I've got a ?

[whitnessforhim]

I've asked a different LC on here once before but I am still a little concerned. For about a month now maybe a little longer my DD's poopies have been very different. I am guessing this has to do with adding the solids to her diet (she's 7 1/2 mo. now btw). But they are really extra runny. Not the same consistancy as they were before. And she's straining more when she poos...her face gets red, and she makes those noises. Once in awhile (like early morning) she kind of whines when she's going. Other than that she is her happy normal self.

Is this change normal? How runny does it have to be to consitute diarrhea? This really confuses me since all baby poo looks like diarrhea to me.. lol..

[vickikreiner]

It is unusual that she would strain and yet have diarrhea but I believe you.
BF babies do usually have very loose stools. Are they green? Any blood?
What kinds of solids are you giving?

[whitnessforhim]

They are green sometimes, sometimes light brown, sometimes dark brown. No blood. Sometimes there are little chunks.
So far I have tried avovadoes, sweet potatoes, carrots and yellow squash.

[vickikreiner]

Consistenty green, frothy stools can signal a problem. No blood is great. The fact that colors change are good. (never thought colors of poop would be important!)
Anyway, different foods cause different colors. My concern is that she strains. This is probably due to the food causing her gas, not constpation (obvious from her loose stools). I would back track on the food. Give one kind only every 3 days and see if you can find out which food upsets her. Then ditch it and don't give it until after a year or so.
Hope that helps!

[whitnessforhim]

Ok this does help and I will definitely do this. She'd much rather nurse to eating solids anyways...so I don't think it will be a problem starting over. Thank you!

[vickikreiner]

You are welcome. No hurry on the solids. You may want to try Oatmeal or Barley baby cereal mixed in a bowl with breast milk. My kids loved this!