Question About My Pediatrician

Actually, I work with a lady that had to do that until her newborn was a couple months old. The baby was not capable of passing stool without help at all, and if it was not done, she would have become very, very sick from not being able to have a bowel movement.

Personally, if you feel uncomfortable, I would get a second opinion, but doctors do usually know what they're doing. Its no different than having a doctor check an adult for something. It may make you uncomfortable, but you also allow doctors to do things to you that are uncomfortable, such as seeing an OB/GYN and getting a yearly exam. The doctor believes it is something necessary, and if the constipation is a problem, something should be done, whether or not you are comfortable or not with the method of taking care of the problem. She is probably in lots of pain from the constipation already, so relieving that discomfort should be first priority.

After reading some other responses, I agree, don't go with medication. Suppositories are easy, and anything easy is possibly habit forming. Stool softeners and laxatives should never be used if they can be avoided. Your doc was simply trying to find a natural approach without putting the baby in danger by using drugs.

I actually had to do this! I know it sounds strange and very uncomfortable but when you see your baby in pain when using the restroom you have to do it. My daughter was born with her anal too small it had to be stretched out every other diaper change with gloves and ky jelly. It lasted till she was about 2 months and the doctor said it was fine I no longer had to do it.

My mom said she had to do this to me when I was a baby and I also had to do it with my son. It's not fun but it worked ! I am fine and so is my son.

I'm not sure I understand what upset you so much. The doctor heard your concerns and performed a physical assessment of the condition and gave you advice to help your baby have bowel movements. I don't know if your baby cried and that's what made you upset? I know when my son was younger and we had to take his temp anally he cried and didn't like it, it is exit only after all! But we did it because our pediatrician said that was the best was to get an accurate temperature when he had a fever. She also told us to be prepared for a messy diaper after doing so, I guess the anal stimulation can encourage a bowel movement. So it seems to me that your doc was trying to naturally help things along (without meds on such a young baby). Did you share your concerns with your doctor or ask her to explain why she did what she did?

We went through the same thing w/ my oldest daughter. She was having a lot of problems w/ bm's so I took her to the Dr. Our Dr. did the same thing, but instead of telling me to do it, she had me use the baby supository's. We had to cut them in half (long ways) and insert them into her anus and they worked like a charm. I don't think your Dr. did anything wrong, she was just trying to relieve your daughter's tummy ache. We had to do this off and on for several months.

My 2nd daughter had this problem and this is the same treatment that was used on her and as gross as it sounds ,it does work. It doesn't have to be done all the time and it is better than using a supository which can become habit forming. Try giving her a few sips of juice every day. I am the mother of 6.

I know I had to use a thermometer once like that, because my lil boy wasn't pooping. Both the dr and my MIL told me to do it. Luckily, it was only one time, but it certainly worked. And a little bit of uncomfortableness is preferable to the pain of constipation for the wee kiddo.
Perhaps the dr should have explained what she was going to do, but it's a pretty normal technique to get the mail running again.
If you're uncomfy with this doc, tho, by all means get a new one, or at least a second opinion.

My nephew had alot of constipation problems during his first year. The doctor did prescribe Laculose and we would put it in his bottles when he needed it. He also told us to use OTC benefiber in every bottle. It definatly worked. He is 6 now and we still keep it around to use occasionally. Hope this helps.

HI M.,
I've never heard of a Dr. doing that. But with my owns kids when this happens I have made a regular bottle how many noramal ounces she drinks and then only add 1 or 2 scoops of formula. So if she drinks 6 oz's only put in 2 scoops, I would think if you are breasfeeding then pump a little and add a little water to it. As a last resort use the suppoitories but I've also used these. And only a little is needed, make sure you have plenty of wipes and a couple of diapers around you and maybe even a change of clothing. If could get messy, lol. Hope this helps W.. By the way where and what Dr. did you see so the rest of us can stay away from her.

with my child it wasn't as much the anus was tight as her muscles were not built up and didn't know what htey were supposed to do. I wasn't comfortable with the finger approach so I used a thermometer or a q-tip. There is nothing wrong or bad about this. The karo syrup is something else I used but the biggest problem with my daughter was her muscles needed to learn how to work. She only had the problem for about 6-7 months tops and then has been fine ever since.

