probs with pooing

[sidey]

I know this has already been mentioned, but can't find it. Started potty training ds 2.3 on sunday. Has done really well with wee's but only done 2 poos all week. 1st on potty, 2nd in pants. I know he wants to do one today but won't go on toilet, potty. He is in bed now with a nappy on and still won't poo in his nappy. What shall I do?

Is anyone there? He is in bed crying cause he wants a poo but won't do one

help me

My dd always wanted to poo standing up, in her nappy, in a particular spot, at a particular time of day. Perhaps he'd find it easier if you asked him if he'd prefer to stand up and have a poo?

Sorry sidey, there's a lot going on here tonight.

We had the exact same situation with ds (3) and found that increasing his fruit and veg intake dramatically, and letting him stay in a nappy whenever he wanted to, has got over the initial problem. However I mentioned poos on the potty again today and we are back to him holding it in (I really should learn to keep my mouth shut )

Everyone I have mentioned it to says how common this is, especially in boys. Virtually every mother I have spoken to has either had the same experience or knows someone who has, so you are not alone.

In the short term you could try gently massaging his stomach in a clockwise direction, or giving him a warm bath, and put a bit of vaseline around his anus or even gently inside as this can encourage a bowel movement and ease the pain when a hard poo does eventually come out. Lots of fluids will also help - I relaxed our usual habits of water only and gave lots of diluted juice.