Is It Normal for Newborns to Have Frequent Bowel Movements?

Question

A female baby was born on July 26th. She has been having frequent bowel movements almost after every feeding, with intervals of about 1 to 2 hours. The stool is yellowish but loose in texture. Is this situation normal? If not, what might be the cause, and how should it be handled?

Answer

Newborns typically begin to pass meconium within ten hours after birth, which is usually dark green or blackish in color, thick, and has no odor, resembling asphalt used in road construction. The composition of meconium includes bile, intestinal secretions, desquamated epithelial cells, and amniotic fluid and fetal hair that the newborn ingested in the womb. Generally, meconium is passed within two to three days after birth, about 3 to 5 times a day. If meconium has not been passed within 24 hours after birth, it should be suspected that there may be congenital malformations of the digestive tract causing bowel obstruction, and medical attention should be sought promptly.