Hi,
Our beautiful baby Ben has been breast fed since birth , 10 days ago , but has not had a dirty nappy in 4 days. We have been told to wait another few days but would like to ask if there has been any others who experienced similar circumstances.

Many many thanks

Hi and welcome to downsyn!! I have not experienced this but I am very surprised you have been told to wait another few days. If I were you I would be questioning this with the doctors as it is not normal.

Is Ben showing any discomfort? Keep in mind that some babies with DS, mine included, have a high tolerance for pain and discomfort so a problem can become quite severe before they show symptoms. Also some doctors can be a bit offhand about medical issues with babies with DS and you may have to be assertive.

Let us know how you go and we would love to see some pics of Ben.

WHELL!!! Congratulations on the birth of Ben, and welcome to Downsyn!!!

Now, for that constipation. You tell your pediatrician you want a referral to a pediatric gastroenterologist NOW. (commonly referred to as a Ped. G.I.) Babies with DS have a high incidence of something called Hirchsprungs Disease, and it can be a very serious thing. Or, he could just be constipated. But it's something that a SPECIALIST (as apposed to your regular pediatrician) needs to sort out.

Keep us posted! And, HELLO! We LOVE pictures!

It's hard to know if it's something to worry about. In 10 days you can't know what's normal for him - he's hasn't been born long enough! CONGRATULATIONS on your new little man!!!

There could be many reasons why he's not pooing. Some just don't - one girl I knew only pooed once a week!!! It may be that your little man just isn't taking in enough food. I breastfed Matt from the start, and although I thought he was eating enough, and that his suck was good - it obviously wasn't as he was losing weight.

Like others have said, our kids don't always tell us if they're in pain, or if they're hungry, so it's difficult to know if something's wrong. Is his belly distended or 'hard'? If it feels soft, then it's probably not a problem.

However, like Leah said, I would have it checked out sooner rather than later - if only to check that he's gaining weight and that. Hope everything is OK - but it's better to be safe than sorry.

And when the worry is over, post some photos of your gorgeous little boy!!!

Hello there again,

May I first of all thank you for the lovely kind words. It's great to know there is a forum here to "chat" with !

I'm glad to report that little Ben had a wee poo a few hours ago (Hurraaaaay )

I wasn't an explosion but it was good enough to placate us!

We'll be keeping a very close eye on things over the next few days and will happily report our progress.... We have to see the consultant next Tuesday to discuss the xray and blood tests and then arrange an echo test following the ECG to see if there are any heart problems afoot.

I'll sort out a photo when our little man wakes up!

Thanks

Ben and family, welcome to Down syn. Glad to read that Ben had a BM even if it was small. Many of our babies have experienced constipation issues. As Leah said, you definitely should visit with a specialist. My son is 14 months and he is doing great. As a baby he had some constipation issues, we would give him some dark Karo syrup in his bottle - one or two table spoons which really helped move things along. I know some parents also add a bit of prune juice or prune baby food to the bottle. I know Ben is only 10 days old - so not sure if these remedy ideas should be used at that age. Best wishes to you and congratulations on Ben's arrival!

Gianna and one of my other children only pooed once every 4-5 days. Both were breast-fed. Boy did you have to hope you were home when the poo finally came because it would be everywhere!!

It is actually common for breast fed babies to NOT poop daily. If you are concerned with constipation, keep an eye on how Ben acts when pooping, like if he is in pain, and the consistancy. If the poop is on the soft side and they don't look like they are straining, it's probably just do to being breast fed. And when all else fails and you would like a professional opinion, call your Ped and/or a lactation consultant!

OH.. and WELCOME!!!!!

A.

I just have agree with the moms that mentioned breast-fed babies don't poop as often as bottle fed babes. All three of my children would go 4 or 5 days when they were breast fed, maybe even more, i can't remember. Obviously, keep your eyes out for discomfort though - pulling up his knees, etc. And Congratulations on your new baby!!!!!!!!!

This happened to my little guy, too. If he is having lots of wet diapers and does not appear to be uncomfortable, it does not sound all that worrisome to me. I was told that Hirschsprungs was not very likely since he had previously had bowel movements in his first few days of life. Breastfed babies do not always have as many bowel movements as bottle-fed babies. Though again, can't hurt to talk to your pediatrician.

Hello Again,

Thanks again for the welcome!

It's great to hear I'm not the only one.

We will be seeing our consultant on Tuesday and we're happy to wait until then. He has loads of very wet nappies and doesn't seem to be in any discomfort whatsoever. He sleeps so much that if he was in pain , he'd be letting us know!

Here's a photo of our two little men!..... hope the photo works...

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Hi Again,

We saw the consultant yesterday and he said all was OK. Breastfed babies can go days without a dirty nappy. He has lost weight which we need to keep an eye on... Next is the Echo test...

Thanks