What to do? DD choosing not to poo and think she is constipated

[pecanpie]

We've finally cracked potty/toilet training with DD (2+ 9 months). She's sometimes reluctant to go now to the toilet and can go a good while without, but we're amazed at her bladder control. If she forgets and starts to wee, she stops herself and asks to go to the toilet.

We have a big poo problem though. After initial success last Friday, which came with big rewards (toy shopping at the weekend), she seems to be actively stopping herself from pooing. Earlier this week, this meant that after 2 days of nothing, she finally had an accident while playing. Since then, I've tried reading stories/singing songs while she sits on the toilet and sitting her on the potty infront of cbeebies but she now says it hurts and I'm worried she's even more stressed out about it because she could be constipated. Today is day 3 with no poo and we may have to resort to a glycerin suppository to make her more comfortable.

How do I encourage her to get over this fear?

My son was exactly the same even his age.Started off fine a few weeks or month ago but I think it was the fuss that perhaps then sent him the other way. He didn't go as long as 3 days - but probably 2. All we did was persevere to be honest he would say he wanted to go but then scream about it as if it was murder and we just consistently (and i think this is the key) quietly encouraged him saying his tummy would feel better - even going as far as to list people he knows who also do a poo!! All in all it took a week or maybe 10 days of this before one monday afternoon he went to school for a couple of hours and when I picked him up he announced he had done a poo! The teacher said it had not been a problem. Now he is going fine!! I hope it works out soon as it is horrible to see them so upset

thanks for your advice/experience. Resorted to a suppository to help things move along as poor thing was really out of sorts with her 'sore bottom'. Worked pretty quickly although she claims the chocolate reward made her feel better and not the poo...

Complained of a sore bottom just before bedtime as well, but then put on her poo face so picked her up and ran for the toilet. Did the trick and hopefully has made her realise that she can do it!

my daughter has always had a problem pooing, i wonder if that is from being potty trained too early.
she has not had a wet nappie since she was 20 months but still hates to poo. I just make sure she eats loads of fruit and dont make a big thing (or worry too much) about it. I do think they will get stressed if they know you are worried, so lots of praise and no panic... and they will find their own rythm