Green Stools

Breastfeeding and Green Stools

Visitor Question: My daughter is five weeks old and for the past ten days her stools have been green rather than yellow and accompanied by stomach aches resulting in significant inconsolable crying.

I have checked my diet and cannot determine anything I am eating that could be causing these problems. My child is very good natured except for these pesky stomach problems. I've tried all the OTC medications (Mylicon and gripe water) to no avail. What else can I do?


Breastfeeding Magazine Response: There are a few things that may be going on with your daughter:

1. She could have an upset stomach caused by a virus or cold that she caught. Just keep an eye on her for any other problems or symptoms. If she develops a fever or starts vomiting, you should call her doctor right away.

2. More likely, you may have a case of oversupply... meaning you may be producing too much foremilk. Check for oversupply symptoms to see if this may be the problem and ways to overcome it.



If you determine it is not an oversupply issue and she continues to have stomach problems in the next several days, you will want to see her doctor for help.

Good luck!