8.5 month old struggles to release bottom wind, any suggestions?

[cockle84]

baby has always been very windy, suffered very badly when she was very small. Now she's 8.5months and still struggling, she burps well now but still needs some help. It's the bottom end that's the problem, she's had bad constipation a couple of times and been prescribed Lactulose but she's still having a few problems. She reallyhas to tense her abdomen and force out her wind, she's is constantly grunting and straining like she's doing a poo but It's just wind. She eats a very good, varied diet including a lot of Veg and fruit etc and she drinks water. I do the baby massage strokes on her which sometimes help, bicycle legs don't work. Has anyone had a similar problem, or got any ideas on How to help her get it all out as it's disturbing her sleep. Thanks.

When my DS was very little my Mum used to walk round the house holding him with his back to her chest and one leg in each hand - as if he was sitting on a toilet seat. It used to work a treat!

If she can sit you could see if being on a potty would help her get in a favourable position - set her up with some toys around for a few mins at a time if she seems happy. Baby Bjorn potties are a good design for smaller infants. Check out EC techniques for more info on pottying if it goes well. And obviously check with a dr that there isn't anything else going on if you haven't already.

Maybe cut down on the fruit and veg. Wind culprits for us were peas and broccoli so I had to restrict until DS was older. Same with cheese, yoghurt and bread. He was BF a lot so didn't worry too much about calcium until he was older.

I also found simple dinners (no pudding and plain meals) followed by a teaspoon of peppermint tea in DS's water helped too. The tea settled his tummy and got the wind out before bed (I'd also encourage him to crawl about too).

Thanks for those suggestions, I'll try the potty and toilet seat ideas. Iggly Peas and Broccoli are her favourite, maybe they are the problem, Thank you!!!