Concerns About Diarrhea in a Nearly Four-Month-Old Breastfed Baby

Q: Concerns About Diarrhea in a Nearly Four-Month-Old Breastfed Baby

Hello： Recently, as temperatures have risen, there has been an increase in cases of gastroenteritis. <br>If there are blood streaks in the stool, it may indicate an infection, and it would be advisable to go to the hospital for a stool test to check for Salmonella infection. <br>

Diarrhea in a nearly four-month-old infant?

My baby is almost four months old, and it seems like he has diarrhea these past few days! He is exclusively breastfed, so his stools are usually quite loose.
However, recently, he has been having a bowel movement every time after feeding—three times within two hours today.
The last stool was green and had some mucus along with a little bit of blood.
I'm wondering if this could be due to the frozen breast milk, as I started thawing some and mixing it in.
Should I take him to the doctor immediately? He doesn't have a fever and seems to be active, and his milk intake hasn't decreased.
Should I observe him for a few more days? Thank you, doctor.

Xuan Ma, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/02

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics

Hello: Recently, as temperatures have risen, there has been an increase in cases of gastroenteritis.
If there are blood streaks in the stool, it may indicate an infection, and it would be advisable to go to the hospital for a stool test to check for Salmonella infection.
Please continue to breastfeed with confidence, but ensure that feeding utensils and bottles are thoroughly sanitized.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Pei Ren-Sheng, Director of Pediatrics, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/04/02

More Info

When it comes to concerns about diarrhea in a nearly four-month-old exclusively breastfed baby, there are several factors to consider. First, it’s important to understand that breastfed infants typically have softer stools compared to formula-fed babies. This is due to the composition of breast milk, which is designed to be easily digestible. However, any significant changes in stool consistency, frequency, or the presence of blood or mucus can be concerning.

In your case, you mentioned that your baby has had three bowel movements within two hours, with the last one showing green mucus and a bit of blood. While it’s not uncommon for breastfed babies to have variations in their stool, the presence of blood and mucus is a red flag. It could indicate an underlying issue, such as an infection or an allergic reaction to something in the mother’s diet or the breast milk itself.

You also mentioned that you recently started to thaw some frozen breast milk for feeding. While frozen breast milk is generally safe to use, it’s crucial to ensure that it has been properly stored and thawed. If the milk was thawed in the refrigerator and used within 24 hours, it should be fine. However, if it was thawed and then left out at room temperature for too long, or if it was refrozen after thawing, it could lead to bacterial growth, which might contribute to gastrointestinal upset in your baby.

Given that your baby is showing signs of diarrhea and there is blood in the stool, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician as soon as possible. Even though your baby does not have a fever and is otherwise active and feeding well, the presence of blood in the stool warrants immediate medical attention. A healthcare professional can perform a thorough examination and may recommend tests to determine the cause of the diarrhea.

In the meantime, continue to monitor your baby’s hydration status. Look for signs of dehydration, such as decreased urine output, dry mouth, or lethargy. Breastfeeding should continue, as breast milk provides essential nutrients and hydration. If your baby shows any signs of distress or if the diarrhea worsens, do not hesitate to seek medical care.

In summary, while breastfed infants can have varying stool patterns, the presence of blood and mucus in the stool is concerning and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to the health of your baby.

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