Green Poo and Possible Constipation?

In the last week, the babies have gone to 100% formula because I just could not keep up the pumping schedule. I had switched to Enfamil Gentlease because my little guy is very gassy and fussy....That's when both of their poops turned green, pastier, and he got even FUSSIER...so I went back to the Similac...His poops are getting back to yellow, but hers are still green and really stinky...his are more soft again, but hers is kinda pasty.

I've read online that green poop can be normal for 100% formula fed babies. I'm a little concerned about the pasty part though...she just got done and actually cried while she pooped this time, leading me to believe it's definitely NOT comfortable. I've read online that a teaspoon of Karo syrup in the formula can help clear up the constipation...has anyone done this? My little ones will be 6 weeks Friday, and I just wonder if they're too little....

Any input would be appreciated, thanks!!!!!

 

I would call your pedi & see what they recommend. It's not a great idea to just switch back & forth, it should be done gradually over a week or so. I would find out what pedi says & then do it slowly, it may be the cause of all the troubles.
Good luck!

 

Definitely talk to your pedi. We've been giving prune juice diluted in warm water, about 1oz and 1 oz since about 5 or 6 weeks. It's been a great help.

 

Green poop is normal. I looked this up as well when I started 100% formula feeding, and I recall it's from the iron in the formula. Pasty is also normal. Breast milk poops are runnier, and more frequent. On formula, they will be pastier, and they may only poop once a day. There will also be a transition period as their digestive systems get used to just formula and no breast milk. They may go for a few days without pooping, and that's normal. I wouldn't mess with karo syrup or juice just yet. Give her system time to work it out. If it's been over a week, then call the ped.

 

Mine are exclusively breast fed, but my DS has green poop frequently, and the pedi said it was ok, as long as it wasn't mucusy....hope this helps.

 

JessicaD (or anyone else with wise input),
Just a quick question, how did the Enfamil Gentlease work out? It sounds not do good. DId your pedi recommend it? Just wondering, because my twin girls seem very uncomfortable during and after their feedings. Currently they are eating Similac Advance with Iron. I was wondering if I should switch.

Thanks,
Jen

 

I eventually had to switch to 100% formula because I couldn't keep up with pumping, either! You little one sounds like my James. I've got him on Gentlease (pedi. suggested it) and his poo is often very stinky and green and is always pastey. I've called the doctor's office a million times about it and they keep telling me that unless his poop is hard or bloody, I shouldn't worry about it.

He also used to cry when he'd pass gas or poop. Thankfully, I think he's outgrown it because only the smell tells me he's got a dirty diaper!! :laughing:
I've read some books that suggest preemies often have immature digestive systems and I think that might have been his problem.

I'd definitely call your doctor, though. Good luck!

 

Oh! And...our doctor suggested we put a little dark Karo syrup in his bottles for a few days to loosen his stools a bit.