Six-week-old baby not nursing as often, BMs changing color.  Is this normal?

My son was nursing regularly every two hours. Now he goes as long as five hours between feedings (esp. at night.) Is this normal? I have also noticed that he is not having as many BM's as he was. Last night when I changed his diaper his BM was brown. I have been constipated recently, would this be his problem too? I am overproducing in one breast and he now just nurses off of one breast at a time, even if it is the other one. All he seems to want to do is sleep. I have been sick with a respiratory infection and took some Benadryl twice. Could this be causing this? Could he be sick too? He is still having plenty of wet diapers and when he is awake, is very alert. I am really worried. Thanks.






Dear Jennifer,

It is a normal change around six weeks for a breastfed baby to begin having fewer stools. Some may have one a day, some may have one every other day, or only once a week. I have even heard of babies who were going 10-14 days between bowel movements.

As long as everything else is going OK, there is no reason for concern. By the way, your constipation will not cause your baby to be constipated; however, it could be an indicator that you are not drinking enough fluids. Try drinking a little more to see if that might help. You say your baby is having plenty of wet diapers and is very alert when awake, so it certainly sounds like everything is fine. The length of time between feedings can also stretch out as a baby gets older.

The only thing in your note that concerned me was your statement, "All he seems to want to do is sleep." Yes, it could be caused by the Benadryl. While Benadryl is considered "compatible" with breastfeeding, it can cause drowsiness in the baby. (You will certainly find out whether or not this was the cause when you are no longer taking it.) And, yes, he could also be sick, but just because a baby is sleeping more is not by itself a reason to assume he is sick. If he were acting fussy, had a fever, stuffy nose, etc, in addition to the other concerns, then I would assume illness. One last thing---do not hesitate to call your pediatrician anytime you are "really worried." That is what you pay him/her for. I believe in trusting your instincts as a parent. No one knows your baby better than you. If you feel something is wrong with your baby, you need to follow up on it. Hope things are back to "normal" again soon!

Cher Sealy, RN, BSN, IBCLC, LLLL





 

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