Grunting and straining to poop

BackseatDriver

How long does this phase typically last? Anyone remember?

misslizzy82

I thought you were talking about yourself too... haha. 

bigbobdole

Our pediatrician said it's normal. He said something about the baby having no stomach muscles so he has to push with his chest. He said as long as the baby isn't crying and he is passing gas and poops not to worry.

BackseatDriver

Haha yes I was taking about newborns. I know it is normal, just wondering when it generally passes. I hate the long grunting sessions MOTN.

bigbobdole

Ladies, you shouldn't be grunting and straining. You gonna get the roids!lol

2eclecticbeings

For baby if ur using formula try a good probiotic and coconut oil, straining to rid poop isnt normal but drs arent taught wellness. If ur breastfeading give a little coconut oil to baby 2-3 times a day and you eat all the leafy green and raw vegetables you can and alkaline water works miracles as well

MusicFanatic

Zoe is 2 months and still totally grunts while pushing.  Her doctor said it's because she hasn't learned how to properly push yet? Which is normal for babies. Something about relaxing their pelvic floors and abdominal pressure at same time while pooping, they don't grasp it right away. I just nodded and agreed, I'm not exactly sure WTF he meant.  But he said it was normal.

robsbabygirl08

Put their knees to their chest when they start grunting, it will help move things out.

BackseatDriver

I'm just waiting until she is big enough for the "poop chair" aka a reclining high chair seat.

Mrs_Bennett

robsbabygirl08 said:

Put their knees to their chest when they start grunting, it will help move things out.

This. Or you can do "bicycle legs" and tummy time to help things move along.


If you all think this is stressful, just wait until they stop pooping! Hah. Fyi, for breastfed babies, it's totally normal (and healthy) to go up to two weeks without poop when they're a little older. They use up everything that they're taking in, so there isn't anything left to expel.

4littlebears

My kids will sometimes poop while I'm changing them. Lifting their legs and wiping their anus can sometimes stimulate it to move. Gross... I just typed anus... And now I'm 8yo again... Giggle Giggle

AggieMom0809

If it's EBF, it depends on your diet. If it's formula, the phase tends to last longer. Getting their bodies moving will help a lot. The phase goes away on it's own at about 3m when they start trying to roll over on their own which includes activating their core muscles.