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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Toddler constipation, pharmacy?

30 replies

LittleMG · 20/11/2021 14:08

Hi I’m so sorry I know not AIBU but I really do need some advice and I know this forum is so good for this.

My little boy doesn’t eat very healthy, we’re really trying he’s had some good stuff this week but it’s a struggle. He’s always constipated I have to give lactalose regularly. He went on Wednesday so not too long ago (he’s been longer) but for the last hour and half he’s been trying to go, straining, crying, whimpering, calling for me and his dad to hold his hand… it’s breaking my heart. I’ve given him the max dose of lactalose this morning. Is there anything else I can do for him? Could a pharmacist help?
Thank you x

OP posts:
shouldistop · 20/11/2021 14:09

Definitely go to a pharmacist but also make an appointment with your gp for an on going plan.

FartnissEverbeans · 20/11/2021 14:10

Pharmacist can probably help - maybe glycerine suppositories? I’m not sure if they’re suitable for kids but having used them recently myself (tmi sorry!) they are like magic

shouldistop · 20/11/2021 14:11

A warm bath and a belly rub below the belly button (clockwise circles) might also help a bit

Original poster
LittleMG · 20/11/2021 14:13

Thank you thank you for replies I think I’ll take him and do the bath thing. Poor little thing he is it’s awful. X

OP posts:
SnugKnights · 20/11/2021 14:14

Definitely glycerin suppositories. The child size ones have to be prescribed though I think so I’d ring 111 and try to get a GP to send a script to which ever pharmacy is open today.
Failing that run a bath and see if he can squat and go in the bath, the water helps relax the muscles apparently.
Also lots of water to drink and if he can be distracted a run around will help get things moving.
Poor little thing it’s awful seeing them struggling. My DC is better with Movicol than lactulose.

Dora26 · 20/11/2021 14:15

Linseed - whole or milled - with lots of fluids works like a charm - adds bulk and moistens stool - I swear by it!

ThisIsTrifficult · 20/11/2021 14:15

When my DD had issues going, the problem wasn't fibre as she ate very well. She went regularly but for a week or so, the poo was impacted. Poor thing trying to get it out with me helping. It was awful for her.
Dr prescribed movicol. Amazing stuff. Draws moisture into the bowel and softens the poo.
Might be what you're after here instead of more fibre? Speak to the Dr or 111.

Champsandbubbles · 20/11/2021 14:16

Yes I'd second 111 I don't believe you can get this over the counter for young children and will need a prescription for stool softeners x

Scoobydoobywho · 20/11/2021 14:23

Our ds10 has suffered with constipation since a toddler. The lactolose didn't work with him, but Movicol got things moving. He now has half a sachet daily to stop any issues.

Original poster
LittleMG · 20/11/2021 14:41

Thank you for advice so appreciated, I’ve rung 111 and am waiting a call back now x

OP posts:
GreenLunchBox · 20/11/2021 14:43

You don't need a prescription for infant glycerin suppositories. If it was me I'd go to a pharmacy....far quicker than waiting for 111

Peace43 · 20/11/2021 14:45

You may also find a regular daily maintenance dose of lactulose keeps things moving. It’s not hugely effective as a quick fix once you are bunged. Taking a dose morning and evening with plenty of water should stop this being a problem in future.

TheLikesofMe · 20/11/2021 14:59

Might he have an intolerance to cow's milk?

I agree with the warm bath and a tummy rub but an infant suppository might be worth a try.

I know he's a toddler, so this is a stupid question but does he move around a lot. Exercise can help to keep things moving in normal circumstances.

Floofsquidge · 20/11/2021 15:02

If this is becoming a regular thing, please see your GP for a plan and look into stool withholding. Our little boy is on daily movicol as he holds it in, we think because he was so stressed from the pain of constipation once.

Original poster
LittleMG · 20/11/2021 15:13

@Floofsquidge yes I will make an appointment. We’ve been potty training and the poo issue is becoming a thing and he is refusing to sit on the potty for a poo. It’s getting to be a problem. @Peace43 he’s on a daily dose of lactalose but it’s just not working for some reason.

OP posts:
Original poster
LittleMG · 20/11/2021 15:13

Waiting for 111 think I’m gonna take him to
The pharmacy now if they ring fine

OP posts:
Original poster
LittleMG · 20/11/2021 15:21

I’ve rung the pharmacy they are going to give him a suppository husband on his way now. My little boy is just crying it’s awful. Anyone know how long they take to work?

OP posts:
SamVimesFavouriteDragon · 20/11/2021 16:01

Suppositories are very quick, within the hour whenever we've used them. Hope your little one is all sorted soon

shouldistop · 20/11/2021 16:35

@LittleMG will he poo in a nappy? It's important he doesn't hold it in. Just put a nappy on him after breakfast and dinner every day and tell him he can go off somewhere to poo if he wants. Don't push the toilet training just now if it's causing issues.

bubblesr · 20/11/2021 16:48

Have a look at the Eric website loads of constipation advice

sayanythingelse · 20/11/2021 17:08

Lactulose didn't do much for toddler DD but the doctor prescribed her Movicol last week and that seems to be improving the situation.
It's definitely worth seeing a GP if you can get in. I put off making an appointment but they were really thorough in checking her over and checking her medical history from birth to ensure there were no bowel problems. The doctor even asked when she did her first poo after birth and I said "I don't know, it was nearly 4 years ago" Grin

GreenLunchBox · 20/11/2021 18:35

How did you get on, OP?

Original poster
LittleMG · 20/11/2021 19:10

@GreenLunchBox he’s ok! Thank goodness we put the suppository in and was waiting, then found it on the floor Confused then put in another and and in 20 mins there was a poo. I’m so so relieved it’s been a terrible day me and his dad have been so worried, seeing your toddler crying in pain is the worst. I’m taking him to the dr on Monday, I can’t potty train atm it’s made this situation worse. Thank you all for advice, I was really worried and needed some mums input x

OP posts:
whosfarted · 20/11/2021 19:14

I feel your pain OP! My toddler DS struggled for about a year, he also wasn't eating very healthily but had a good amount of fibre and we made him smoothies etc but nothing we done to his diet helped.
We tried lactulose and suppository's which didn't help either. He just hated pooing and would stop himself.
A lovely doctor prescribed movicol and it took a bit of jiggling around to get the right dose (for him it was half a sachet a day) but this was enough to soften his poo so he wasn't scared anymore. He doesn't take the movicol anymore and has a normal sized poo every day. It was the initial fear of the poo hurting which stopped him so after his poo being soft for a while he now has learnt if he goes when he has the urge, it won't hurt!

LapinR0se · 20/11/2021 19:15

Take all the pressure off potty training for now. He needs movicol so he has nice soft poo that he just does with no drama, then you can try again with the potty in a while.