E.B. asks from Asbury Park, NJ on November 27, 2007
Need Help with 16 Month Old Daughter's Severe Constipation
About the time I stopped nursing and started my 16 month old on formula (10 mo) she started getting constipated and had a flare up of eczema. I tried switching her to soy milk, then rice milk, and taking her off wheat. Occasionally I'll think its getting better, but lately its gotten so bad that a lot of blood comes out with her stool and its so thick and hard its like she's pushing out a baby. I've discovered that its hereditary in my husband's family starting from this young of an age, but I don't want to resort to laxatives like they did because my mother-in-law is suffering the health consequences of years of laxatives as a young child. Any kind of help or suggestions would be appreciated.
So What Happened?™
A new update--I switched my daughter over to almond milk and oat milk and that seems to have done the trick. Who knew rice milk could be so hard on her when that's all my other daughter could ever have.
I took my daughter to the doctor on Tuesday, and because of the family history and and how long she has been having painful bm's(5 months), he put her on Miralax. On Thursday she had another painful and VERY hard stool again. But, on the third day, my daughter finally had her first soft poop. It was still pretty traumatic for her and she cried half an hour before she had it, so I think she's going to have to realize that having a bm isn't always painful. But I'm now hoping that we can fix this with diet instead of with medicine in the long run. Thanks so much for all of your responses, especially those of you who had a more in-depth understanding of the genetic issues.
Featured Answers
L.R. answers from New York on December 05, 2007
Both my boys had issues w/ constipation- Avoid rice, bananas and toast. Also eats yogart on a daily basis helped my son tremendously- he would only poop every 3-4 days and since he's been on yogart he goes like clockwork (he's 2 1/2). You can put it in ice cream cones, mix in cereal or fruit, or buy the drinkable yogart. I found it to be theh most helpful thing.
G.H. answers from New York on November 28, 2007
My daughter was about 18 months old when she suffered from occasional bouts of constipation. The best remedy for her was warm apple juice, sometimes while sitting on potty (good position to push it out). Even today at 26 months, I know if she has not had enough liquids, because she gets hard poops. We don't use rice milk, but I know regular milk doesn't count for liquid as far as my daughter is concerned. She has to have two or three ounces of juice or water a day to keep her stools soft. And by the way, she just loves prune juice. She calls it "coffee", because it is so dark. A couple of sips of that stuff, and she poops within a matter of minutes. Good luck.
M.T. answers from Albany on November 28, 2007
E.,
My oldest will be 4 in Feb and he has been dealing with constipation since before he was a year old. We found that when he would start to have an episode, use the Kyro Syrup method (1/2 cup Kyro to 1cup juice). It would usually take a few days to go into effect, but would eventually work. For those times when it would be really bad, we would continuously give him fruits. Applesauce, grapes, etc. Definitely stay away from the bananas.
My son's case is a little more extreme because the final diagnosis was that his intestines don't retain enough fluid for normal bowel movements. Therefore we have him on a prescription that I have to give if he doesn't go after 2-3 days. It's hard, but try the increase of fruits, juices, and the Kyro.
More Answers
S.P. answers from New York on November 28, 2007
Have you tried prune baby food? And a lot more water that she's been drinking? Stay away from rice and bananas too!!
L.R. answers from New York on December 05, 2007
Both my boys had issues w/ constipation- Avoid rice, bananas and toast. Also eats yogart on a daily basis helped my son tremendously- he would only poop every 3-4 days and since he's been on yogart he goes like clockwork (he's 2 1/2). You can put it in ice cream cones, mix in cereal or fruit, or buy the drinkable yogart. I found it to be theh most helpful thing.
M.T. answers from Albany on November 28, 2007
E.,
My oldest will be 4 in Feb and he has been dealing with constipation since before he was a year old. We found that when he would start to have an episode, use the Kyro Syrup method (1/2 cup Kyro to 1cup juice). It would usually take a few days to go into effect, but would eventually work. For those times when it would be really bad, we would continuously give him fruits. Applesauce, grapes, etc. Definitely stay away from the bananas.
My son's case is a little more extreme because the final diagnosis was that his intestines don't retain enough fluid for normal bowel movements. Therefore we have him on a prescription that I have to give if he doesn't go after 2-3 days. It's hard, but try the increase of fruits, juices, and the Kyro.
N.M. answers from New York on November 28, 2007
You can try some simple sugar water. It works great! Or just feed her some beans like lentils or even add some fibersure to her yogurt or snack.
These are somethings I used and still use at times.
Hope this helps!
A.P. answers from Elmira on November 28, 2007
Hi E. - canned pureed pumpkin works great for constipation. I feed it to my 14 month old son if he hasn't had a BM in awhile, and it works before the day is over. Add in some cinnamon & yogurt to make a great meal.
But I think you should call your dr. first - sounds like there could be more going on....
Good luck -
A.
J.M. answers from New York on November 28, 2007
FIBER FIBER FIBER! A 16 month old is not too young to start on raisins. Stewed prunes are another good choice. Start off with small servings to see how much she will need to get her bowls moving. Raisin bran is also a good source of fiber if you can get her to eat it. Fill her diet with fruit and vegetables.
L.B. answers from Albany on November 29, 2007
It was a long time ago, but when my children had that problem we added about a teaspoon of Karo Syrup to each bottle. Have you checked with your doctor?
C.S. answers from New York on November 27, 2007
I would increase fruits thus increasing fiber. Also, apple cider always helps to 'loosen' my kids up.
And I think a trip to your pediatrician would be a good idea.
Email