Problems doing a number 2

Counting_Pennies_2

My son has been potty training for two weeks now and is doing fantastically.

Number 1s are on average 6 times a day and barely an accident

The problem I have is his number 2s. He is so badly constipated that he is sitting on the potty for up to 2 hours crying.

I sit hugging him rubbing his tummy until something an inch in diameter comes out. Then it is repeated each day after.

I have read advice to say I should return him to nappies if this should happen, likely he is withholding.

He refuses to have his nappy put back on. He hasn't eaten the last three days. Before that he had loads of fruit, beans, wholemeal bread etc.

I just don't know what to do.

black-saturn

My 2 daughters were both like this for about a year after starting to potty train them. Best thing you can do is persevere I'm afraid. A trip to the docs probably wouldnt go amiss either. In the end it will click with him.

rio

I went through this problem with my own son. Best to tempt him with lots of sugary drinks, chocolate etc. This may sound silly, but when you go to the doctors they may well give him lactosade which is basically concentrated glucose syrup to get the bowels working. If he doesn't do a movement then eventually the bowels will overflow and he will end up going and not being able to control it which may cause him more distress, and then he will try and withold it even more and you may end having to use suppositries. I really hope it doesn't come to that. Try typing ERIC into google. This site was recommended by my health visitor, it is american but has some good ideas on it.

mae

Will he have his nappy on just for number 2s? This is what I did with my daughter loads of praise for pees on potty and loads of praise for poos in nappy so it was not seen as a backward step or an issue. I would use bribery for getting the nappy on til he manages to go then make a massive fuss how clever he is. Take the issue away before it gets worse and don't try again for a couple of months with the number 2s. Good luck.

inkie

My DD1 was fine with wees, but she would hold on to poos insiting that she didn't want to go. Lots of reassurane and encouragement and a high fibre diet to make it easier for him to go should do the trick. Try distraction - if he shows signs of needing a poo - stick the TV on - get a toy out and whilst he is being distracted with that - guide him to the potty.

hobo28

high fibre diet but also, plenty of fluids.

I would hold off on lactolose unless doc has ok'ed it. He's probably not eating cos he doesn't want to have to do a poo.

Don't let son sit on potty for 2 hours whilst crying! He must be distraught. Just keep it handy and whip it out at a moments notice. You'll prob. do it about 1000000 times a day first of all but he'll soon get the hang of it.

If its been really built up to be a HUGE issue, it might be worth going backj to nappies for a while until he forgets the trauma. How old is he?

When my daughter was a baby, between us and the childminder, no-one realised she hadn't poo'ed for a week. She'd become constipated and ended up at hospital for an enema. That itself was quite funny but the memory of having to hold her down for an xray will always haunt me. So please be careful.

lewt

B-
rilliant thread

bumpybecky

have you tried rewarding him for weeing in the potty? if he gets grapes, satsuma segments or other fresh fruit for every wee, it will help act as a gentle laxitive

crispeater

if the lactulose (sugar stuff) doesnt work go to your gp and get some movicol its a GODSEND!
my ds has a anal fissure and needs all motions to be soft an this works a treat. you mix it with an inch of water and the stuff thats in it makes the water bypass the digestive system and go straight to the bowel thus the water making the motion soft. (something like that anyway)
goodluck

moggins

Lactulose is a godsend, my DD had severe constipation at 2 and screamed the house down whenever she needed to do a poo, at times I even had to help by pressing down on her perineum and just behind her anus to help ease it out. The doctor then prescribed her lactulose and after 3 days she had normal motions again and because they were soft and she wasn't afraid to go we could stop the lactulose. We only ever had to use it for 1 week just until things got back to normal.

emmaBZ

when my daughter was only about 3 months old she was consipated and the doctor said give her pure orange juice . i did and it worked might be worth a try ?