Breastfed Baby Poop

Few things strikes fear in the hearts of new parents than unusual looking baby poop.

The truth is, there is a wide range of normal for breastfed baby poop so it doesn’t pay to get too worked up about it.

The Poop on Breastfed Baby Poop

In the first few days, a breastfed baby’s poop will be black and tar-like, the product of waste amniotic fluid and bile. This is known as meconium and you should see it within 12 hours after giving birth.

This meconium then starts turning green and yellow and takes on a mustardy, seedy look with a runny consistency once baby is taking in mature milk (once the mom’s milk supply increases postpartum and the colostrum is gone, usually a few weeks postpartum).

Many breastfed baby stools will be loose—this is normal and not to be mistaken for diarrhea. Your baby may have a bowel movement after every feeding. Other babies, especially during a growth spurt, have one huge poop every few days, filling up their diaper, clothing, and everything around!

Lucky for you, breastfed baby poop has a buttermilk-like smell that shouldn’t make you gag (though opinions may differ).
photo credit: efleming

One month later, your baby will be pooping a lot less and may even go for days or a week without dirtying a diaper. Again, this is normal. Breastfed babies rarely have constipation, but if your baby seems to be in pain during this time, you should consult with your pediatrician.

If you notice streaks of blood in your baby’s poop, this may be a reaction to you eating dairy or some other food baby is sensitive to. In this case, eliminate all dairy products and see if the blood disappears. If the blood is persistent or comes out in increasing amounts, you’ll want to call your doctor ASAP.

So there you have it—Breastfed Baby Poop 101.