Updated August 06, 2014.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Diarrhea is less common in breastfed babies compared to formula fed babies. Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect infants against some of the common infant illnesses and diarrhea. However, illness and diarrhea cannot completely be prevented, so even breastfed infants can develop diarrhea.
Causes of Diarrhea In The Breastfed Infant
Illness:Viruses and bacteria can cause infections that lead to diarrhea in babies.
Mother's Diet: Some foods in your diet can cause allergies and sensitivities in your breastfed baby. Cow's milk, chocolate, gassy foods, spicy foods, and caffeine are the more common foods that trigger issues. You may have to evaluate your diet and try to figure out if something that you're eating could be causing your baby to have diarrhea.
Mother's Use of Laxitives: Stool softeners and some mild fiber supplements or bulk forming type laxatives are usually safe to take while you're breastfeeding. However, strong stimulant type laxatives may pass to your baby and cause diarrhea. Talk to your doctor before taking any type of laxative when you're breastfeeding.
Travel: Breastfeeding can help to protect your child against traveler's diarrhea, but it isn't 100% effective. Just as adults can develop diarrhea when traveling, so can children. Infants and young children may actually be at a greater risk. Use caution when traveling with young infants and breastfeed as often as possible.
Weaning In The U.S. and Other Developed Countries: The introduction of new foods into an infant's diet can lead to stomach issues due to food sensitivities and allergies.
Cow's milk is a common irritant that can cause diarrhea in younger children. If you are weaning to a formula, keep in mind that many infant formulas are made from cow's milk.
Weaning In Other Parts of The World: In some areas of the world, health and nutrition are compromised. Children living in these areas are more prone to illness, infection and disease once they are weaned from the breast and no longer receiving the nutrition and protective properties found in breast milk.
How To Tell If It's Diarrhea
It's normal for breastfed infants to have multiple bowel movements each day. If your baby's poop is yellowish and soft with small curds or seeds in it, that's typical of breastfed baby poop and it's ok if you see it every time you change your baby's diaper. The concern would be if you notice any changes to your child's normal stool.
Diarrhea in breastfed infants may be:
- Green or darker than normal
 - Loose, wet and watery
 - Foul smelling
 - Bloody or containing mucus
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Things You Should Do If Your Baby Has Diarrhea
If your baby develops diarrhea, continue to breastfeed your baby. Diarrhea can be dangerous and lead to dehydration and weight loss in infants. Breastfeed as much as possible to provide your baby with the fluids and nutrition needed to replace what is being lost through the diarrhea.
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Exam your diet and your child's diet to determine if a new food could be the cause.
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If you have taken any type of laxative, stop taking it and talk to your doctor.
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If your baby has diarrhea without any other symptoms and it does not go away in 24 hours notify the doctor.
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If your child has diarrhea along with a fever, signs of dehydration, excessive sleepiness and/or poor nursing call your doctor right away.
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Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics. New Mother’s Guide To Breastfeeding. Bantam Books. New York. 2011.
Heyman, M. B. Lactose Intolerance in Infants, Children, and Adolescents. Pediatrics. 2006: 118(3); 1279-1286.
Lawrence, Ruth A., MD, Lawrence, Robert M., MD. Breastfeeding A Guide For The Medical Profession Sixth Edition. Mosby. Philadelphia. 2005.
Lamberti, L. M., Walker, C. L. F., Noiman, A., Victora, C., and Black, R. E. Breastfeeding and the Risk for Diarrhea Morbidity and Mortality. BMC Public Health. 2011: 11(3); S15.
Steffen, R. Epidemiology of Traveler's Diarrhea. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2005: 41(8); S536-S540.
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