baby or mother taking antibiotics; or baby feeling sick with a cold or stomach virus. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding explains that the phototherapy used to treat jaundice can give the baby’s poop a distinct “creamed spinach” hue. It’s also possible that green poop might just be normal for some babies.

If a baby is not gaining weight or seems unhappy much of the time, mom can take a closer look at the green diapers. Frothy, plentiful green poops can be caused by an overabundance of mom’s milk. If overabundant milk is the issue, baby will probably be fussy and may not gain as much weight as expected. If frequent green poop is coming from a baby who is also fussy or develops other allergy symptoms, like a rash or runny nose, the cause may be an allergy or sensitivity to a food in the mother’s diet. Talk with a La Leche League Leader or lactation consultant for ideas to help with overabundant milk or food allergies.

Infrequent green poop in small amounts (less than the okay circle) may be a sign that your baby isn’t getting enough to eat. Especially if he is not gaining weight, seek breastfeeding help as soon as possible. A lactation consultant can help find ways to increase milk supply. Moms with low milk supply benefit from knowing they are not alone, and La Leche League can provide community and support: find your local group here.

Time to relax about diaper contents

Once a baby’s diaper shows “a solid track record,” as The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding puts it, you can stop watching the poop content so closely. More changes will come as your baby continues to grow and gain weight. After the first six weeks or so, many breastfeed babies will slow down in the poop department, and you will be cleaning that tiny, soiled bottom much less frequently. Until then, happy diapering.

References

Mohrbacher, N. Breastfeeding Answers Made Simple. Amarillo, TX: Hale Publishing, 2010; 403.
Green Poop – When Should you Worry?
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, 8^th edition. LLLI. New York: Ballantine Books, 2010; 94, 108-109, 396, 451.

What Causes Baby to Have Green Poop and Should I Worry?

Deciphering your baby's bowel movements can be confusing for new parents. Learn more about what's normal and what could be cause for concern.

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Even before your baby is able to speak, there are lots of different ways you can learn about their health and well-being. One way you can tell a lot about their digestion is by monitoring their diapers each time you change them.

It’s common for a baby’s bowel movements to be a source of worry for parents. But, with some extra knowledge about the range of typical types of bowel movements, you’ll be able to approach diaper changes with a little more confidence and peace of mind.

Normal Baby Poop Colors

In your baby’s first few days of life, their bowel movements will be very dark. According to Nancy Mohrbacher, a board-certified lactation consultant, it’s normal to see black stools in your baby’s diapers during this time. These stools are meconium, which is composed of material the baby ingested while in utero. Mohrbacher adds that by the time your baby is three days old, you’ll likely see their stools change from black to dark green.

According to Dr. Jay Hoecker of the Mayo Clinic, when your baby starts digesting breast milk, their stools will change to a yellow-green color. As you continue breastfeeding your baby, you’ll likely see loose, yellow bowel movements with a seedy consistency during diaper changes. Mohrbacher says that it’s the fat in breast milk that makes a breastfed newborn’s poop yellow.

Causes of Green Baby Poop

La Leche League International explains that if you are seeing green stools in your baby’s diaper after the first three or four days, there is not usually a cause for concern, so long as your little one is gaining weight. However, if it continues, you may want to consider some of the most common reasons for green poop— illness, iron supplements, or food intolerance.

Illness

In her article, “Green Poop: When Should You Worry,” Mohrbacher says that a baby with an upset stomach may have green stools that could last a few weeks. She recommends continuing to feed your baby regularly to help assist with recovery. It’s actually a great reason to continue feeding your little one with breast milk too, because the composition of your milk changes based on your baby’s needs. For example, if he or she is sick or slightly under the weather, your body will produce milk that is specifically tailored to their needs to assist in wellness and recovery.

Iron Supplements

If your baby continues to have a dark green stool after the first few days of feeding, you may question the cause. In a 2019 interview with Parents, Dr. Linda Folden Palmer states that if you or your baby are taking an iron supplement, it might be the cause of your baby’s green poo.

Food Intolerance

Babies can be sensitive to the foods in your diet, which can also lead to green poop. According to Healthline, that, while uncommon, a green stool with a mucus-like texture could be the result of an intolerance to something you’ve eaten.

What About Foremilk-Hindmilk Imbalance?

Foremilk is the thinner milk that babies eat at the start of feeding and hindmilk is the milk that comes toward the end of a nursing session. Many people believe that foremilk is higher in lactose and lower in fat than the creamier hindmilk.

The theory behind foremilk-hindmilk imbalance is that if your baby drinks mostly foremilk without enough of the fat-rich hindmilk, it may lead to green poop. Mohrbacher is careful to remind people that the results of the study where this term was first coined were never duplicated, so consider this potential cause with a grain of salt.

If your baby seems sensitive to foremilk-hindmilk imbalance, you can help them by ensuring they are getting enough of your fattier milk. Talking to a lactation consultant for further assistance can be helpful if this is a concern.

You've Got This!

