Chronic constipation - very distressed mum and toddler

[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.

[Cricket]

jackrose - my DD3 (who is almost 2yrs old) is going through the exact same thing. And like you, I know all the "normal" things to try with constipation. We eat lots of fibre, fruit and veggies. My oldest DD (6yrs) has the same thing. My second DD is just fine. Same diet, same lifestyle. But I will be trying the prune and apple juice mixture (they wouldn't drink the prune juice alone, but I didn't think to mix it.) and some probiotic yogurt and see where that gets us.
I totally understand your feelings watching your baby try to poo, and screaming in pain, and you can't fix it. It's a horrible feeling. They don't understand, and you can't really help. I hate it.
Here's hoping some of these suggestions work for these little ones!

[Janie]

Depending on where you are hun, I have a fabulous Naturopath in Croydon . Seeing him has totally changed our DS's little life. Let me know if you want the details.

[jackrose]

Well, no bowel motion today... so I am worried that that means a bad one in a few days again. DD has been drinking diluted prune juice all day and even had rice bubbles in prune juice for breakfast!

jackrose - my DD3 (who is almost 2yrs old) is going through the exact same thing. And like you, I know all the "normal" things to try with constipation. We eat lots of fibre, fruit and veggies. My oldest DD (6yrs) has the same thing. My second DD is just fine. Same diet, same lifestyle.

Exactly!! It is so frustrating that the normal things that should help do not which leaves you scratching your head. At least you can see clearly that you are doing nothing wrong and have clear proof that each child is just different.

Mother Goose, thanks for the advice from a Nurse and a mother's perspective. It is good to know there is an answer when things get to the worst possible place. Yesterday after 2 hours of attempting to poo, I was really getting worried about what to do. I am glad I haven't had to get there yet but I do worry about her anal sphincter being stretched for such an extended period of time!!

Janie, I am on the other side of Melbourne so Croydon is a long way away. However, I am willing to do whatever it takes to sort this out so I might look you up in the near future. I really do believe in finding the right person to help.

Nadine216, I actually think you might be onto something with the psychological aspect of pooing at home. I have certainly realised there is a real fear factor with pooing for her.... poor little poppet.

And I absolutely agree, Rooibos is lovely tea! I was so pleased to find something when I was pregnant that is good for you and tasty!

charmalea, I have bought rooibos in the supermarket, but my favourite is from a tea store called lupicia (just cos I like going in there and being wowed by the choices!) or from a health food shop.

Now I just have to deal with my own pregnancy and progesterone related constipation !! Luckily, I have a wonderful Chinese doctor who is helping with that!