Chronic constipation - very distressed mum and toddler

I need some help!

Poor DD is 22 months and has been suffering from chronic constipation for the last months.

She had good digestion while breast fed (to 18months) with one of two bouts of constipation when she started solids (8months) which were easily resolved with prunes etc. Since weaning she suffered from a few sever bouts of constipation where I physically had to help the poo out and it was pretty traumatic for us all! That was pretty much isolated though and again resolved by natural laxatives.

So recently she has suffered from ongoing constipation and is really traumatised by needing to do a poo.

I visited a chemist when she had not done a poo for 4 days (after previously being a once a day poo-er) and they suggested parachoc. I went with it and it worked (although still with the trauma of having to pass a hard poo) I don't really like the idea of liquid parafin ingested regularly but if the option is my very distressed daughter.... So I used the parachoc regularly for a few weeks but there was no real change in her bowl habits. Although the parachoc would eventually help, there was still the underlying problem of constipation unresolved.

So I visited the GP who reiterated everything I already knew...

• eat lots of fruit and veg
• drink lots of water
• try not to make it an issue
• eat lots of prunes/pears as natural laxatives

I thought maybe it was the dried fruit making it worse - the doc said no, that should help rather than hinder
I also thought maybe her gut was out of whack considering she was c'section and missed out on the natural flora in her gut - the doc said no.

The doc suggested that "some children just have sluggish bowls" and that this may be the case with DD.

She also said that I would want to sort this out as I don't want her to develop a problem with the muscles controlling her poo-ing and end up with fecal incontinance - :doh: Yeah thanks for that! And that was it.

The problem is she eats lots of fruit, (wont really go for vegis) and will happily eat heaps of prunes and pears with no change in her constipation. She drinks lots during the day and has heaps of full wet nappies.

Then... I visited my aunt who is a GP in another state and she suggested

• dried fruit can make it worse
• the intestinal flora can be related to constipation and
• we could try to remove Gluten from DD's diet

We tried that and immediately her constipation disappeared :clap:!!! So rice and fruit for 2 weeks has been a dramatic improvement with a bowl movement (soft) every day. Poor DD is still traumatised when she needs to do a poo, but at least it happens and she should get better....

Then, since we have been back home, we are back to square one. I can't for the life of me figure out what is different in her diet, but it is 3 days between poos, they are hard and she is really distressed. It just took 1.5 hours for her to do a poo today with me having to help her again. :( I am beside myself now.

Please, if anyone has been through something similar and can offer any advice??

I don't want to have to go back to daily parachoc as it did not help in the long run and is really a gross thing to have your toddler ingesting

I would really love a good referral for a health care practitioner who can be more helpful than "she probably has sluggish digestion" and give her liquid paraffin.

Does anyone know of a good wholistic practitioner who knows about digestion/allergies or maybe a good therapist for cranio-sacral work... I want to get this sorted out!

Sorry this turned out so long. I guess I am having a rant as well as seeking advice :redface:

well hun , im totally on the same page as you my 3yr Ds is tramatised to do a poo , due to constipation , now hes hard poos one day , sloppy poos the next , i cant work it out .

i booked in to see a naturpath and another GP as i am getting frustrated at him for pooing his pants (hours after he tells me he needs to go) and its strssing me out .

i am switching to soy milk , but thats about it so far diet wise .

its hard seeing them run around and cry in pain . one night DH and i gave him a enema (microlax) and the poor boy was beside him self .

the other day my DS was so bad , and trying to poo , i put a lubed finger in there and the hard poo was about 2 cm in , just stuck there , eventually he pooed his pants and cried coz it hurt :(

will be watching this thread and thinking of you both !

oh just rememberd , inner health plus for kids , helped my DD with contipation when she was on meds for a while - just a suggestion

My Doctors are like that they're called Invitation to Health and they are fully qualified Doctors but they also do allergy testing, non-standard medical testing, compound medicine, and have a chinese herbalist on staff etc. BUT I live on the Central Coast . . I can't see your location - but on the very slim chance you are this way PM me and I will send you through their detaiils. I know this is an unhealth suggestion but a GP recommended it to a friend with similar problems with her daughter and his recommendation was put a teaspoon of brown sugar in her milk. Does she drink much cows milk? As some small children react to cows milk with constipation also.

