04/16/2026
“Normal” doesn’t always feel clear when you’re living it.
In the clinic, I hear this one a lot,
“I’ve been told it’s normal for breastfed babies to go 10 days without pooping.”
And while that can be true in some cases… it’s not the whole picture.
Parents aren’t just looking for reassurance — they’re trying to understand what’s happening with their baby.
A baby who hasn’t pooped in a few days might be completely fine.
Or they might be uncomfortable, straining, and needing a bit more support.
The difference is in the context.
This is where common sense and clinical guidance need to meet:
✔ What is your baby’s baseline?
✔ How are they acting?
✔ What is their body telling you?
You don’t need to panic — but you also don’t need to ignore your instincts.
Clear, supportive language helps parents feel confident in knowing when things are okay… and when it’s worth looking a little closer.
Our words as practitioners hold weight. It’s our responsibility to make sure we do not dismiss real concerns.
