The topic of breastfeeding and the frequency of bowel movements in newborns is closely monitored by many new mothers, as it directly relates to the health of the baby. The arrival of new life comes with many uncertainties, and for first-time mothers, understanding the baby’s bowel habits is particularly crucial, as it helps them better comprehend the baby’s physical condition and make informed judgments.
Generally, within 10 hours after birth, the baby will begin to excrete their first stool known as “meconium,” which appears blackish-green or dark green, is thick and odorless, and resembles tar. Meconium consists of various components, including bile, intestinal secretions, shed epithelial cells, and substances swallowed during fetal life, such as amniotic fluid and lanugo. This process usually lasts for 2 to 3 days, with a bowel movement occurring around 3 to 5 times a day. If meconium has not been passed within 24 hours, it is advisable to seek medical examination to rule out any potential issues in the digestive tract.
As time progresses, about 3 to 4 days after birth, the baby’s excrement will gradually transition to regular infant stool. For infants under 4 months of age who primarily consume milk, their normal stools are often a uniform paste, sometimes containing small particles, resembling a mixture of sand and water, with a slightly greenish hue and a mild sour smell, typically having bowel movements 2 to 4 times a day. Breastfed infants typically have stools that are golden yellow, which may sometimes be looser or slightly greenish, with a sour but non-offensive odor, and tend to have bowel movements around 2 to 5 times a day, potentially more frequently in the early stages, with possible bowel movements after each feeding, reflecting the easy digestibility of breast milk and effective intestinal peristalsis.
It is noteworthy that if a baby has bowel movements more than 4 to 5 times a day, or only once every 2 to 3 days, as long as the nature of the stool remains unchanged, the baby’s weight gain is normal, and their mental state is good, it is usually unnecessary to worry excessively. By observing the bowel habits of breastfed newborns, mothers can roughly gauge their baby’s health condition. If persistent abnormalities are observed, it is advisable to adjust personal care methods accordingly and monitor closely, and consult professional medical advice if necessary.
