Toddler Stopping Herself Passing Stools.

[soapnumpty]

Sorry for the subject matter! My daughter is 17 months and is trying to stop herself from doing a poo. She was constipated then soon after had a tummy bug with diarrhoea, and now is trying to stop herself going. She leans up against the wall and goes all stiff, crying. She is going most days, but its causing her distress. I asked the health visitor who suggested ignoring her whilst she is trying to go, in case she is doing it for attention, and then praising her when she does go, but this doesn't seem to be working. Any ideas what I can do?
Thanks

[ferlew]

I used to give my boys sweetcorn, with a little butter melted on.
Works for me every time.

[andy-hughes]

I would NEVER ignore a little one in distress - I would isolate the cause, and if it is for attention, then maybe a little attention can help!

The previous answers seem to have all bases covered - hope she gets past this soon - poor little soul xx

[soapnumpty]

Thanks for all your advice. I have a doctors appointment for Thursday morning so I'll see what he says.

[soapnumpty]

Just an update for those of you that are interested. The doctor said she doesn't have a tear. He thinks her muscles have become weak with the constipation and diarrhoea. I've got to give her Lactulose for three weeks to keep her stools soft, and he said that in this time her muscles should get back to normal.

[dunya-anneli]

The baiscs for bowel health are a healthy diet (basically more fruit and veg esp. green veg, pulses etc - and less meat, or none at all)
keeping hydrated and
physical activity - some outdoorsy hobby that can be a form of exercise, or just walking more and driving less (not applicable here!)

But if she's wilfully refusing to do her dooeys when she gets the urge, ehe needs to be frightened out of it, so next time you catch her at it you should put a glycerine (or soap-sliver) suppository up her. Besides scaring her into taking responsibility for her bowels, it'll make her do a nice big smelly one in 15 mins or so!

[andy-hughes]

dunya - "Besides scaring her into taking responsibility for her bowels ..."

Scaring? A child? Are you serious?

I'm glad I don't know who you are, I would report you to Social Services - your approach to child care is shameful.