Diarrhea in newborns

Diarrhea is defined as increased number of bowel movements and / or a decrease in its usual consistency (more liquid stools). Each child passes bowel movements at a certain rate and with a different consistencyDuring the first weeks of the newborn the stool are liquid and yellow to green in color; sometimes some lumps can be seen.

• In the kids breastfed stools are liquid or pasty throughout the entire breastfeeding period and may have a stool each time they breastfeed.
• Children who drink artificial milk they tend to have more consistent and less frequent bowel movements.

Both situations are normal and they are not diarrhea, the baby will look good, will have no signs of dehydration, vomiting or fever.

Causes of diarrhea in the newborn

There are two main causes of diarrhea in newborn babies: stomach flu (usually caused by viruses) and the alergias to cow's milk protein. The consequence The most serious type of diarrhea in the neonate is dehydration, especially if it is accompanied by vomiting.

When to consult the pediatrician?

In newborns it is advised always consult the pediatricianBut these are the symptoms to watch out for:

• If it does many bowel movements a day and are accompanied by vomiting
• If in the, pus or mucus
• If the baby has fever
• If baby completely reject feeding and liquids
• If the baby has signs of dehydration: dry skin, mouth and eyes (no tears or drool), is pale, pulse is very fast and urinates little
• If you have questions about the child's health status and how to treat it

Recommended treatment

To prevent infectious gastroenteritis in neonates breastfeeding is effective and extreme hygiene measures in the family if someone is infected. There are specific vaccines against one of the viruses that most cause diarrhea in babies ().

• In the case of infectious gastroenteritis diarrhea The most important is replenish fluids and salts that the baby loses through the stool. The breastfeeding baby should continue to do so; You will probably breastfeed more often to replace the fluids you lose. This makes it take advantage of the defenses that the mother passes through the milk to overcome the infection. You can resort to offering the breast on demand and / or supplementing breastfeeding with rehydration serums.
• It is not advisable to do the switch to lactose-free milk without Pediatrician's prescription nor prepare diluted bottles. If the Pediatrician suspects one, he will carry out the appropriate tests to diagnose it and give the baby a special milk (in the case of the breastfeeding mother, she will go on a dairy exclusion diet).
• In the more severe cases of dehydration the baby may need to be admitted and given a intravenous serum.

What to do to control diarrhea?

• Babies are dehydrate easily, offer the breast or bottle often.
• Should replenish fluids and salts who is losing. In mild cases through food and fluids. In the most severe cases, by intravenous serum.
• Extreme hygienic measures in the family to send infections.
• The defenses present in the mother's milk help you recover
• Do not change the diet of the baby without first having the approval of the pediatrician.
• Pay attention wings alarm signals: more frequent stools, blood. pus or mucus, fever, refusal to eat and fluids.
• Ask your pediatrician for information about vaccines against rotavirus, one of the viruses that cause most diarrhea in babies

Remember that if you have it, you can make any consultation in the Telephone Medical Guidance Service for free and 24 hours a day, attended by the best doctors!