I have recently been having the same issues with my DD (16 months), she was passing very hard poos every 5 days and she screamed every time, I was afraid that she was going to get scared of pooing and she was starting to show those signs but no matter what I did nothing helped. I was finally told to try a mix of prune juice, apple juice and bran. She does not eat solids so I was unable to get bran into her but I give her her a small cup of 1 part prune juice, 1 part apple juice and 1 part water for morning tea every day and she has gone back to pooing every second day, they are a bit sloppy but it does not bother me that I have to clean it as she has not cried once :D.

Good luck, I hope you find something that works for you soon.

I'm so sorry I can't help you (except to second Charmalea's suggestion of seeing a naturopath), but I just wanted to give you a massive hug :hug:. It sounds like a really traumatic time for all of you, I hope you can find a solution very soon :pray:

I had lots of trouble with DS after comp feeding him between the ages of 3months and 9 months.
DS would scream his heart out, go red in the face, cry, and cling to me as tightly as possible. It ws heartbreaking and noone wanted to help me. I knew there was something wrong, but everyone just kept telling me to do all the normal things.
I got fed up adn went to my GP who referred me to a Pead. The pead ws great but also a little baffled. We tried DS on a high fibre diet (lots of baked beans hommus etc) and also put him on soy formula to see if it was a cow's milk protein intollerance. Nothing worked, including adding probiotics to his food. I was so frustrated.
A good friend saw DS at his worst, and suggested something she did with her daughter. Vaalia yoghurt. I gave it a go, and what do you know, then next day DS soiled his nappy without screaming. From that day on, he has not had one single problem. His poos do get a little on the hard side on the odd occasion, but no bleeding, no screaming, no sweating etc etc etc.
Giving him Vaalia yoghurt was the best thing I ever did. I know it doesn't sound very conventional, but it's just an option for you to try if you want to.
I gave DS Vaalia most days for a good 2 weeks, and then every so often after that for a few months. He hasn't had Vaalia yoghurt in a good year now and we've still had no issues. I really believe it was all to do with the flora of his gut. I feel that if I didn't comp feed, he probably wouldn't have suffered for as long as he did.

Good luck with it all. I remember how heartbreaking it was and I hope you can get something that works.

I would second Sarah's suggestion about the brown sugar. Here it's common to give Rooibos tea with brown sugar to babies/todlers for constipation, it worked really well for my ds. If you would like to try some Rooibos tea, I would be happy to post some too you :) PM me, ok?

MAYBE, just maybe she already HAS issues with poo'ing at home and that is why she was fine when you visit your aunt, but fell back when you came home?? Maybe she assosiate your bathroom already, they are smart little bugger those almost 2 year olds.

Also I would get a second opinion from another GP, or if possible, get her to a specialist in gastric stuff yourself.

Poor baby. I hope you get this sorted out :hug:

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 ?

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.

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 :(

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?????

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)

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.

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

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 :doh:

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.

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. :dunno: 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. :hug: I hate it.
Here's hoping some of these suggestions work for these little ones!

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.

Yup I was going to say to go to Nicole, she is awesome :) Check out her website, nurtured by nature :)

My DD recently went through this. I know she has a good diet and eats and drinks well. We tried switching her to normal milk (she is lactose intolerant) hoping it would help empty her bowels but to no avail. What worked for us (the liquid parafin assisted but didn't REALLY help) was a microlax. It is an enema which is bought over the counter. You insert half the applicator tip into the rectum, empty the contents into the bowel... and wait. You usually get a result within 15 minutes. I had to give DD one 2 nights in a row and then after that she has been fine - she just needed a little help to clear the back log.

Before anyone runs out to purchase microlax - please keep in mind I am a Registered Nurse and have no drama in administering this to my own child. However, if you are interested in going down that path please discuss it with your local pharmacist first. There is an age limit (I think 2 years of age?) and it can be a little uncomfortable for them. It produces mild cramping in their abdomen. It is much gentler than a FLEET enema. This kind of treatment is not up everyone's alley - it can take a bit to get over the mental barrier of inserting something into your own child's rectum.

In relation to too much fibre - it is not so much the quantity of fibre but not consuming enough water to match the amount of fibre being consumed.

