When to take a constipated 8mo to the GP?

[ElphabaTheGreen]

DS 8mo hasn't pooed since Thursday, so five days today. For the record I've tried prunes, orange juice (he won't take in enough of either to make a difference), hours of tummy massage and leg pumping, warm baths, a warm flannel around his anus and two rounds of lactulose with no effect. He gets lots of fluids as he still BFs frequently. He's farting, fairly happy in himself and his tummy is quite soft, but I'm guessing he's got the rock of Gibraltar sitting in his lower bowel saying 'none shall pass'. Not pooing is very unusual for him - he was never one of those BF babies that would go once a week (he was always more a six-times-a-day man which dropped in frequency with solids).

I could either take him to the GP-led baby clinic this afternoon (if we still haven't had any results) or the one on Thursday. Wednesday (tomorrow) is awkward as GP is only open in the morning, so getting an appointment is impossible.

Don't want to be PFB and put an unnecessary strain on resources, but also don't want him to be uncomfortable. WWYD?

I would make an appointment for Thursday and keep him off anything like banana but try apple juice and water. If he seems happy in himself keep him as mobile as you can, sounds like you're doing all the right stuff. Clockwise tummy rubbing and big riding-a-bike leg movements! Someone I know who lived in France said in similar circumstances her doctor would give the baby a suppository, don't know if this happens here but if your DS seems content, wait and see.

I read recently that 4-5 days would be worth a visit with a toddler, but the article didn't mention babies.

I would go if you are worried or call NHS direct for advice.

Thanks both. My issue with NHS Direct is (only in my experience) they're more interested in arse-coverage and even a splinter warrants, 'but just to be on the safe-side you should go to A&E'.

I'm not terribly worried, but I know the bowel can over-stretch and lead to problems in the slightly longer term. I'm just not sure when 'critical mass' would be

If I take him to a really public place, with limited baby-changing facilities and no change of clothes, I bet the Law of Sod would intervene and cause a poo-kreig...

Why not take him along this afternoon then, better still put on something expensive and white yourself, bound to get results Hope Mother Nature sorts it out.

Are you still BFing - I think so from your OP - if so try eating a load of prunes yourself. I know that sounds a bit crazy but I am sure it works for my LO - I discovered this by accident because I love prunes and eventually realised they were making his bowels active!

Thanks G&T I'll try that one and keep close to my loo

I would keep going with the lactulose, 2 doses may not be enough. Also offer water or juice as well as bf.