I got a call from a mom with an 8 month old breastfed baby. She had given
the baby cereal and other solids a couple of months ago, but baby wasn't
interested, so she is back to exclusively breastfeeding.  This baby girl
used to poop daily, but statred pooping infrequently. (that was why mother
started solids at MD suggestion.) She has now gone two weeks without a
spontaneous stoll. MD checked baby's rectum with his finger and made her
scream, but said everything is fine !?!?! He insists that she have a stool
every three days and has ordered glycerin suppositories. Baby has not pooped
spontaneously in a couple of months. Mother does not like using
suppositories, reports lots of gas, but a content chubby baby. When she uses
suppositories baby has pasty stools.  Mother has a lot of milk and only
nurses on one side. Has a history of mastitis when pumping from over
abundant milk supply. I think the baby is getting lots of foremilk and not
much fat. Is this a problem? Could there be a serious medical condition
here? Should she see a specialist or put baby through more invasive tests?
Should she force solids? Do you have any references to share with MD? I told
her that I would not recommend ignoring her doctor, that I couldn't tell her
whether or not there was a problem, I haven't seen the baby and I don't
practice medicine.  Any suggestions or ideas?  Cathy Liles