I must say though that if something makes you uncomfortable, ask about it. Your pediatriation also needs to be your buddy when it comes to your children. I LOVE my pediatrition and he knows that if I don't feel comfortable about something I will talk to him more about it and find some studies backing it up. So if you don't feel like you can be that way with this pediatrition, there is NOTHING wrong with finding one that you can. I wish you luck.

i have never heard of this and i would have been very uncomfortable with this also.. have you tried giving your baby dark karo syrup?

Thats kinda weird!!! My oldest daughter was also constapated from day one, my Dr. made me try every thing from child soptories(sp), prune juice,apple juice and caro syurp, they did tell me it was okay for my baby to go up to five days with out a BM but as a mom we both know when there something wrong with our kids, eventualy he prescribed me "Miralax" all you do is put how every much the dr. sayes in her bottles and she should be fine! I really hope you can find a Dr. that will prescribe some to you as well! My daughter is now 3 and still has trouble going number 2 so we still use it!!! Good luck and call and find another Dr. ask them if thats normal to do what your Dr. told you!!!
My Dr. never had me do this when she was a baby and she had all her problems he did check her anus for tears when I was telling him what was going on! If you have a bad felling about a Dr. leave your probley right find the one you like!!

I'm pretty sure the doctor would know what they are doing. We never really had this problem. I did use a few drops of Karo Syrup a few times if the stools became harder to pass.

S.

Here is a great link for this problem with babies.

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/facts/babyconsti...

If you scroll down to "How to treat constipation" you will see a statement that reads something like "Do not put a thermometer or anything else into the anus because it can cause damage". I did use infant suppositories cut in half lengthwise (and i would roll it between my hand to smooth out any edges) and insert only about halfway and held it there for a minute or 2 until my babies would start to grunt or push their bowels. This does wonders for relieving gas too. As far as your doctor, I would ask her about her procedure and be upfront about your feelings. Otherwise, she will continue to practice this on some other child and possibly put another mom in the same situation as you. I wouldn't worry too much though because this way of handling your baby's problem is an old remedy passed down through generations but that doesn't make it ok if you are not informed first. Just be honest with her and let her know how it made you feel. It could be a learning experience for both of you. Also, just because she's a doctor it doesn't mean she is perfect and right. I'm sure she would like to be told if she has upset a patient or parent. Good Luck with your new baby. Oh, I agree with the Karo syrup suggestion others have made too. (got that same advise from my mom and grandma)

I know that you have a lot! of responses, but just to back it up I had to do this with my daughter. Sometimes a big part of motherhood is doing things that we are not comfortable with. SOmetimes we need to look past what makes us queasy and do what is best for the child.

Hi-
My daughter actually had the same problem. It is caled anal stenosis and is very common. If not treated correctly, it can lead to complications which could require surgery. It is miserable for the babies, but it is far better then a complicated surgery to correct the opening or resolve impaction from constipation. I know how upset you were, I have been there - but the pediatrician wasn't doing anything incorrectly.

To tell you about myself - both of my parents are physicians and I worked at Children's Mercy for 5 years in psychology, and I have seen this issue with quite a few newborns. Hang in there.

I completely agree. That was horrible! I am a mother of two, now 7 & 8 yrs. old and my daughter had problems with constipation when she was 1-2 yrs. old. My pediatrician NEVER did anything like that at all. That is painful to even think about. Definitely seek another doctor. I took my children to Northwest ____@____.com have several wonderful female doctors and they are all mothers. Dr. Andrea Key is wonderful, actually all the women up there are great! Do not go back to that doctor. I hope your daughter feels better.

I've heard of using a thermometer and vaseline to help a baby's bowels move, but I personally have never heard of this. I'm not sure what to think about it. So, the doctor said that you need to loosen your baby's anus? I seriously have never heard of this, but I've never had a child that young be constipated, either. As a mother, you need to go with your gut. If you are uncomfortable with this doctor, find a different one. As mothers, we all should pay closer attention to our intuition. Sorry I don't have better advice.

Meliisa,
I am a mother of three and I am very familiar with constipation.All three of my kids have had problems with this, one only slightly and two of them very severe.I have a 22 month old that has been on miralax since he was 5 months.NO!I have never had the doctor say to loosen up thier anus.Once our pediatrician did put her finger in my sons bottom because he was so compacted that she had to dig the bowel movement out.I asked around and other people were familiar with that.Now when they were newborn I did have more than one doctor tell me you can put KY or vaseline on a Q-tip and put it in thier bottom and move it in a circular motion and this will sometimes stimulate them to go.You can also push thier legs against thier belly slightly when they are trying to go.Also if you are breast feeding they can go alot longer.One thing they told me to look for is when they did finally go to observe rather they had a really hard time going and rather the bowel movement was really hard when they did get it out.There are alot of ideas that can help they never helped my boys but did with my daughter.You can use Karo syrup in her bottles once a day.You can use apple or prune juice and as a last resort you can use a piece of a suppository.There are also pediatric enemas.I would discuss these with a doctor though because I am not sure you can use any of these at her age.I know I did not at that age.One thing we did do with my son that I confirmed with our doctor was ok is to take a medicine syringe and gently squirt some warm water (you can and a drop of baby soap)up there.

