Breastfed Baby Hasn't Passed Motion for Days — Is It Normal? When to Worry

Dr. Sandip Gupta

A mother came with the problem that her baby had not passed motion for 6 days. This video explains why this happens and what to do. Why it happens: In newborn babies and babies under 6 months who are on mother's milk, potty often does not form in large amounts, and they may not pass motion for four to five days, sometimes even six days. There is no need to panic, because breast milk gets fully absorbed, so many times there is simply no stool formed to pass. When not to worry: If the baby's stomach is soft, the baby is feeding well, the stomach is not bloated, the baby is active, playing and not distressed, there is no need to panic. The baby will pass soft stool on their own after a few days. What you can do: Two things — colic massage in a round, clockwise direction all around the navel; and pawanmuktasana-style movement, moving the baby's legs up and down in a cycling motion. This brings the motion downward and makes passing it easier. When to see a doctor: If the baby has not passed motion and is vomiting repeatedly, the stomach is bloated, the baby is not drinking milk, or the baby has not passed motion for more than 7 days — definitely show the child to a doctor. Relevant for: parents of newborns and babies under 6 months who have not passed stool for several days; breastfeeding mothers worried about constipation in their baby; parents asking how many days without motion is normal for a breastfed baby; parents looking for colic massage and leg cycling techniques to help the baby pass motion; and parents wanting to know the warning signs — vomiting, bloated stomach, refusing feeds, or more than 7 days without motion. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your pediatrician if your baby is vomiting, has a bloated or hard stomach, is refusing feeds, or has not passed motion for more than 7 days.