How can I manage diarrhea for my 4-month-old daughter?

Question

Hello doctor,

My daughter is 4 months old now. She is on breastfeeding only. She used to defecate once or twice daily. Sometimes she defecated once in two to three days. Recently she has started defecating four to eight times a day (generally very small amount though) and her feces have become more liquid. We went to a doctor who suggested some probiotics and told not to worry. She is otherwise healthy and shows no symptoms of any illness. However, we thought to have a second opinion. We did a stool test and I am attaching the recent one. Please suggest if there is anything to be worried about? She is on usual vitamin and Iron supplements.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is normal for babies to have variable stool frequency. Sometimes they pass once or two times in a day, sometimes more. Some babies have exaggerated gastrocolic reflex, it means they pass stool after almost every feed. No need to worry if the stool is not watery and small amount, baby is passing urine, activities are normal, no fever, and gaining weight. No need to give probiotics or other medication. Continue breastfeeding. Maintain hygiene.

The probable causes are gastrocolic reflex and normal variations of stool frequency.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again for further queries.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Obviously, I saw the report. (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It is not significantly abnormal. And you do not worry, it is not loose. You can see in the report, it is semisolid. Loose stools will be persistently watery. This kind of color is normal after iron therapy. If there is frank blood then it is worrisome. So no need to worry at this point of time.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again for further queries.

Thank you.