Abstract: An absorbent article includes an outer cover, a bodyside liner and an absorbent core. A fecal retaining structure defines a perimeter having an aperture therein. The fecal retaining structure includes channels extending outwardly from the aperture. The fecal retaining structure preferably includes a cavity about the perimeter thereof and in communication with the channels. The cavity preferably communicates with the channels and provides additional volume for storage of fecal material. The fecal retaining structure preferably is formed by two layers of resiliently compressible material having different rigidity and compression resistance. One of the layers is smaller than the other layer such that space to form the cavity is present inside the fecal retaining structure. In a preferred embodiment the fecal retaining structure has a bicycle-seat shape with the narrow front portion extending into the front portion of the absorbent article.