Parenting presents many unique challenges, and there’s no shortage of opportunities to worry. But, in all likelihood, your baby’s green poo isn’t one of them. However, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician with any questions or concerns you may have – if for no other reason than your own peace of mind!

Baby's green stool - Articles about baby food from pediatricians and MAMAKO experts The child's stool suddenly began to look completely different, instead of yellowish, it turned out to be green. What does it mean? Why does a baby have green stools? The reason is important. Greens in the diaper can be a completely normal and harmless manifestation of changes in the intestinal microflora or a symptom of the disease. Dark green, yellow-green, green stools with mucus, green diarrhea - when to worry and call the doctor, and when are green stools still in the "green zone"? nine0003

- Anastasia Anatolyevna, what kind of stool should a healthy baby have and what deviations are acceptable?

— Stool color differs between breastfed and formula-fed babies. If greenery appears in the stool, and its consistency and frequency remain normal, this is acceptable.

— What diseases can be a symptom of green stool in a newborn?

- Various diseases can provoke the appearance of green stools, primarily disorders in the baby's gastrointestinal tract and infections:

liver or gallbladder dysfunction;
diseases of the pancreas;
dysbacteriosis;
bacterial infections;
viral intestinal diseases;
helminthic infestation;
food allergy.

- Let's see what green stool means in common problem situations.

Situation 1. Green loose stools in an infant

- If diarrhea occurs suddenly, accompanied by vomiting, fever, intestinal colic - this is a disease. It can be caused by enteroviruses, pathogenic fungi, intestinal bacteria. For example, staphylococci and streptococci, entering the intestines of a child, begin intensive reproduction and change the acidic environment to an alkaline one. Therefore, the color of the stool changes.

Situation 2. Green feces with dysbacteriosis in infants

— Every baby faces dysbacteriosis: it occurs during the formation of the necessary microflora in the intestines. The unnaturally green color of the stool in dysbacteriosis is due to the content of dead leukocytes in the feces. They accumulate in the intestinal area and increase the inflammatory process. The stool turns green due to fermentation and putrefaction in the intestines. Other manifestations of dysbacteriosis include bloating, gas formation, and a skin rash. The child's stool will return to normal when the microflora is fully populated. nine0003

If the child is gaining weight well, nothing bothers him, then green stool is considered normal. Other symptoms will indicate indigestibility of food.

Green stool in a baby - causes

— What symptoms should a child see a doctor against the background of green stools?

- Decreased appetite in a baby, fever, colic, abdominal pain, bloody impurities and mucus in the feces, vomiting, rash on the body - such complaints should be an obligatory reason for a visit to a children's doctor. Upon examination, he will recommend a list of studies to make the correct diagnosis. nine0003

If a green stool appeared during a change in nutrition, but the child has an adequate weight gain, good health, he is active, his appetite is normal, then there is no reason for concern. This may be a one-time manifestation that will disappear without any complaints.

Green stool in a child - what tests to pass:

blood and urine test – the presence of inflammation in the body is determined;
analysis of feces for dysbacteriosis - to assess the intestinal microflora;
biochemical blood test - checking the functioning of the digestive organs;
scraping for enterobiosis - confirms or excludes a parasitic disease;
Ultrasound examination of the digestive system - to assess the functioning of the pancreas and liver.

Watch the video in which Rabiyat Salakhiddinovna Zayniddinovna, a pediatrician, will tell you why artificial and breastfeeding babies' stools are green and in which cases parents have no reason to worry.

- How to treat green stools at home?

— The child must be treated by a specialist. Therapy depends on the cause of green impurities in the feces. In case of malnutrition, a change in the diet of mother and child, a decrease in the volume of complementary foods, and the selection of the right complementary foods are prescribed. nine0003

If an infection is suspected, the child must be hospitalized in a specialized department, because adequate assistance can only be provided there.

Treatment of intestinal infection and green stool:

drinking regime - to prevent dehydration;
sorbents - to remove pathogenic toxins from the body;
antibacterial drugs - are prescribed when a causative agent of a bacterial intestinal infection is detected. nine0022

Non-infectious causes of green stools in a child - what to do:

lactose intolerance - lactose is excluded from the child's diet;
allergic reaction - determine the allergen and exclude it from the diet of an artificial child or a nursing mother;
helminthic invasion - give anthelmintic drugs;
dysbacteriosis - correct the intestinal microflora with pre- and probiotics.

— What can be considered the best prevention of green stools?

- Timely and correct introduction of complementary foods, nutrition without overeating, dietary compliance by the mother, individually selected milk formula will contribute to comfortable digestion in a small child.

