Holding in Poo

R

rach

Registered User
My son is just over 2 and half years. he has had a few problems with constipation which have worsened in the last few months (we tried potty training it seemed to go ok except when he appeared to be having trouble doing a poo). i thought he was pushing but i realise now he is holding it in.....we have tried diet (he doesn't eat much veg) but after research and some discussion of other non veg eaters I don't think this is the problem. i think he is maybe holding it in because of previous constipation and pain or just because he has some control issues or something!!! who knows but i would like any advice to help him.... tried suppostories they sometimes work but not a long term solution, tried milk of magnesia but was a bit messy and distressing.

some threads mentioned paed specialising in gastroen issues - any recommendations, the solution seems to be softening poo for a long period so they learn not to be scared but it is difficult to achieve this even with all my attempts to hide veg and get him to have more fibre (he does have a good diet).
 
prune juice / pears / bananas...dragon fruit is VERY good in small quantities (if he'll eat it)are something you can add to his diet (if you already have it, perhaps increase the quantity) as these help one poo....

hope this helps...
 
"we have tried diet (he doesn't eat much veg) but after research and some discussion of other non veg eaters I don't think this is the problem."

I am afraid your research is slightly faulty vegetables are high in dietary fiber and essential not only from nutritional point of view but for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Vegetables, beans, lentils, whole grains and fruits are also high in dietary fiber.
If you are looking for a long term solution to your child's constipation then altering his diet to include more fiber and fluids is the only way to go. You must also try to look into: Is he drinking enough water? Does his diet include too much processed foods?

Here is a link for more info:
Dietary fiber: An essential part of a healthy diet - MayoClinic.com
 
I had a similiar problem with my now 4.5 year old from about when he was toliet trained. He refused all fruit and veg, and as a result he found pooing very painful. Things have improved naturally, however for a long time it was of concern to us. One thing I did find in a chemist in Stanley are some American fibre dietary supplements called Yummi bears. They are just like jelly sweets, and are American. I gave him 2 a day and these helped. I would have preferred him to eat veg but that was never going to happen, so these were the best option. I have now started taking hints from the book deliciously deceptive and have started hiding veg in his food, and he doesnt seem to notice.
 
If you can't get enough juice/water/fruit into him, try syringing undiluted prune juice into his mouth.
 
We put Ellas kitchen 'squeezie' packets into the fridge and have successfully convinced her these are a treat. because they are veg with a fruit base, they taste sweet (e.g. a favorite is broccoli, pear and pea). The 'sucking it out' action makes it more fun.

I make home made versions also and freeze in popsicle moulds for eating in the summer.
 
geomum - i realise that a low fibre diet is important - what i meant was other kids that don't like veges don't have the same problem.

he has brown bread, rice, weetabix and sometimes bran, he eats tomato pasta with carrot in it and we get vegies in by hiding them (eg deceptively delicious chicken nuggets with spinach), he also eats grapes, bananas (i know they are not great for constipation), strawberries and raisins so his diet is not bad or processed - i am very strict about the processed stuff and as we have a helper it is easy to ensure all is home made. i was simply saying that his diet is not bad (despite his dislike of veg) but still the problem remains.... i think you misunderstood and i disagree that diet is the only solution i know kids who eat nothing but white bread and plain pasta and they don't have a problem.

it seems to be a common problem of a fear of pooing (in this case i think because it has hurt) but as he is prone to constipation i need to assist him to have softer poos in some ways (done all the diet stuff i can and yes he does drinks lots of water) thanks for the idea of the special gummi bears that might work and i have read of some medicine that helps so thanks.

thanks bumps for the links interesting reading. i guess i will just keep seaching and trying to overome his fear.

thanks matty - i remember you said this and we tried but after a few days he decided 'not that one - other medicine' can sneak into drinks but doesn't seem to help
 
"geomum - i realise that a low fibre diet is important - what i meant was other kids that don't like veges don't have the same problem."

Do you mean high fiber?
 
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