LOOSE STOOLS

About half of the infants who go through Neonatal Abstinence from any substance exposure will have loose stools or stools that are softer than normal. This is seen when the baby has frequent watery or liquid stools.

NOTE: The Following Videos found in this kit under the Parenting Tips from Specialists will provide more information and/or demonstration that might be useful for some of the interventions recommended here.

NAS: Early Interventions

The SOOTHE Technique

NAS Babies & Movement

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NEURODEVELOPMENT

  • First consider all the potential physical reasons for loose stools. If your baby has loose stools consult your baby’s doctor office for recommendations. It is important to note that watery stools can dehydrate your baby and your baby may need medical attention.

  • Keeping them calm during feeds will help. You may want to swaddle during feeding to decrease fussiness or motor movements so the baby can focus on feeding and digestion. (the Ollie swaddle was specifically designed with the NAS baby in mind as it offers moisture wicking and stretch with pliable restriction). Make sure to use safe swaddling instructions offered by the manufacturer.

  • It is important that the environment is not over stimulating for the baby during the feeds. Make sure that it is quiet (no tv etc in background) and low lighting and only engage during breaks (burping, brief stops etc) in the feed so as to not require to much of your baby during the feed and aid digestion.

  • Also watch read your baby signs and offer them a comforting environment keeping them calm as much as possible so that they will have better digestion. Use the comforting techniques (SOOTHE) offered here in the kit when they are dysregulated and keep a low stimulation environment – adding stimulation (which is important) as the baby can handle it.

MEDICAL

  • It is important to determine the root cause of the loose stools with the help of your baby’s doctor.

    • Your baby’s doctor will want to know:

      • How often does your baby have loose stools

        • Every day?

        • How many of the diaper changes?

        • Sporadic vs consistent loose stools?

  • Check to see if your baby is gaining weight. If the baby is not gaining weight, you should call your baby’s doctor for assistance.

  • You may want to talk to your baby’s doctor about potential allergies OR food sensitivities.

NURSING

  • It is important to determine the root cause of the loose stools with the help of your baby’s doctor.

    • Your baby’s doctor will want to know:

  • How often does your baby have loose stools

  • Every day?

  • How many of the diaper changes?

  • Sporadic vs consistent loose stools?

  • Check to see if your baby is gaining weight. If the baby is not gaining weight, you should call your baby’s doctor for assistance.

  • You may want to talk to your baby’s doctor about potential allergies OR food sensitivities.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

  • Make sure to do frequent diaper changes to prevent skin irritation.

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

  • Monitor stimulation (do not over stimulate the baby) during feeding to help for better digestion.