My daughter did not have her first bowel movement until she was 8 days old. I took her to the doctor when she was about 5 days old for this, and the doctor did the same test. However, she did NOT tell me to do the same thing. Instead, she said to get some baby suppositories and give her a small dose. Be careful, though. A little goes a long way!!

Hi M.,

i don't like that idea either. My daughter was born May 15 th also, she just turned 8 though.

I would say that such a young baby only need to pass liquid so the need to do that doesn't seem normal.

It is just my opinion but I would check with an other doctor or nurse to see what they think about it.

May be she just need water, in summer some doctors recommend water in addition to milk.

Hope you find the answer so you can feel better,

M.
www.MyKidsFirst.com

When my daughter was 2 months old, she had blood in her poo caused by constipation. My doc recommended a few oz pear (or apple) juice each day. Never did she put her hand where it didn't belong. I think you're right to see another doc.

Yes I had to do that to my son when he was a baby. His rectal ring grew back and I had to "dilate" him a few times a day. Each time I did it, bowel came out. Yeah, he didn't like it, but it eventually was fine. It happens in some babies and not in others. I wasnt upset about it, it was a learning thing for me. I had to keep the KY and gloves with me for about 4 days or so. It passes in time.

I hope this is ok to post other sites here, if not I am sorry
Here is a link to check out.
If you are not comfy with your doctor for your children do not go back.
I do agree that does seem a litte easive to me , she could of said something before hand and asked instead of just doing that.
My boys had problems with their bowels before and we had to switch their formula of course if you are breast feeding it could be what you are eatting, not placing blame on your so please dont' take it that way.
If you are breast feeding just watch what you eat, if not it could be the formula.
Good luck

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babyills/babyconsti...

I don't really have much to say other than that does sound really strange.

i know that was a horrible experience, exspecially for a new mom. if your pediatrician didn't warn you or your are uncomfortable with the way she treats you or your child, there is nothing wrong with switching doctors. as for the constipation, my son has dealt with that since the day he was born. our docter suggested karo syrup- it works wonderfully, and he's never had that problem again.

M.,
I am a pediatric RN plus my son had constipation as a newborn. We used glycerin suppositories for a short time, which are non-habit forming and worked like a charm, mostly because of the stimulation to the muscles, but also because the glycerin helps to make anus slick so the BM can pass easily. Using a lubricated pinkie fingertip or cotton swab or a rectal thermometer can help stimulate the muscles too and the KY helps to make it slippery. Any of those methods are tried and true and will help most infants with this problem. The pediatrician was using an acceptable method, but if her bedside manner makes you uncomfortable (does she not explain things to you or seem open to your questions?) then I would suggest talking with her on the next visit and ask her to explain what she will be doing beforehand and as she is examining your child so you don't feel blindsided. Most doctors (esp. pediatricians) want to work WITH the patient (or in this case the parents) to treat them and so a good understanding of what the doctor is doing and why is important and they will be willing to answer questions and offer explanations. But there are those doctors who don't have very good bedside manners and/or don't like to be questioned. If your pediatrician is like that or is unwilling to explain things and answer questions, look for a new one. Otherwise, just let her know that you would like to know what is being done and why.

Hope this helps,
T. Walker, R.N.
www.MomRN.com

It sounds like it was a normal procedure, but I as a mom always trust my gut. If it didn't feel right to you, don't go back to that doctor. There's lots of peditrician's out there and you want to go to one you really feel comfortable around to talk to. Good luck!

hey there i have a four yr old and it seemedlike the first months of his life was filled with constipation i was told to get some light kyro syrup put a little in his bottle with water and it seemed to help also im not usre how u would feel about this but putting petroleum jelly on a thermometer and taking his temp helped tremendously eventually he grew out of it my cousin has a 1 month old son and the dr gave her some type of of drops to give him every day to help either way it seems like the doc did not run through all the possibilities for relief. hope i helped ~ C.~

That sounds pretty drastic to me. I wouldn't go back there. When our son (now 6 months old) was having constipation, the doctor told us that we could insert a rectal themometer in just 1/4-in. to stimulate things (much, much smaller than a finger!!!). Another friend of mine's baby this worked really well...ours not so much. The other things we've tried that did work is to put some prune juice in his bottle (1 tsn twice a day) or Kayro Syrup (1 tsn twice a day)...and that has been the trick that works for us. Our pediatrican is Dr. Bryan Nelson of Johnson County Pediatrics, and we like him.

