Pooping - Cerritos,CA

It could be the brand of formula... you could try just breast milk, or try switching brands. From my experience and what I've heard a lot of other moms say, Similac is often constipating. I switched to Good Start and eventually to generic (which is just as good as brand name) and had no problems, while even a tiny bit of similac would plug her up and make her miserable. But also at this age they tend to have problems in general with digestion- sometimes it may seem like they're constipated, but actually he's trying to poop and holding it in at the same time, causing the strain. Anyway, if switching doesn't work, talk to your pediatrician.

Here's some links for you:
http://www.drgreene.com/21_118.html
http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/breastfeed_of...
http://family.go.com/parentpedia/baby/care-basics/baby-bo...

The frequency at which a newborn poops, varies.

Keep in mind, that a baby's internal organs are still developing as well...it takes much of their first year and then some, to fully develop. So, they are adjusting to a lot of things.

Sometimes, something the Mom is eating can also affect the breastmilk, and cause upsets in the baby's system.

Is he having gas problems? This can cause crying too. Or is it constipation? Or perhaps he will poop, but not yet.

Do you know FOR SURE that he is crying because he has not pooped? A newborn cries... sometimes for no reason, as they have a lot to adjust to in this world. Sometimes they cry because they are hungry. A newborn and baby should be fed/nursed on demand. This can range from every hour, to 2 or 3 hours. But being that he is only 3 weeks old, I would not go that long without a feeding, day or night.

Also, you may want to make sure that your milk flow is producing enough milk? Sometimes this can cause them to cry, because they may not be getting enough intake.

If you are using formula in conjunction with breastmilk... make sure this is okay with your Pediatrician. Also, if you are "replacing" a breastfeeding with formula...this CAN affect your milk production and lessen it possibly.

Instead, if using formula...many times, it is given after a breastfeeding...as a supplement. That way, it won't interfere as much with your breastmilk production. Is it possible for you to just do exclusive breastfeeding?

Maybe your little guy wants to nurse and breastfeed, versus a bottle. Although little, they can have preferences already. It's their survival instinct.

Well sorry for rambling... just some thoughts. A newborn crying can be due to many reasons. See what your Pediatrician recommends.

Is he having enough wet diapers as well?Sometimes, if they are not intaking enough, they will not have as much wet diapers.

I'm sure he will poop... and it might be a huge one! But check with your pediatrician. If he is growing and gaining weight appropriately... then he's probably getting enough intake and nutrients.

Sometimes, bicycling their legs, and gently massaging their tummy in a circular manner can help.

I wish you the best, sorry I rambled, just some spur of the moment ideas.
Take care,
~Susan

You should probably switch to a low iron formula if possible. Iron tends to back up the bowels but he still needs it. Since you are nursing and should be taking your prenatals, you should be providing a good amount of iron on your own. I will say that at this age the poops don't always happen daily but if he has stomach upset I would switch to low iron. Hope that helps.

I would try flushing out his system with just breast milk for a while, since the formula can stop him up. Give it 2 days or so without supplementing if possible, it's ok if he doesn't get enough right away, just nurse him as often as he cries for as long as he wants and your breastmilk supply will increase pretty quickly especially if he's only 3 weeks old. Also try massaging his feet, there are pressure points in the foot that correspond with the digestive track. Everytime my baby went without pooping for a day I would massage his feet, even before he would complain, within 15-30 minutes he would poop, and if it had been more than a day and a half it would kinda explode, so be ready :) My best friend had a baby 7 weeks after I did and she was telling me her baby hadn't pooped in 2 days, so I massaged her feet and sure enough, 10 minutes later she pooped, good luck. Did you ever think you'd be hoping for a poopy diaper? The joys of motherhood! LOL

My daughter had trouble pooping when I breast fed her. It's quite normal for a breast fed baby to go days without pooping. I think mine went about five days and I called the doctor and it's normal

Hi Stef:
My Grandson, had a terrible time,He became so constipated, that the Dr ordered his mother to put him on a formula, without any Iron. The Iron,in some of the formulas is to much for their digestive system.You may want to stop the formula all together or if you must, get a brand with LOW or NO Iron.just till your baby has more time to develop. The very best to you and your new baby Stef.I'd call the Dr anyway, and see what he suggest,for the baby's constipation.That can be quite painful.