Question
Newborns who are exclusively breastfed often experience diarrhea, with weight gain of less than a pound per month, but their height increases. They have bowel movements seven to eight times a day, with watery green stools, no mucus, but with yellow milk curds. How should one adjust the breast milk to improve this situation?
Answer
Newborns have limited digestive abilities, and if they consume food beyond their tolerance level, it may lead to diarrhea. Some nutrients in breast milk (especially fats) may exceed the baby’s needs, causing so-called “physiological diarrhea.” If the baby only has an increased number of bowel movements, maintains good appetite, does not vomit, and there is no impact on growth and development, then it is not due to illness. As solid foods are gradually introduced, bowel movements will normalize. There is no need for the mother to be overly concerned; this condition usually improves naturally after the introduction of complementary foods.