From all the responses, it sounds like this was a normal procedure that alot of doctors use.
I have four children and they all had troubles. I was told to add about a teaspoon of Karo syrup to an 8 oz. bottle. Worked every time!
If you are breast feeding, pump into a bottle and add the Kayro

Wow...I have never heard of a doc doing that and I have three kids! I wouldn't take my kids back there either. That's too wierd.

Hello,
I have a 7wk old and I am hearing the exact same thing as what Heather posted. My doctor told us that there are, if I remember correctly, 3 mussels in the rectum & the baby needs to learn how to work them. How to push but at the same time relax the muscle so the bowl movement can come out, that when they push they also contract the muscles which will hold in the bm. They also told me about the temp taking. I was shocked that actually worked & was so relieved for my little one. As for a finger- dear god, that seems a bit much, they are so tiny! As a new mother- it is amazing how much you come across w/ a new born & how many different things different doctors tell you (I have been to 3 different ones) and it really makes you wonder which one is really correct. Definitely follow your gut & I find I get better advice from Mamasource than the doc's office... maybe I should be paying you all that co pays- ha.
This website has helped me so much! Thanks Moms!

My husband and I were celebrating 10 years when we got a phone call at our hotel from my mom telling me that our almost 3 month old had not had a bm for quite a few hours and was very fussy, of course I freaked, the reason she called I told her to call If anything was going on because I felt so guilty leaving her so early even though we were about 45 miles away, anyway she told me what she was going to do, after 4 kids and 8 grandkids she knows her stuff, by putting a little vaseline on her thermometer My daughters) and inserting it, my mom said it relieved her so much she was such a happy baby after that.... But at 6 days old and and to do it twice a day I would really check around for a new doctor, maybe even check into his or her back ground that just don't sound right. Good luck and I hope you your baby girl is feeling much better.

To tell you the truth it is sad to find such a close minded group of people. Rather than putting your child on damaging medication your doctor went for a natural approach. Why didn't you ask questions and get better informed? The anus ia a muscle nd ratherthan prescribing anything the doctor just wanted thosemuscles to develop.

The most important thing with any doctor is that you feel comfortable. Even if it is something others have done, it is what you as mama feel is best for your child and family. I think every family is unique, just as we all are as individuals.

With my son, now 17 months, we started giving him water in his bottles when he was about 3 months. He is hardly ever constipated and loves drinking water now! He doesn't even like juice. So, we got a great health bonus with the water now. I just hope he carries it with him as he gets older. :)

I think what the ped did was totally normal. My friends daughter had to have surgery because the doctor did that test and discovered that the anus was to tight for bowel movements. If he would have discovered a problem you probably wouldn't have been uncomfortable w/ it.

If you're freaked out about doing that yourself there is another alternative.

My ped told me to take a pediatric glycerin suppository and place half way into the anus. VERY gently work it in and out a few times (sounded gross to me too) and it will stimulate a bm. TOTALLY worked like magic. Once I saw that it worked I got over the "ickies" because it helped my child. Plus, they are glycerin not medication so there won't be any dependency issues.

The only doctor that has done that to my daughter was a gastrointronogist (SP) My normal peditrition did not do such a thing. You can really hurt a baby it you don't know what you are doing. I would not stick anything up in her anus except a supository and only if the doctor recomends it. We used infant and child supositories cut in quarters the long way for our daughter. You might try a little bit of apple juice. Out pediatrician recommended 1/2 oz to 6oz formula. I don't know if you are nursing or not but I would think it would be the same mix if you are.

I don't have any personal experience with this type of thing, but when my little brother was born the doctor told my mom to do the same thing. He's going to be 21 this year, so it's obviously not a new practice. I wouldn't be too concerned with it. I understand being uncomfortable doing it, but sometimes it just needs to be done. It's not a forever thing, you just need to "strech out" the anus so she can have bowel movements on her own more easily. I hope this eases your mind a little bit. =)

D. M.

Full-time student and stay-at-home Mom of a beautiful little boy named Tyler who will be 2 in July. He is the light of my life and I am blessed to be able to stay home with him and watch him grow and learn.

