Most of the baby’s nutrition comes from breast milk and formula, but their digestive system is more delicate, making them prone to diarrhea. Although breast milk is a comprehensive and safe choice, why do some babies experience diarrhea after drinking it? The scientific reasons behind this phenomenon are not yet fully understood.
On the one hand, it may be due to the high content of prostaglandins in breast milk, which can accelerate the smooth muscle activity in the small intestine, increase water and electrolyte secretion, leading to loose stools in babies. On the other hand, babies may be lactose intolerant, lacking the lactase enzyme needed to break down lactose.
Facing mild diarrhea caused by breast milk, adjusting feeding strategies can be helpful: feed in small amounts at a time and accommodate the baby’s delicate digestive system that is still developing. Keeping the baby slightly hungry, encouraging multiple small feedings can stimulate appetite and alleviate the digestive system’s pressure, thus relieving diarrhea.
At the same time, mothers should pay attention to their diet, choosing bland, low-oil foods, avoiding foods that may exacerbate the baby’s diarrhea, such as skimming off floating oil in soups. If using formula, strictly follow the instructions for preparation to ensure the proper concentration.
However, if the baby’s diarrhea is severe or does not improve, especially for newborns younger than one month old, frequent diarrhea (even if five to six times a day or occasionally one to two times can be considered normal) may indicate deeper gastrointestinal issues. In such cases, seek medical help promptly and, if necessary, use medications to adjust the baby’s gastrointestinal function. During this period, avoid mixed feeding of breast milk and formula to prevent exacerbating the baby’s discomfort and affecting the mother’s milk production.
