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Meconium is the earliest stool of a mammalian infant resulting from defecation.Unlike later feces, meconium is composed of materials ingested during the time the infant spends in the uterus: intestinal epithelial cells, lanugo, mucus, amniotic fluid, bile, and water.
A 2016 review ties this "lochial period" to worldwide customs of postpartum confinement, a time for the new mother and baby to bond. [3] Lochia is sterile for the first two days, but not so by the third or fourth day, as the uterus begins to be colonized by vaginal commensals such as non-hemolytic streptococci and E. coli. [4]
Colostrum also has a mild laxative effect, encouraging the passing of a baby's first stool, which is called meconium. [9] This clears excess bilirubin , a waste-product of dead red blood cells which is produced in large quantities at birth due to blood volume reduction [ citation needed ] from the infant's body, and which is often responsible ...
Babies defecate a unique substance called meconium prior to eating external foods. There are a number of medical conditions associated with defecation, such as diarrhea and constipation, some of which can be serious. The feces expelled can carry diseases, most often through the contamination of food. E. coli is a particular concern.
Studies across a number of developing nations have shown that those who receive exclusive breastfeeding during their first 6 months of life are better protected against infection with diarrheal diseases. [90] One study in Brazil found that non-breastfed infants were 14 times more likely to die from diarrhea than exclusively breastfed infants. [91]
Babies who cry may simply be hungry, uncomfortable, or ill. [16] Less than 10% of babies who would meet the definition of colic based on the amount they cry have an identifiable underlying disease. [17] Cause for concern include: an elevated temperature, a history of breathing problems or a child who is not appropriately gaining weight. [9]
Newborn infants often produce some milk from their own breast tissue, known colloquially as witch's milk. In most species, lactation is a sign that the female has been pregnant at some point in her life, although in humans and goats, it can happen without pregnancy.
Breastfed infants have somewhat lower blood pressure later in life, but it is unclear how much practical benefit this provides. [185] [186] A 1998 study suggested that breastfed babies have a better chance of good dental health than formula-fed infants because of the developmental effects of breastfeeding on the oral cavity and airway.