** BarefootContessa ***

[McGavin]

You mentioned in another thread that potty training was tricky for you because your LO was chronically constipated. We are dealing with this now, do you have any advice?

DD will go on the potty occasionally to pee but never to poop. She has to really gear up for a poop and doesn't want us anywhere near her.

[barefootcontessa]

So sorry. It was really a difficult time for us and him. We were all set to take him to play therapy when the issue resolved. So that is one option.

Basically my advice is to do whatever she needs for her to have a BM. If she wants diaper and privacy, tell her she can have that. Ask her what will make it easier for her -- explain how not going will make her tummy hurt, etc. Ignore people who tell you that you are encouraging bad habits, etc. She can permanently damage herself by not going.

If she is constipated, you can try glycerin suppositories. You might ask your ped about an enema. We had to do that a couple of times; it was horrible but worked. Then all the usual things -- lots of fiber. They have children's laxatives (but my son refused).

I hope things get better quickly.

[McGavin]

Thanks so much for the advice. DD has had this problem her whole life. She has always gone days (like 5!) between BMs.

H's solution is physically force her to go on the potty (which actually did work once) but I don't want to do that to her. I'll keep up with the fiber and fluids and hopefully she'll go on her own. I keep telling myself she won't be 10 and still pooping in a diaper, right?

[Deleted]

My DD2 had chronic constipation...Ped told us to give her Miralax daily & it helped. My DD3 is completely PT'd for Pee but still poops in her pants. I don't care...I rather her go there than hold it so I don't make a big deal (learned this from DD2). Eventually they'll get sick of the mess. Pooping sitting (vs. squating) is very hard to master & not a natural thing for kids. You can try & let her squat over a little potty (I did this w/ DD1). Good luck!

[ijack]

I have multiple friends whose kids ended up in therapy because of poop issues (and the ER multiple times). DON'T push the issue!

[McGavin]

Jun 21, 2012 19:53:39 GMT -5 ijack said:

I have multiple friends whose kids ended up in therapy because of poop issues (and the ER multiple times). DON'T push the issue!

Yikes! I'll make H back off and let her do her own thing.