my 21 days old daughter continuously pooping with small ratio n passing gases

Question

my 21 days old daughter  continuously  pooping with small ratio n passing  gases

Accepted Answer

It's common for newborns to have frequent bowel movements and pass gas, as their digestive systems are still developing. However, if you are concerned about your 21-day-old daughter's bowel movements and gas, here are some key points to consider and steps you can take:

### Normal Newborn Bowel Movements:

1. **Frequency**:
   - Newborns can have several bowel movements a day, especially if they are breastfed.
   - It's typical for breastfed babies to poop after every feeding or several times a day.
   - Formula-fed babies might have fewer bowel movements, but still can be frequent.

2. **Consistency and Color**:
   - Newborn stool is often loose and can vary in color from yellow to greenish.
   - Breastfed babies usually have yellow, seedy stools.
   - Formula-fed babies might have tan, brown, or green stools.

3. **Gas**:
   - Passing gas is normal for newborns as their digestive system matures.
   - It can be due to swallowing air while feeding or normal digestion.

### When to Be Concerned:

1. **Signs of Illness**:
   - If the baby seems to be in pain, is excessively fussy, or has a distended abdomen.
   - Presence of blood or mucus in the stool.
   - Very watery or explosive diarrhea that soaks through diapers.
   - Fever or lethargy.

2. **Dehydration**:
   - Signs include fewer wet diapers (less than six per day), dry mouth, or sunken soft spot on the head.

### Steps to Help and When to Seek Medical Advice:

1. **Feeding Techniques**:
   - Ensure proper latch and feeding techniques to reduce air swallowing during breastfeeding.
   - Burp your baby frequently during and after feeds to help release trapped air.

2. **Gentle Tummy Massage**:
   - Gently massaging your baby's tummy in a clockwise direction can help move gas through the intestines.

3. **Bicycle Legs**:
   - Moving your baby's legs in a bicycling motion can help relieve gas.

4. **Warm Bath**:
   - A warm bath can relax your baby's muscles and help with gas discomfort.

5. **Check for Food Sensitivities**:
   - If you are breastfeeding, consider if something in your diet could be affecting your baby. Common culprits include dairy, caffeine, and certain vegetables.
   - Consult with your pediatrician before making any dietary changes.

### When to Call the Pediatrician:

- **Persistent or Severe Symptoms**: If your baby has persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or is not gaining weight properly.
- **Blood in Stool**: Presence of blood or significant mucus in the stool.
- **Signs of Dehydration**: Fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, or sunken soft spot.
- **Excessive Fussiness**: If your baby seems to be in significant pain or is inconsolably crying.

### Monitoring and Professional Advice:

- **Track Symptoms**: Keep a log of your baby's bowel movements, feeding times, and any other symptoms to discuss with your pediatrician.
- **Regular Check-ups**: Ensure regular pediatric check-ups to monitor your baby's growth and development.

Newborns often have frequent and varied bowel movements, but if you have any concerns about your baby's health, it's always best to consult with your pediatrician to ensure everything is normal and to get personalized advice.