Many times constipation can take a big part in belated bowel control. If you see your child cry or scream, or even kick when you ask s/he to go to the potty, It might not be plain stubbornness. It can be because of the discomfort or pain s/he experience due to constipation. In this case. your child is probably fears of going to do their business.
You have to remember that you can’t diagnose constipation by the bowel movements frequency (or infrequency), but by the hardness and character of the stool. If your BM is dry and doesn’t stick to the diaper, it can be a sign of constipation. You might want to consult your doctor , if you feel something is wrong. This is a problem that needs to be approached medically as well as psychologically, so make sure you choose a good doctor. Sometimes it can be complicated by other stresses like the toilet training or other life stuff situations.
Encopresis
When your child’ problem is lack of control of bowel movements it is called Encopresis. It usually happens sround the age of 4. It is more common for boys than girls. We used to think it is the result of emotional disorders or by lax toilet training. But we know now that a child might have a poor muscle tone in the bowel or anal sphincter. To treat Encopresis you need to gradually retain the bowel and that include dietary changes and behavior modification. Don’t expect for an overnight cure.
The first step toward treating constipation should be changing your child’s diet. What do you need to know?+
DIET ALTERATIONS FOR BOWEL CONTROL
Sometimes, when your child can’t gain control of his or her bowels, you should try to try to change the diet.
Here are some dietary changes that you may want to look at:
- Decrease milk products – 1f a doctor recommends eliminating milk products (milk, cheese, ice cream, etc.), a calcium will do the trick..
- Decrease or eliminate apples, bananas, rice, and gelatin. These are binders. Opt for peaches, instead.
- Less Chocolate – Chocolate, especially when consumed in quantity, can be constipating food. Some medications are, too.
- Increase whole-grain – Try adding bran to other foods. Breads, cereals, muffins, and any other bran foods. If your child want to eat cereal with milk, and you’re trying to cut down on milk, dilute the milk with water first. Offer graham crackers rather than soda crackers. Roughage, such as lettuce and carbs helps.
- Decrease fluid intake (milk, juices, sodas) – It’s good to increase a child’s appetite for bulkier foods. However, remember that fluids are important if you are dealing with constipation and shouldn’t be drastically reduced. Encourage your child to drink water.
- Prunes — the old stand-by, and dried fruits (if you can get your child to eat them!). Prune juice can be mixed with a small amount of milk. Encourage your child to eat fruits and vegetables with skins on, seeds, and berries for the fiber value. Fruit nectars are good, too.
It will take about two weeks or so before you’ll see a noticeable change in your child bowel movements after you’ll stsrt a new diet for them. It is important not to resume bowel training until this change occurs.
A diet change needs to be done with medical advice. But first just try eliminating apple juice–and other sweet juices — especially if your child drinks a lot, to see if that helps firm them up.