Infant Guts and Butts

The poop on baby poop.

If you want to know why some baby poops look like spinach and others like bacon grease, or if you want to find out all about the different pathologies that can affect the infants digestive system, then this course is for you!

Lactnerd(TM) Shondra Mattos has developed seven full hours that will equip you to support families from normal digestion through the most complicated unicorn conditions.

IBLCE Content Outline

• IA2 Feeding behaviours at different ages
• IA3 Infant anatomy and anatomical/oral challenges
• IA10 Skin tone, muscle tone, reflexes
• II9 Stooling and voiding
• IIIA4 Congenital anomalies (e.g., gastrointestinal, cardiac)
• IIIA5 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), reflux
• IIIA7 Infant acute disease (bacterial, viral, fungal, systemic)

Approved for 7 L-CERPs + 7 dietetics CPEUs. Nursing CEUs pending

7 Modules

Section 1: Anatomy & physiology of the digestive tract Overview

The anatomy and physiology section will be a basic review of the gross anatomy of the digestive tract, the systems that innervate the Gi tract, and an overview of the physiology of digestion. This section serves to ensure all learners have the same basic knowledge for future parts of the course, as well as to highlight the importance of the Enteric Nervous system of the Gi tract, which is important for IBCLCs to understand. Additionally, it will set the foundation for understanding of the various reflexes and preprogrammed phases introduced later in the course that may influence stooling frequency.

Section 2: Why do babies poop so frequently?

This section aims to address the frequency of which infants stool. Learners will develop an understanding of the Gastrocolic reflex and how it changes as baby’s age, the impact of the gut microbiome on stooling frequency, and how fat structure impacts stooling. By the end of this section, learners will be able to explain the mechanisms that result in stooling frequency changes based on age and diet which will improve their counseling and clinical skills. IBCLCs will have the knowledge to work collaboratively with the health care team when adjustments to supplemental feeds are introduced that will best support feeding goals, as well as have the knowledge provide reassurance to parents who may be concerned by the changes to stooling frequency.

Section 3: Why do some babies poop infrequently

Continuing on with the focus on pooping frequency, this section aims to focus on the causes of infrequent stooling. The learners will understand why gestational age plays an important role in stooling frequency, why premature infants often stool less frequently, and how inadequate intake results in decreased stooling output. Furthermore, we will continue the discussion on gut health, and introduce the basics and set the foundation of gut dysmotility issues and underlying health conditions that would result in infrequent stooling. In a later section we will look at each of the conditions/disorders more in depth.

Section 4: What is Diarrhea or Constipation in infants

Identifying abnormal stooling patterns in breastfeeding infants is quite challenging. This section aims to provide clarity based on the tools available today (such as the Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale) that will help the clinician identify normal stool consistency. The learner will also become familiar with the ROME IV and amsterdam stool charts classification of diarrhea and constipation. Finally, we will discuss patterns found in available studies which set a framework for identifying too frequent and too infrequent stooling.

Section 5: Infant Motility Dysfunction, A closer look

This section provides more in-depth information on the various Functional motility disorders that affect infants, as well as health conditions that the IBCLC should be aware of that impacts stooling frequency. It looks at the digestive tract as a whole, so includes GER- a functional Motility disorder of the upper GI tract- as well as conditions that the IBCLC may be unfamiliar with such as Infant rumination syndrome. Hirschprung’s disease, a condition the IBCLC may encounter in practice, be it in hospital or private practice, is covered as well.

Section 6: Poop Clues to health issues This lesson will build on assessment skills of the IBCLC.

Using the most recent studies researching breastfed baby’s stool color and consistency, the learner will have a deeper understanding of what is normal for exclusively breastfed, formula fed, and combo-fed infants. . They will also get familiarized with abnormal stool appearance and what conditions influence stool color and consistency- such as liver issues, food allergies, and cystic fibrosis.

Section 7: Strategies for the IBCLC to know

The final lesson of this course will arm the IBCLC with strategies they can discuss and counsel parents on, in alignment with any care plans provided by care providers, to support infant stooling. The learner will understand how the physiology and function of the GI system discussed over the course of the class is influenced by strategies such as tummy time, when and how bodywork modalities can have an impact on infant stooling, as well as manual evidence based strategies such as belly massage to influence stooling ease and frequency. The most important points mentioned throughout the course will be reiterated to ensure retention of the content covered in the course.