Chronic constipation - very distressed mum and toddler

[*charmalea*]

i was told vaalia youghrt too , heard it worked wonders , luckily my DS loves it , but my DD is dairy intolerant , cant even have the lactose free vaalia

and brown sugar and water did the trick for us while we were on holiday , with in the hour !

have heard of rooibos tea ,but not of giving it to a baby/toddler . where are you from nadine ? and what is the tea made from ?

[Janie]

Charmalea, Rooibos is an African tea, it's caffeine free and pretty yummy (if you like tea). I know it's pretty available in Melbourne, so you can probably get it up there too. If you struggle, let me know and I'm happy to send you some.

[Becs_bubs]

Both of mine had this at the same age. My daughter's was particularly bad - we ended up in emergency one night at about 20 months because she was so constipated and was screaming in pain. What has worked (eventually) for both of them is pretty much what your doc said - a high fibre diet and LOTS of water. I keep drink bottles in the fridge, and they drink all day - the first thing and last thing of the day they have been taught to do is have a cup of water. And a lot of raw fruit and veggies and grainy bread. Also, when I know it's starting to get bad, I have a fibre powder I add to their drink - it's clear and tasteless and you can put it in food, too - I asked the chemist back then and they said it was fine for toddlers. I think it's just Benefibre? I will see if we still have some. I know most of that is probably what you're doing already, but with us it's just been a constant thing - the water is the main thing.

Good luck...it's not nice when they're in pain

[Janie]

I've just remember something that some midwives said to me in hospital after having DS. They all noticed that I was ordering meals high in fibre (I was so nervous about my first bowel movement with my stitches!). Some of them said 'good on you, just what you need' and some said 'oh, watch you don't have too much fibre because that can cause a problem'. I still went with having lots of fibre, and I didn't have problem, but maybe there's something in that? I have no idea, just remembered what they said and thought it might be useful to you. Maybe there's such a thing as too much fibre?????

[sas85]

Janie - you are right there is - but only if you have too much fibre without the applicable balance in water - this is particularly true of the 'rougher' types of fibre (ie - bran/grains as opposed to vegie/fruit fibre)

[BellyBelly]

Where abouts are you state wise? I'd definitely get along to see a naturopath, especially if it's that distressing to both of you. I can recommend someone great in Melbourne.

[Visitor3]

Hun, I really feel for you both and understand how distressing it can be. My DD thankfully is ok and seems to he her dads bowels but I have suffered all my life from on again off again constipation. What works for me has been a matter of trial and error, so is very specific, but even if only one of these works it would be worth it. Ok,

• Tinned pears in fruit juice (not in syrup),
• Prune Juice (Not Prunes),

I would also try the recommendation to put a teaspoon of brown sugar in some cool boiled water. I would also try some infant inner health plus to promote the good bacteria in her gut. Vaalia natural yogurt is also a good recommendation.

Good Luck and tell us how you go hun xx

[jackrose]

Oh thank you so much for all of your replies and suggestions. I am quite overwhelmed

I am close to tears reading some of your stories, it is just terrible to have little ones crying, shaking, screaming and sweating in pain with that look on their face: mummy fix it. Whether it be constipation or anything else, its just terrible!

It took DD 2 hours to pass a motion yesterday afternoon Thank god for the fact that when its all over she is back to normal mood wise. (I'm pretty scarred though!)

There are so many good suggestions you have all put forward. It is just so complicated as there are so many and some contradict each other. By its very nature digestion is very complicated.I have tried a few of the suggestions here such as prune juice, vaalia, baby pro-biotics but I am thinking that the effects may have been hidden by other aggravating complications

I think I am going to have to try an elimination diet... I just think I should do that under the guide of a professional. sas85 your Invitation to Health Clinic sounds perfect. I forgot to mention in my OP (Pregnancy scatty-ness!) where I am. Melbourne!
Kelly, I have actually seen Nicole Tracy at the Belly Belly centre a few times so maybe I will try her again... Is a natropath the best person to see regarding a toddler's diet? (especially with a view to addressing possible allergies and intolerances?)


Once again, thanks so much for all your responses and support, it does make me feel better to know that it is not only my poor DD going though this as terrible as it is for all of your little ones also.