Mum’s Journey: Poos, Baby Massage, Dairy Intolerance, Feeding Patterns and More, Part 1

Katie

How are things going? How’s her poos now?

Lisa

Sophie’s poos are “shocking!” I’m finding that Sophie is “biting” and “chewing” at my nipple. It feels like she is trying to “rip it off” in the run-up to having a poo!

Katie

Oh my goodness… that does not sounds good! What do you do when Sophie acts like this on your nipple? Have you found anything which helps?

Lisa

I normally take Sophie off the breast and give her a dummy or a bottle of expressed breast milk.

I find that the bottle of expressed breast milk helps best to “move the poo through” and settle Sophie down.

Katie

It sounds like a good idea to take her off the breast at times like these. That said, it doesn’t solve the problem as to why she is doing this… Hmmm I’m trying to think about what is going on here? What are Sophie’s poos like now, in terms of consistency?

Lisa

Now the poo is “sludgy, yellow and seedy with no froth”

Katie

Sounds normal. Have you been doing any baby massage with Sophie?

Lisa

Yes I have… and my sister who’s an osteopath has given her a few treatments.

Katie

That’s great. Are you giving her regular massages on her tummy and legs? Do you know a good massage routine and when it is best to use massage with babies?

Lisa

I’m massaging daily but mostly cycling her legs and rubbing her tummy. I can ask my sister to show me a routine.

Katie

That would be good.

A baby massage should be done in a calming environment - warm, nice music, nice warm oil, etc. Babies need to be in a quiet but alert state to enjoy a massage. So, never give it to them if they are asleep or upset.

Try and do some regular practice for 10 minutes each morning and night. Try relaxing gentle stroking massage on her legs and tummy. Ask your sister to show you a good routine or check out a baby massage course near you.

The only other thing I’m thinking about in regards to difficult pooing still, is the dairy in your diet. I know we touched on this topic a while back but didn’t think it was relevant.

I’m still not convinced as you’ve told me Sophie is otherwise settled apart from around poo time. Is this still true?

Lisa

Yes Sophie is mostly settled now. She is windy a lot… well farty. She’s always farting. But she is not distressed by them.

I’ve actually been cutting back on my dairy and noticed that, when I increase it again, she becomes more upset. I’m drinking lactose free milk and have reduced my yoghurt intake. It’s awful having to give up yogurt as it’s my favourite, but it’s only temporary!

Katie

Hmm… well I can tell you that a frequently farting breastfed baby is very normal! Better out than in! Ha ha!

It doesn’t mean she has a problem. But the fact that you are noticing a difference with a reduced dairy intake may be a sign that you do need to restrict dairy in your diet. I’m sorry!

If you’re happy to try that alongside the regular baby massage then give it a go for a few weeks and we’ll see if that makes a difference.

Lisa

Sounds like a plan. I’m happy with my lactose-free milk… for now… and I’ll cope without yogurt for a bit! Ha Ha!

Check out the rest of our Skype conversation part two on our blog, where we chat about feeding patterns, routines and sleep cycles.

Do you have any stories about poo, baby massage, dairy intolerance or feeding patterns that you would like to share? Let’s chat and support each other here or on the Medela Australia Facebook page!