Constipation & wind

[onelasttime]

Hi all mums. I have just become a first time mum one week ago today.

Unsure if my son has constipation or not (I know that sounds silly). I wanted to know how often should newborns have bowel movements? Can they go every couple of days or should they go everyday? He went on Wednesday then on Friday, & hasn't been since then. He has also having trouble getting his wind out which I think has contributed to the problem.

I would like some advice on helping with his bowel movements & helping him to get his wind out? By the way he is bottlefeed, if that makes any difference.

Also does parents out there give their newborns water to drink? How much & how often? I have been told not to give newborns any water & other people told me to give them 20mL / day. Really confused about that to.

I would appreciate any advice, as a new time mum I have been confused to find out the best solution.

Thanks

[Foxymoron]

If you are formula feeding you may get a backlog now and then as it's harder for the baby to digest and so they may have more poo. Normal contractions of the gut will move wind along nicely. Congrats on the birth of your little one :) by the way. Just make sure you keep bubs close to you and know you can't spoil him by soothing his cries when he is distressed.

Breast milk has a natural laxative effect, you could always express some into a bottle for him, if you feel he is constipated.

[rynosmum]

Hi Rachael,

Congratulations on your new little bubba ! What a fantastic time you have ahead of you !

It's not so much how often your bub poos but the consistency of it.(Hmmm :rolleyes: ...I remember when I never would have had such a conversation - pre-baby of course...). A bub is only considered to be constipated when it comes out in little hard painful lumps instead wet like a normal milkfed bubba poo.

I breastfed my bub to start so haven't experienced a bub being bottlefed up front but a number of times per day or every couple of days - as long as it is a soft consistency, make the most of it being few and far between for now ! :D

What do you mean he is having trouble getting his wind out ? What is he doing/experiencing ?

As for the water, I tried to give mine water one - I think he was a month or so old and he hated it. No reason too as he should be getting enough moisture from the formula as long as it is mixed to instructions.

So much to know ! I found the book 'Baby Love' a godsend in the early days - it is full of all of this type of stuff. Feel free to PM me and Good luck ! :D