Is It Normal for Newborns to Have a Bowel Movement Every 5 or 7 Days?

Question

After a newborn’s first month, they have started having bowel movements every 5 or 7 days. Is this frequency of defecation normal?

Answer

In breastfed babies, it’s not uncommon to observe intervals of bowel movements every 5 or 7 days, even longer, but the stools are typically yellow and soft, without any signs of difficulty in defecation. The baby should also be drinking well and growing normally. This condition is often referred to as “storing belly,” which is due to the underdevelopment of the infant’s anal sphincter and the immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract. It may also be related to the full digestion and absorption of breast milk. If the baby is not uncomfortable, no special treatment is usually needed. However, if the intervals are too long and affect the baby’s milk intake and sleep stability, you can try abdominal clockwise massage.