Constipation
A major toilet training obstacle!
A common problem which causes setbacks in the potty training process is constipation. The causes and results of constipation can be very distressing for small children and therefore it is extremely important that you are understanding and patient.
Signs of constipation
There are many signs that your child may be constipated. Any of the following could indicate constipation:
1. Size, consistency and frequency of bowel movements – small, hard and infrequent bowel movements could indicate that your child’s diet and fluid intake need to be reviewed
2. Stomach aches
3. Abdominal bloating
4. Loss of appetite
5. Uncharacteristic wetting caused by fecal matter building up making the colon swell and press on bladder
6. Fear of or unwillingness to potty
7. Straining hard when doing a bowel movement
8. Bleeding from in or around anus and rectum
9. Unusual body language such as clinging, hiding, squatting
Causes of constipation
The main causes of constipation fall into a number of general categories, being dietary, physical and psychological.
1. Wrong foods – bananas, rice, cheese, citrus juice, excessive milk, pasta, white bread and carbonated drinks can all cause constipation
2. Insufficient fluid intake
3. Food allergies – such as lactose intolerance can cause constipation. You should consult your doctor if you believe that your child has a food allergy
4. Not sitting for long enough so that bowel is completely empty – often active children get impatient and will not sit for long enough on their potty to ensure that their bowel is completely clear. This leads to a build up of harden fecal matter close to the anus. Sometimes more liquid feces will leak out around this blockage resulting in soiling.
5. Illness – check with your doctor
6. Withholding – some toddlers think that the bowel movement is part of them and become upset by the process of flushing it away. They will hold back from releasing a bowel movement in order to prevent this happening.
7. Sensation – some children are upset by the splashing sensation on their bottoms when their bowel movement hits the water in the toilet bowl
8. Bad experience – this can vary from bullying or distress outside of the home, to a fall from the toilet
Tips for preventing and resolving constipation
1. Discuss with child – talk to your child about what they are experiencing and how they are feeling. This will help you to uncover what the underlying causes are so that you can take appropriate action.
2. Remove stress – if you are trying to make other changes such as moving from the cot to a bed, hold back on those changes until after the constipation issues has been resolved. If your child is in daycare, ask the carers if they are aware of anything in that environment which may be causing stress, such as bullying or a different toileting routine to the home routine. A warm bath or light massage can relax and de-stress children as effectively as they do adults.
3. Encourage – be positive and encouraging. Do not punish or get angry with your toddler as this will cause additional stress and may make the issue worse.
4. Diet – increase the vegetables, dried and fresh fruit, while-grain breads and cereals, brown rice and baked beans in your child’s diet
5.Liquids – increase water and fruit juices. Prune juice is also a great natural laxative.
6. Urination – ensure that your toddler urinates regularly. A full bladder can press on the bowel and increase discomfort.
7. Toilet comfort – some children have a frightening experience when sitting on the toilet. They make have fallen or become unsteady. Ensure that the toilet adaptor fits the toilet and the child snugly, and provide a small, sturdy step stool so that they can get on and off the toilet easily and safely. Also, crouch down to your child’s level and give them additional support when they are on the toilet.
8. Sitting for sufficient time – if your toddler gets bored with the potty or toilet and refuses to sit for a sufficient time, try entertaining his with books, stories, games and songs to help him sit for longer.
9. Exercise – regular exercise helps things get moving. Give your child the opportunity to run around or climb around a playground on a daily basis.
When to consult the Doctor
If try the above tips and are still concerned, take your child to your doctor. In addition, if any of the following symptoms are apparent, an immediate doctor’s visit is recommended:
1. Blood in stool
2. Black stool
3. Distress when passing a bowel movement
4. Vomiting
5. Pain
6. Fever
7. Sudden onset of constipation
8. Suspected food allergy
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