Foamy poo in newborn - help!

[supergolden88]

As if the terrible nappy rash was not enough I am now experiencing another issue with him - explosive foamy poo for past 4 days. He is also very gassy and uncomfortable at night. Been reading up on it and it seems I have an oversupply issue with baby getting too much foremilk and therefore lactose than he can cope with. My breasts will sometimes fill up while he is latched on even though they were fairly empty when he started nursing.

Have not slept at all well last night as he was up feeding/unable to settle from 2.45 to 4am and again up at 6am so feeling overemotional and feel like am failing him.

Have read up on strategies to solve issue but would need some support from others that may have experienced this. If you know of any breastfeeding experts I could turn to. With my daughter I had overacting let down but she never had the poo problem.

Pls excuse spelling in post as typing on iPod in bed and auto correct can do funny things

Have read up on what I should do but need support from anyone who has experienced this.

[GinaG3]

Please don't think your failing your baby. Your doing the best you can for him. The whole journey is a massive obstacle. Your doing great.

Anyway, I have no personal experience with this issue as such but deal with a variety of problems with breastfeeding mothers and babies via working in Southwarks breastfeeding cafes. Foamy poo can be normal in breastfed babies, so try not to worry yourself too much. Are you feeding one side per feed or do you offer both breasts? Is the poo still in the 'yellow stage'?

Information around the net can be misleading and make you worry even more. I would only take advice from trusted breastfeeding sources such as the Le Leche League website.

Would love to help as best I can.. PM me if you wish.

[supergolden88]

The info I have is from LLL - and it describes the problem exactly

http://www.llli.org/FAQ/foremilk.html

I am trying to do the block feeding (feeding from one side for a few feeds before switching) to see if it has any effect. The poos are yellow but very foamy/explosive and almost with every nappy. His nappy rash is not improving much as a result despite frequent changes, application of antifungal/metanium etc.

Having said all that he is fairly content and seems to be gaining weight. The nappy rash is making him uncomfortable as is the excess gas mostly at nightime. He is very unsettled today which is unusual - he normally has at least one or two long good naps during the day.

[GinaG3]

Continue with block feeding, it could be a few days before you notice a difference. I should think your son is having such nappies due to fore/hind milk imbalance as mentioned before. Have you tried to express before feeding to reduce the amount of foremilk. How long does your baby feed for on one side? Are you having any problems with engorgement? If so, as you probably know with over supply, pumping is your other best friend.

If your worried and its still the same in a few days maybe try to see GP. Dulwich breastfeeding cafe is also open tomorrow 10-12 at Townley road clinic. We will be happy to chat with you further.

[KateW]

My little girl is 3 weeks and 2 days old today and has been so unsettled all day. Midwife came earlier and said little 'un is having a growth spurt which is perfectly normal at 3 weeks and her unsettled-ness is due to this. She had been fine up until today so the midwife told me to just feed when she's hungry and give her lots of cuddles. I've spent the afternoon with her asleep on my chest and I feel better for having done that. I freaked out at first as I'm doing the 4 hour feed routine and thought this would just throw it off course but I'm learning to try and know when to be more flexible and just go with her needs. I'm anticipating a restless night but midwife assures me that this will pass after the growth spurt. Hang in there.