Question

The nurse helps a breastfeeding mother change the diaper of her 16-hour-old newborn after the first bowel movement. the mother expresses concern since the large amount of thick, sticky stool is very dark green, almost black in color. she asks the nurse if something is wrong. the nurse should respond to this mother's concern by: suggesting that the mother ask her pediatrician to explain newborn stool patterns to her. telling the mother not to worry since all breastfed babies have this type of stool. explaining to the mother that the stool is called meconium and is expected of all newborns for the first few bowel movements. asking the mother what she ate at her last meal.

Answer 1

Yes, this is true.  The nursery has pamphlet they will give the mother before discharge that explains all the differences in her babies stool changes.  Yes, tell her it is absolutely normal.  and depending on if she bottle feeds or breast feeds, her diet will also affect the baby's stool