HTH

MG

I'm in South Africa and rooibos tea are safe to drink for everyone. It's safe when pg and breastfeeding and does not have any caffeine (sp) It's drank with sugar and milk, or just black. You can even leave the bag in the cup as long as you like, without it getting all icky-tasting like english teas. The longer you leave it to seep the more anti-oxies it gets. It's even said to have a soothing effect on colicy babies. Bottom line, it's as harmfull as boiled water, it just taste MUCH better.

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!

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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.

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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 :doh:!! Luckily, I have a wonderful Chinese doctor who is helping with that!

To all the lovely people who responded with helpful suggestions back in October when my DD was going through such horrible constipation, I wanted to pop back and give you an update.

Although I tried all of the usual solutions for constipation and DDs diet was exceptional with more than adequate fluid intake her constipation continued - and is still a problem.

I finally got in to see a specialist at the RCH today and I am feeling over the moon. He was wonderful and listened carefully then told me the answer is simple! His explanation of what was going on made such perfect sense and the plan of action he suggested is both manageable and - I can see - likely to make changes. The biggest benefit, it is not radical and does not involve medications!!

I am feeling confident in this for the first time in months.

I just wanted to let any mothers who have children with ongoing constipation issues know that there is a wonderful Specialist at the RCH who can help! When extra water, good diet, pears/apples/prunes etc don't work long term - get some more advice.

thanks for all of your support a few months ago, it was appreciated and I wish you all the best with your LOs.

That's great news, Jackrose, I'm glad to hear things are looking up. What did your specialist suggest?

Thanks Michael!
He explained that it was most likely a psychophysiological response at this stage. She would have had a constipation event earlier on (check) and learnt that pooing can be painful (check) then held on (check) leading to more constipation and more pain (check) which only reinforced the whole thing in her mind. He explained that I need to work on getting her stools soft for a long time to break this association.

This all made so much sense to me as I know her diet is fine now. She has a decent amount of fibre for her age, lots of fluid, a good mix of fruit/veg/carb and protein and I tried foods with a laxative effect - still constipated. A Dietition was bamboozled based on her diet.

So we are using parachoc to help lubricate her bowel and have a plan to use it for an extended period to break the psychophysiological response of poo = pain - so hold on. I had been doing this but was unsure it was the right course of action and sometimes forgot a dose - leading to more constipation and my clever little 2yo going aa-haa: "poo is pain" all over again :wall:.

She has been pooing easily the last few days and is even toilet training herself.

It was so nice to get confident advice and a clear explanation for what was going on.

I've just read through your thread, Jackrose, and I'm really happy to hear that you have a plan and way to get through everything that has happened for your DD and you! I hope that the association that has formed is broken before long and things are calm and without the distress you've been experiencing.

It's been really helpful for me to read your thread as my DD usually always has hard, constipated-like poos even though we are still demand BFing and she has many good foods in her diet, including natural laxatives. She doesn't act constipated in that she grunts and strains and often takes a bit to eliminate, but she is not distressed as such. She normally eliminates at least once a day, but I often worry about the time where it might start up where she associated poos with pain of elimination, as there are times when despite trying she won't be able to poo until several tries/some hours later, and occasionally with some assistance (bending her knees to her stomach whilst on her back). I think she naturally has had a slow bowel from birth (a lot to do with very bad wind problems in her bowel from birth) and I often think that once she is somewhat "backed up" that she tends to stay that way for extended periods of time, whether by choice or not, whatever she eats/drinks.

Thank you for sharing your update and treatment that your Dr has advised - and again I'm really happy to hear that you have a solution and I hope it is lasting and you've seen and end permanently to the problems for your DD :hug:

Thanks Acacia, I am glad my experiences have been of some help, this is exactly why I came back to update! When we were going through the worst and I was trawling the internet for help, I was astounded that the only real solution offered was to treat toddlers like little mini adults. It just did not make sense to me.

Your post did remind me of things we went through such has having to assist with a movement, its so traumatic. I am so glad you can take some things from my experience as you will know what to look for if the situation gets worse and what to do about it. For us, the problem really began to emerge when DD was old enough to tie the whole thing together cognitively, poo=pain.

Things are going along really well here. DD appears to have no trauma when she needs to go and all bowel movements have been soft. Phew!

That's great news, JR! I'm very happy to hear that the cycle is well and truly broken for your DD now :)