Constipation | Right Decisions

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Parental anxiety may be linked to the baby's stools. Babies should pass Meconium within the first 24 hours. Infrequent stooling in the first 2 weeks may be a red flag for insufficient intake and indicates need for further assessment.

From around 6 weeks postpartum some breastfed babies continue to stool with every feed whilst others become super-efficient and only stool once every few days, or even once a week! This is not constipation (which is highly unlikely in an exclusively breastfed baby anyway) because the stools are still soft and yellow.

Occasional green stools indicate that the milk has passed through the intestines relatively quickly, and in the absence of other symptoms, are unlikely to be significant.

La Leche League has information on what is normal infant poo. Breastfeeding support has a visual guide for parents

See the GP Infant Feeding Network for information on red/amber flags for constipation and management in those under 1

The NICE guidelines have information on constipation in older children