Green baby poopWhat does it indicate? Should we be worried?
One of the best indicators that can alert mothers to their newborn’s health is paying attention to the color of their poop, as each color has different causes. In this section ofPregnancyand newbornsSelMagzwe will introduce you to the reasons for green poop in newborns.
Important facts about the color of baby poop
What color is a newborn’s first poop?
A newborn’s first poop is dark greenish-black and sticky, known as meconium, which consists of amniotic fluid, mucus, skin cells, and other materials ingested during pregnancy. This poop has no strong odor, and its green color is due to bile pigments.
As a few days pass after the baby’s birth, their poop becomes lighter and turns a brighter green, with less stickiness. This color change indicates good functioning of the intestines, stomach, and milk digestion.
What color is natural baby poop?
If a baby is breastfed, their poop is soft and mustard yellow with a sour (acidic) smell, and it remains so as long as they are only fed breast milk. A formula-fed babywho consumes formulahas lighter yellow poop that is firm, somewhat alkaline or neutral, and has a strong odor.
Frequency of poop in newborns
4 to 7 bowel movements per day in breastfed infants is normal and not a cause for concern, while babies on formula typically have fewer bowel movements.
Causes of green baby poop
The reason for green baby poop in the first 6 weeks after birth
In the first six weeks of life, a baby’s poop is light green with firm, soap-like pieces, which is normal. These pieces are white with a yellow orbrowncolor that is commonly seen in most babies’ poop and relates to casein clots.
Is green baby poop a signof a cold?In the first six weeks after birth, the poop may appear light green, which is normal and contrary to some beliefs, the baby does not have a cold.
Reasons for dark green baby poop
If your baby’s poop is dark green, it could be due to iron-fortified formula, or if your baby is breastfed and you provide iron supplements, the poop may turn dark green. This situation isn’t concerning as long as the baby’s appetite remains good. However, if your baby becomes uninterested in feeding and the poop turns green, consult a doctor.
Reasons for light green baby poop
When breast milk is very watery and sweeter, and the baby consumes this type of milk much more than the thicker and richer milk, their poop becomes light green. This is not a cause for concern and occurs during transitional breastfeeding. To improve this, the mother should nurse from both breasts.
Another important reason for green baby poop
The green color of your baby’s poop can be caused by their fast bowel movement, which doesn’t allow the bile pigments to change color in the intestines. Breastfeeding mothers should also limit gas-producing foods as they affect breast milk, and the substances in those foods can transfer to the baby through breast milk.
Note:
If your baby’s poop is greenish and has shiny, slimy streaks, it may indicate mucus in the poop, which is a sign of infection or
allergyand if it lasts more than two days, you should see a doctor.Diaper
