Some POOP Color and Consistency Questions

[EastSnyder]

Typically we have mustardy-yellow poops....but ocassionally there is more of a "slimy" consistency to them and ocassionally they have a "green" color to them. Are these slight changes in color and consistency due to something that I ate?

[Jmom1010]

slimy could be mucous. Green may be a foremilk/hindmilk unbalance. Not sure which way though, others have more knowledge on the subject.

[lolabear]

all 3 of my kids have had the slimy ones from time to time, green means something is not agreeing with them and since its BM not formula it is probably foremilk/hindmilk imbalance, altho thats not the only thing that can cause it. my ds had one green poop the other day then since hes been fine.

is your LO's green all the time?

[Nipple_nectar]

I agree that it would more than likely mean a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance and you can eliminate that by encouraging your baby to stay on the first breast longer to get to the hindmilk. How long does your baby usually nurse per side? Do you always offer both sides?

You can check at www.kellymom.com for more info :)

[EastSnyder]

thanks for the input ladies. the "green" color actually has only happened a few times. what you are saying about hindmilk/foremilk imbalance makes sense because at 4 months the babe is very distracted on the breast and is not nursing nearly as long on each breast as before. we spend more time on the 2nd...which he's shown a preference for lately. possibly i can start with the opposite breast (his preference) before switching to the first? and switching back and forth one more time might also ensure more hindmilk consumption? the "slimy" poops are pretty consistent however and everyone mentioned mucous....as in the type that might coincide with a head cold or other such sickness??

[Jmom1010]

Yes that is what I meant. Although for me personally sometimes I have mucous come out there and I am not even sick. You said he is 4 months old, any sign of teething? That can sometimes bring on the mucousy poops too.

[EastSnyder]

thanks jmom! lots of signs of teething....i think anyways. that and a combination of constant exploration with his mouth i guess. no teeth shining through yet though i can feel a few bumps? thanks again.