There are many reasons leading to green stools in babies. Green stools can appear in both breastfed and formula fed babies. Whether the change in the color of the stool is caused by infectious diseases, your pediatrician will help you figure it out, who will select the right treatment. nine0003

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Green liquid stool in a child - causes and treatment

Children's Medical Center "Pediatrician and Me" nine0022
Articles
Green stool in a child up to a year old, or how the color of feces changes from nutrition

The digestive system of babies in the first year of life reacts sharply to any intervention: changing the mixture, introducing complementary foods, taking medications, etc. In this case, the baby may experience colic, bloating, but most often parents pay attention to a change in stool. Often a situation arises when the baby's feces become green. Let's talk about the causes of this condition and whether it is dangerous for the child. nine0003

Causes of green stools

Sometimes there are situations when a child's stool turns green. The stool acquires this color due to the presence of a special pigment in them - biliverdin, contained in bile. Biliverdin is formed as a result of the breakdown of red blood cells and contains oxidized iron.

The presence of biliverdin in the intestine can lead to a rather bright coloration of the infant's stool. This condition is an indirect sign of pathology, but can be observed even in perfectly healthy babies. If you are faced with a similar phenomenon, show the child to a pediatrician or pediatric gastroenterologist. nine0003

Effect of nutrition on baby's stool

The stool of a breastfed baby can be very different from the "artificial" stool. The feces of a baby receiving mother's milk are yellowish in color. This color is due to the presence of the bile pigment stercobilin, which is a breakdown product of bilirubin. The stool itself has a mushy texture and may contain small lumps. The smell is sour milk. A breastfed infant can empty the bowels up to 4-5 times a day. However, for this, the mother of the baby must eat right, and the child himself should not have health problems. nine0003

Formula-fed babies have thicker, more formed stools. The color of the feces varies from light brown to darker. There is a characteristic fecal odor. Bowel movements occur less frequently, about 2-3 times a day.

Most often, green stools are observed in babies who are bottle-fed. Much depends on the type of mixture chosen. If a child has health problems, such as milk protein intolerance, special nutrition is prescribed for him. Mixtures based on hydrolyzed protein or amino acids most often cause green stools. nine0003

The introduction of vegetable complementary foods

Green stools in children older than six months can be observed against the background of the introduction of complementary foods. Most often, such a reaction occurs on vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, green peas, etc. In addition to the uncharacteristic color, a large number of semi-digested lumps are found in the feces. This happens due to the peculiarities of the work of the children's intestines, which cannot fully digest coarse food. As a result, dietary fiber comes out with the stool. In the presence of this problem, it is worth reducing the amount of complementary foods and give the body time to get used to it. The help of a pediatrician in this situation is not required. nine0003

Switching from breastfeeding to formula

The baby's digestive system is adjusting to a new product that is very different from mother's milk. In the first few days of the transition, there may be a change in the color of the stool to greenish. However, this condition quickly returns to normal.

Pathological causes of green feces

Dysbacteriosis

The predominance of pathogenic microflora in the intestine can be one of the reasons for staining feces in an uncharacteristic color. In the process of decay and fermentation, specific protein compounds are formed that give the feces a greenish color and an unpleasant odor. In the presence of dysbacteriosis, the baby's feces become liquid, mucus impurities may be present in the masses. In addition, the baby may experience symptoms such as bloating, increased gas formation, and pain. nine0003

Bacterial and viral infections

Infants are very vulnerable to viruses and bacteria. Some pathologies can provoke disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, the baby's stool becomes green. In addition, the child also has other symptoms: fever, anxiety, diarrhea, etc. The consistency of the feces is liquid, foamy. If you have these symptoms, seek urgent medical attention.

Allergy

Sometimes green stool indicates the presence of allergens in the body. This may be a reaction to a specific product: complementary foods, vitamin supplements, new mixtures, etc. Also, allergens can be found in breast milk. With allergies on the baby's body, a rash, lacrimation, etc. may form. In rare cases, the temperature rises. The child's condition returns to normal immediately after the allergen is removed from the diet. Sometimes the help of an allergist and the introduction of special mixtures are required to detect a problem. nine0003

Lactose deficiency

Occurs in children of the first year of life, but may also appear at a later age. With this disease, the child's body does not absorb milk sugar (lactose), which leads to quite serious complications. In addition to green stools, the baby has colic, grumbling in the stomach, frequent regurgitation, and poor weight gain. A comprehensive examination is required to make an accurate diagnosis.

Green stool is not a direct sign of pathology. This is a fairly common occurrence for babies. If, in addition to this symptom, the child is not worried about anything, do not worry about this. However, you can always seek the advice of a pediatrician. nine0003

When to see a doctor

There are a number of situations where the presence of green stool requires close attention from parents. It is necessary to seek help if the phenomenon is accompanied by the following symptoms:

Changes in the child's mood: lethargy, capriciousness, refusal to play and eat;
Fever;
Foamy and offensive stools;
Diarrhea;
Presence of blood or mucus in secretions; nine0022
Deterioration of general well-being;
Pain and bloating;
Constipation.

Green stools are normal if they occur sporadically and the shape and smell of the stool do not change. In formula-fed babies, a change in stool color most often occurs during the transition to new formulas. If green feces bother the baby regularly, consult a pediatrician.

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The article was written under the editorship of an expert, pediatrician, doctor of the highest category Storcheus Natalia Yurievna. To undergo the treatment mentioned in the article materials, you need to contact a specialist. The information in the article is not a call for self-treatment!

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