Hi Linda,
This is actually pretty common where I work.  The peds won't send them 
home unless they've stooled sooo, i tend to notice that babies seem pre-
occupied when they are nursing lots of gas and pulling up their legs.  I use a 
gentle massage over the transverse colon and along the desending colon (left 
side)  You can feel the gas bubbles pass right under your fingers.  I warm up a 
wash cloth and place it on the babies abdomen.  Then I warm up some wipes 
and gently wipe (stimulate) the rectum (you know how many times after you 
wipe a baby the stool keeps coming from the stimulation) well it works the 
same way.  I also take a rectal temp after lots of massage and babies are nice 
and comfy and so relaxed their legs will go in any direction.  Use a little KY 
and it does the trick.  It is amazing, those babies just lay their so relieved, 
they smile..:).  Whatever you do of course be very gentle.  This method has 
never failed me.  And I have had many a nurse say we need that baby to pass 
a stool today before the peds will release him/her.  If you take your time, it is 
worth it.  Works like a charm.  But, don't let parents think they have to do 
this once they get home.   You don't want a baby to be forced to stool 
regularly.  This is just a little trick for the first day or two of life.  When they 
are still passing meconium and don't know what the heck peristalsis feels like 
and they are gassy and crying and not breastfeeding well.  if you need more 
info e-mail me off list.

best,
robin

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome