DD making herself constipated - what to do?

[curlyLJ]

Have posted this in the potty training thread too...

DD has been going nappy free on and off at home for about 6 weeks and last week decided she wanted to give up the nappies altogether. We've had varying levels of success, but the accidents are getting less and less... she's 2.4.

The problem is poo - it's almost like she can't relax and 'let it out' and she's making herself constipated. She shows signs she's about to go (prancing about, pulling a face etc) but she then sits for a while and...nothing! I have even offered her a nappy (rightly or wrongly) to do it in case she feels more comfy that way but she won't have that either.

The last real proper big poo was a week ago, since then it's been little bits here and there - mostly in the potty but some in her knickers at nursery...

I'm worried she's going to do herself some damage Any ideas how I can 'help' her to go???

Unfortunately, I could write a book on constipation at the moment.

I would have a chat with your GP. S/he will probably prescribe lactulose and/or Movicol to get things moving. You have to persevere with these medications IME. They're rarely an immediate fix. But if they don't work then the next stage is suppositories and they're not a lot of fun.

Other things that I found worked with my DS (who's now 4.8 and we're still having issues), are sticker charts, rewards for a certain number of stickers on the chart/poos in the pot, light-hearted books about correct toileting (the online book 'Poo Goes to Pooland' can be helpful.

Also, make sure she's drinking plenty and eating a diet that is as rich in fibre as you can make it i.e. wholemeal everything, fruit, veg, whole grain cereals, etc.

DD is exactly the same. She's 3.2 and we've been nappy free for 2 weeks now. Wees are generally ok now (occasional accidents) but like your DD, poos are more miss than hit. Doesn't go for days, then we get bits on knickers for a couple of days. In fact she's just done a big poo in the potty (literally 5 mins ago) after 4 or 5 days of nothing much. Not sure of the answer, but agree it's frustrating and I hope it helps that you know you're not alone!

Don't overdo the fibre - certainly not unless she drinks loads. 'soluble' fibre (eg in oats) may be better than wheat fibre. Prunes and prune juice are good if she'll have them.

Its a very common problem - blockage and then 'leaks' round the block so it can look as though they're 'loose' when really they aren't. AFAIK it doesn't cause damage but best take her to the GP sooner rather than later - they really can help with this.

My other advice is, however you may feel about soiled pants, try to stay very calm and as far as possible let your DD take control.

Yes - to oats. If she'll eat porridge for breakfast that can really help and it's easy, cheap and filling too!