My family doctor, who I started going to when I was 13, did this to my daughter when she was a newborn, I was 23. That's how we found out her's was curved and she had problems and straining due to trying to push it around that curve. He said it was no problem because as she got older it would naturally straighten out. I never questioned or even gave a second thought to him doing that because I trusted him very much. He's the best doctor I have ever seen.
So I wouldn't think anything about doing it. And if she's suggesting you do it to make your daughter more comfortable, I'd say try it. The number one priority would be to help your daughter feel better. But just remember that all you would want to put in there is just the tip of your finger. Putting too much in would potentially tear or hurt her. Also use a lot vaseline.
Hope this helps you feel a little better at what the doctor's doing. As a general doctor's won't do anything that is unsafe or even worse be a reason to be sued. There is on occassion those few who will not care. But especially with a baby, I think they try hard to be careful.

My mother recommended I give my son some water, a bottle or two, between feedings. Although babies need the breast milk or formula, they need plain water too! It keeps things moving.

As for the pediatrician, you should tell her what concerns you about the last visit and advise her you'll be seeing someone else. (Of course, you don't HAVE to, its just a little courtesy. This way, she'll be more aware of her actions and you could prevent it from happening to another new parent.)

We were advised to use the tip of a qtip at the edge of our daughter's rectum (with petroleum jelly) to help with this too. I guess it stimulates the urge to poo. Ped never said anything about a tight bottom though.

When my daughter was a few months old I took her to the pediatrician for the same problem and mine did the same thing. I don't think it's anything to freak out about...but that's just me. They do that to see if their anus needs to be dialated, to help with bowel movements. I think you need to do what's best for your child...even if this does freak you out.

I don't think it is that big of a deal...my son had similar problems, and I was told to use either my finger or a thermometer....the stimulation helps start the bowel movement. I felt that my finger was too big, so opted for the thermometer, but it certainly worked. I think this is quite common, and wouldn't freak out...

hope that helps a little...I know it's frustrating when your little one is uncomfortable....

I've never heard of this on such a new baby, but I know that when my best friend's son was about 4 months old and hadn't had a BM for 10 days, they did something similar. The result was a 20 minute BM, that I wish they'd caught on tape! Anyway, I don't think a 6 day old baby would have really hard stools to make this a problem, especially if you're nursing. I know the nurses where I work swear by the Karo syrup trick - about a tablespoon of DARK Karo syrup in about 4-6 oz. of formula.

M.,

I had the same problem with my youngest child. Although she was breastfed, the doctor suggested to feed her about 1 ounce of room-temp water with a teaspoon of dark Karo syrup. I did this for about a year after every feeding. When I gave her formula, I put in the formula. Whatever pediatrician you change to, ask to see if that works. It worked for mine.

Good luck!
J. B in Paola, KS

M.,
A friend of mine had twins. The little boy was constantly constipated as an infant. They had to give him supposotories as needed. I think that you should do what you're comfortable with, but at the same time make sure your baby is comfortable as well.
Good luck!
C.

DO NOT TAKE YOUR CHILD BACK TO THIS DOCTOR!!!!!!! I have looked online and it says NOTHING about this. You mother sense kicked in, if it sounds wrong IT IS. Go and find another doctor.

I've had a dr say something similar, but her suggestion was to check the temp that way and it will get the bowels to move. I've also heard that way that you were told to help with bowel movement. When that is done it triggers the colon to move to bowels. Not sure exactly how just know that it does. I'm sure that she didn't mean any harm to you or your newborn, just was trying to assist you on helping with the constipation.

I agree with others about the use of a finger! My son was constipated after I switched from breast milk to formula, so I asked the doc. He told us to get childrens suppositories and cut them down to fit a baby. Also the rectal thermometer with lubrication. Also, we used clear karo syrup in some bottles to help, just a tbsp in a bottle every once in awhile, but make sure if you decide to use this that it is kept refrigerated! some people don't like to use this syrup because they relate it to honey, allergic reactions and such. Finally when he continued to be constipated and I was tired of the syrup, he did prescribe glycolax, a laxative that we put a tsp in one bottle a day. i only use it occasionally now, because I am sure you feel the same way, but I want my baby's bm's to be natural and not forced, but a lil help will go a long way!