1yo significant pain when pooing

[scarecrow22]

My DS is 12.5 mo and has been having problems pooing for a good two months.

It started approx when I went back to work, he sometimes wouldn't poo for a week and then it was hard, so considered a stress type reaction or increase in formula as I was mix feeding with bf.

He's now on cow's milk only, we feed whole food cereals, good measures of veg and fruit and he's a good water and milk drinker.
He is now pooing more often, approx 2 out if three days, and the stools are not hard (sorry!) but he is still hugely distressed by it. He can spend hours periodically straining and pushing, getting distressed, and cries when it comes out, sometimes heart-breakingly.

I've started to keep a food diary in case I go to doctor.

Anybody have similar experiences, or thoughts what it could be?

I'm starting to worry....

Poor wee soul. I'd get an appointment with the doctor as soon as possible.

Ds had some problems when younger, but it was mainly a reluctance towards veg for him. which you've already got covered. Get him to the docs for advice.

Hope he's better soon.

Any vitamins with iron in?

Naty I don't give him vits yet (only stopped formula totally week or so ago, but good reminder!)

I mentioned it about a month in when visiting for another reason and doctor was rather curt, telling me they never investigate babies for such things and the problem would be diet. Given she'd not asked me a single question about diet.... Want more information when I go back if I need to.

No i was wondering if the iron was causing constipation, as they also put in formula.

Too much banana?

Callington, oddly he doesn't like banana. Almost only food he refuses!

Stop the whole food cereals.
Little children cannot cope with high roughage diets. They produce huge, solid stools that cause over dilation of the gut and hurt to pass.

Cooked fruit and veg is fine. Not dried fruit.

have you considered milk intolerance?
There are two types of milk intol in a young baby, one is upper that gives the reflux etc and the other is when the protein irritates the lining of the anus and creates terrible pain passing normal stools.

go to GP and if problem persists get referral to a pead.

thankyou 3little and eargon, did not know that about whole foods or milk. I always thought milk intolerance led to explosive nappies. He had reflux so v possible.... Will keep an eye on it and feel better armed to go back if I need.
I so appreciate your advice and support.

My DS (11 months) is having the same problem - I didn't know that about whole grains either. He loves wholegrain toast so that's probably it!! So - do I give white bread instead? I thought I was giving him the healthier option

Brown bread is fine, but little tummies can't cope with bulky, high roughage foods.

Years ago little children used to be given "nursery food". This consisted of easily digested food such as eggs, chicken, fish and cooked fruit and veg.
things like stewed apple, casseroles with lots of cooked carrots and similar things.