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My 4days old son is passing watery stool
My 4 days old son is passing watery stool after every feed
I am feeding him formula milk as due to C section , I am still waiting for my lactation
He is trying to pass gass but ending up passing stool
Answers (13)
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Dr Faisal Zoheb
MBBS , MD PAEDIATRICS , PGPN (BOSTON), FELLOWSHIP IN NEONATOLOGY ( Newborn and vaccination specialist )
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It's normal for Neonates to pass stool after each feed.. But you need to monitor vitals and hydration status.
Next Steps
start breast feeding as early as possible,
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Greetings. It's normal during to gastrocolic reflux
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Consult with Pediatrician physically for further evaluation and treatment
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Passing stools after feed is common in infants. Make sure you mix the proportion of milk as per instructions. If baby is active taking feeds well, having adequate wet diapers sleeping well you need not worry. If the number of stools is increased and you find it concerning you can consult your paediatrician. Passing about 5-6 stools or they can even go without passing stools for 4-5 days also.
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Mr. Bhalala lalji narshibhai
Pediatrician
8 yrs exp
Ahmedabad
Dear mother, at 4 days of life passing stool after every feed can be normal transitional stool, but watery stools every time needs evaluation.
Newborns normally pass frequent stools - often 6-8 times per day, especially when trying to pass gas. After C-section, lactation may take 3-5 days to establish, so formula is understandable.
However watery stools after every feed in a 4-day-old newborn can quickly lead to dehydration and may indicate formula intolerance, incorrect dilution, infection or normal transitional stools. At this age baby is very vulnerable. The description of trying to pass gas but passing stool suggests immature gut control which is common, but watery nature needs to be checked.
Please do not try any home remedies or medicines for loose stools at this age on your own.
Next Steps
1. Please contact your pediatrician / visit hospital today itself for examination - baby needs to be checked for weight loss, dehydration, urine output and feeding technique.
2. Monitor urine output - baby should pass urine at least 5-6 times per day, check for dry mouth, sunken eyes, lethargy.
3. Continue exclusive breastfeeding attempts - put baby to breast frequently, skin-to-skin contact helps lactation. Take help from lactation counselor if available.
4. If giving formula, prepare exactly as per pack instructions with sterilized bottle, do not dilute extra.
5. If baby has fever, blood in stool, poor feeding, less urine, excessive crying or lethargy, go to emergency immediately.
Health Tips
Maintain hand hygiene and sterilize feeding bottles. Feed in upright position and burp after feeds. Do not give honey, water, gripe water or any over-the-counter medicine to 4-day-old baby without doctor's advice. Keep baby warm. Mother should take adequate fluids, rest and nutrition to support lactation
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Dr. Jay Gajjar
Pediatrician
8 yrs exp
Surat
It’s normal
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Dr. Tangade Vishal Bhanudas
Pediatrician
4 yrs exp
Pune
Visit physically to nearby pediatrician.
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Dr. Venkatesh Badugu
Pediatrician
9 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Don't worry, this is called Gastricolic reflex
In first month all the newborn babies will face this issue
It's totally normal
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Dr. Himanshu Singh
Pediatrician
7 yrs exp
Bharatpur
It's normal for a neonate, it's a normal phenomenon for a neonate
Passing stool once in a day or 9-10 times in a day is normal .
Always check if loose stools persists ,check for dehydration by measuring the urine output.
If normal urine output , then no need to worry.
Next Steps
Advise for breastfeeding or formula feed by mixing 1 scoop of milk powder to 30 ml of normal leukewarm water
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Dr. Jyothi
Pediatrician
4 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Passing stools after each feed can be normal.
Make sure the dilution is properly done
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Dr. Varsha K V
Pediatrician
1 yrs exp
Thrissur
Passing stools after every feed is normal in newborns due to gastrocolic reflex. If baby is active, feeding well and no other issues, then not to worry.
Also recheck if you’re diluting formula feeds in proper dilution - 30ml lukewarm water for one scoop.
Hygiene should be maintained while diluting.
Health Tips
In case of any blood in stools or color change, fever or decreased activity please visit a paediatrician immediately.
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Dr. Ankita Gahlot
Obstetrician
12 yrs exp
Bangalore
Passing stool after almost every feed is very normal in the first week, especially on formula, thanks to a strong gut reflex newborns have. Straining and grunting before he goes is also common at this age, since his tummy muscles aren't yet coordinated with his bowel, and it usually settles over the next few weeks on its own.
Next Steps
Keep track that he still has plenty of wet diapers through the day and is feeding and settling well between feeds. Small, frequent formula feeds are fine until your own milk comes in.
Health Tips
Please see your pediatrician the same day if the stool turns watery with blood or mucus, he gets a fever, vomits repeatedly, or seems unusually sleepy and hard to wake.
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