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

[boxtops]

This is really sad - I know little ones who've been told off for pooing in the wrong place, so think they're doing wrong. You need to let her see you having a poo, or saying what a good thing it is to poo, so she knows she's not doing a dirty wrong thing.

[pixie373]

She's probably found it painful at some point and it's put her off. Maybe ask your pharmacist about lactulose or similar to make it as easy as possible. As little fuss as possible, i think. Just "good girl" or "well done" when she goes.

[Prudie]

Personally I'd get a GP to rule out any source of pain. She could be sore from the diarrhoea or from the constipation.

[Hopkirk]

Not an uncommon problem at all.

Certainly lactulose is probably the first port of call, from my memories of a child with similar anxiety.

[tamborine]

give her baked breans for brekkies; thatll help clear her bowels.

[soapnumpty]

Thanks for your replies. I've got some Lactulose but I'm unsure what dose to give her as it doesn't say on the bottle. Someone else suggested linseed so I've been putting some on her weetabix in the morning.

[pixie373]

Maybe google the dose? 15ml is quite common for adults. I'm not sure for children.

[anneasquith]

when she poo's every day is the poo normal ?

[soapnumpty]

It is a bit hard when she does go, but no so hard that i think she couldn't pass it if she just let it come out. she just clamps her bum and legs together to try and stop it. On the Lactulose label it says starting does 5-10ml for her age, but it doesn't say how often.

[anneasquith]

how long have you been doing what the HV advised ?

[pixie373]

Try her with 10ml in the mornings and see how she does. Plenty of fruit and fluids too should help.

[soapnumpty]

I spoke to the health visitor last Wednesday so I haven't given it too long. It's just horrible trying to ignore her when she is crying and I don't think she is just doing it for attention. I started with the Lactulose tonight, 5ml, so I'll try that every night for a few days and see if there is any improvement.

[pixie373]

Hope it helps.

[Sqad]

You need to see your GP to rule out a fissure in ano which could be giving her pain when passing a stool.
No big deal, but needs excluding but if present needs treatment.

[retrocop]

My dear Grand daughter suffered the same problem at the same age as your daughter.My wife,a nurse of 38yrs service and therefore of the old school and abundant common sense and medical knowledge of matters relating to children suggested to daughter in law fresh orange juice(from a carton) in her bottle/tommy tippy and All bran in warm milk for brekkie.Natural laxative.No discomfort for grand daughtrt when passing motions.Good result all round except fpr nappy changer.Lol!!

[soapnumpty]

Thanks all. Sqad, could she have a fissure if she isn't passing blood? I've been giving her orange juice. I'll try the All Bran. At this rate I won't be able to stop her!

[Sqad]

Yes she could, blood passing is not that common in fissure, but pain IS the predominant sign.

[soapnumpty]

Ok thanks Sqad. I'll take her to the doctors to check.

[grasscarp]

I was just about to mention anal fissure but Sqad already mentioned. My daughter had same problems as a child. I never knew what it was till someone checked and found this. Poor child had such pain she resisted going.

[Hopkirk]

My lad was just stubborn and decided he wouldn't do anything he didn't want to do.

Unfortunately he didn't realise this wouldn't work in this area.