My 3week-4 baby has been having problems passing bowls-he struggles -pushes hard n it's very uncomfortable for him-what he passes is also very clay like bowls-what should i do?

See Pediatrician: I would recommend seeing your Pediatrician right away. He may have a problem with his liver or intestinal tract. In the meantime, please continue to feed the baby as usual and monitor his temperature. For fever, I would recommend the Emergency Department.

Many do : If the stools are firm you can add 1 oz of full strength prune juice 1-3X /day spaced out. It acts as a mild laxative within 3 days. The straining eventually improves as baby figures out pooping and develops more abdominal muscle tone.

Very common!: Think about lying in your back and trying to poop - not an easy thing for many. If stools are soft and mushy, nothing to worry about. Baby will get more skilled at pushing and relaxing anal sphincter over time. If poop is hard/formed, then talk to your pediatrician about the best way to soften baby's stool so it is nice and soft. Grunting, red face, noises...all common and NORMAL!