"constipation (L. constipare, to press together)  A state in which an
individual experiences a change in normal bowel habits characterized by a
decrease in frequency and/or passage of hard, dry stools; difficult
defecation; sluggish action of the bowels.  Note:  It is virtually impossible
to state how frequently the bowels should move in order to be classed as
"normal."  In healthy individuals such frequency can vary, ranging from two
to three bowel movements per day to two per week."
from Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary

I don't know why some exclusive bfed babies begin to slow down their stooling
at around 5-6 weeks.  It's not just my observation, but well documented in
breastfeeding literature.  These kids seem to turn out okay as adults, I have
one.  And, I've known hundreds of happy, thriving babies that have what many
preceive as "abnormal stooling patterns" because they have no regular
patterns and sometimes go many days in between.  I don't think there is much
evidence based research (if any) to form a range of normal on stooling no
matter what our age.  I personally think we have to look beyond just the
stooling at the bigger picture and sometimes the bigger picture is very much
in the range of normal. JMHO.

Warm regards,
Pat Lindsey, IBCLC - Lactation Services  www.PatLC.com
Pediatrics Plus' Lactation Consultant   www.pedsplus.com

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