Learning to Poop

My Newborn Experience

Did you know that babies need to learn how to poop? I didn't! I know it's not technically poop when they're first born - it's meconium - but they're able to poop just fine the first few days (at least mine was). Then all of a sudden, two weeks later, I'm changing out fewer poopy diapers and wondering what is going on - my baby hasn't pooped in two whole days! Is this normal? Well, she doesn't seem painful, she isn't crying excessively. Sometimes she cries inconsolably for a few minutes, but then settles, eats, and is back to sleep. I can tell when she's trying to poop, with her grunting, movements, and adorable facial expressions. But what do you do to help your poor newborn evacuate her bowels and eliminate the discomfort?

Bicycle kicks, belly rubs, and laying her facedown across your thighs while patting her back.

Bicycle Kicks - while baby is on her back, hold her tiny feet and guide her legs in a circular fashion, as if she's riding a bike. My baby tenses her legs up and locks them straight sometimes. No worries - I just move them when I can and sometimes it ends up being straight-leg kicks because she won't bend her knees. That's ok that she's jammed a gear; once she's more mobile and less tense, you can start doing bicycle kicks again. Just don't force her body to do any movement, wait for her to relax her muscles so you can move her legs fluidly.

Belly Rubs - with a little bit of gentle pressure, rub her belly in a clockwise fashion. Start on the bottom left side, go up to her ribs, across her upper belly, and down the right side in a sort of upside-down U shape. This is the direction her intestines move food in, so it should help get things moving in the right direction. I like to do this when she's kicking on her own - she does her own bicycle kicks while I rub her belly.

Lie Baby on Belly Across Your Thighs - if she's very fussy and uncomfortable, try laying her on her belly across your thighs as you sit, then pat her back. This will put pressure on her belly and hopefully ease the discomfort. Patting her on the back can help get the gasses flowing. This is also a good exercise for her head and core because she'll likely try to lift her head up (like Tummy Time, but on your lap).

Using Gripe Water may also help with the discomfort of gas buildup, however consult with your doctor before using it, as it may cause constipation or make constipation worse for your baby.

Hopefully these things will help your baby in their time of need. Be patient with them, as they don't even know how to poop yet. If you have concerns or if it's been a few days with no pooping, consult with your doctor.