Question
My newborn has diarrhea with yellowish stools and a lot of water, a sour smell, and frequent bowel movements. However, the stool test did not show any white blood cells, red blood cells, or fat globules. There are milk residues, and sometimes only yellow water. Can I use Baby One Patch for this? Additionally, the baby sometimes vomits milk, especially when picked up after waking up, and it appears like curdled milk. Is this related to diarrhea? The baby has been breastfed all along, so what dietary precautions should the mother take?
Answer
Newborn diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal symptom. At this stage, children are going through a dietary transition period and are more prone to diarrhea. Possible causes include the transition from exclusive breastfeeding to mixed feeding, the introduction of complementary foods, or the start of weaning due to the mother returning to work. These changes may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and adjustment, resulting in physiological diarrhea. The characteristics of physiological diarrhea include: bowel movements not exceeding 8 times a day, with each movement containing little quantity; although loose, the water content is not high; stools without a peculiar smell, may have green stools and milk residues; the baby is in good spirits, drinks milk normally, does not have a fever, and there is no abdominal distension or pain. If it is physiological diarrhea, medication is not needed, especially antibiotics, as they may cause gastrointestinal flora imbalance and trigger diseases. For physiological diarrhea, it is recommended to reduce the amount of formula milk or complementary foods based on the situation or temporarily stop introducing complementary foods. Sometimes, the use of cod liver oil may also cause physiological diarrhea, in which case it also needs to be discontinued.