By Erica Matteson
In the early months, I noticed my baby’s poop occasionally shifting from its usual yellow-brown color to a strange green and frothy texture. It seemed to come and go, and I couldn’t pinpoint the reason. Naturally, I started to worry—could it be an infection? So, I began exploring all the possible causes.
Turns out, there are quite a few reasons why baby poop can turn green, including:
- Jaundice (in the first few days of life)
- Food sensitivities from the parent’s diet (usually with mucousy or bloody stools, excessive spitting up)
- Lactose overload – also referred to as foremilk/hindmilk imbalance (often causing frothy, watery stools)
- Intestinal virus (usually causing mucousy stools)
- Parent’s medications
After some observation, I realized my baby seemed perfectly healthy and was gaining weight well. So, I ruled out many of the more concerning causes and landed on what seemed to be the issue, lactose overload.
What is lactose overload?
Lactose overload – also referred to as foremilk/hindmilk imbalance, can occur when a baby consumes more foremilk, which is higher in lactose and lower in fat, than hindmilk, which is richer in fat and calories. This imbalance can lead to symptoms like green, frothy stools, gassiness, frequent stools, and fussiness during feedings.
The best way to address this issue is by ensuring that the baby fully empties one breast before switching to the other. Hindmilk, essential for digestion and satiety, comes later in the feeding session and helps slow down the digestive process, reducing discomfort from lactose.
It’s important to monitor your baby’s feeding patterns and work closely with a lactation consultant if you have concerns about oversupply or your baby’s feeding efficiency. Adjusting breastfeeding positions, such as using a laid-back posture, can also help with managing a fast let-down, making it easier for the baby to nurse comfortably.
So How Do You Fix It?
The fix is pretty straightforward: nurse longer on one side. Letting your baby stay on one breast longer ensures they get through the foremilk and start receiving the higher-fat hindmilk, which is more filling and easier to digest. Lactation consultant Janet Vandenburg also suggests using the “block feeding” technique—this involves letting the baby stay on the first breast until they either fall asleep or let go on their own .
I tried this by keeping my baby on one breast for a full feeding, then switching sides for the next feeding. Yes, there was some discomfort from engorgement, but pumping for comfort helped with the pressure while we established this routine. After a couple of days, the green poop disappeared, and things returned to normal.
A Few Tips for Anyone Going Through This:
- Be patient: It may take a little time for your baby to adjust, and for you, too. Pumping can help ease engorgement.
- Stick with it: It gets easier once you get into a rhythm. Consistency is key.
- Consult a healthcare provider: If the green stools persist for more than 24 hours after you’ve made these changes, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor. There could be another cause.
I’m glad I was able to figure this out before worrying too much. While green poop can be startling, sometimes the solution is as simple as tweaking your feeding routine. Keep calm, and keep going!
