Our almost three year old does not poop for 3-5 days and then poops (large ones) 3 times in 1-2 days. Is this normal? We give her milk of magnesium 2-3 times a week. We try as much as we can with the diet, fiber etc. Should we see a gastro specialist?
2006-12-19 16:46:39 · 13 answers · asked by concerned_parent 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Technically once every 3 to 5 days is normal. How long have you been giving her milk of magnesium; do you think she would "move" differently if you stopped. You might find a dietician/nutritionist first, there might be some other nutrient you are missing.
2006-12-19 16:51:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think giving her something like that is a good idea.
Fiber does one thing, but it seems to me that the things that really help get "irregularity" a little more regular are fruits, fruit juices, and maybe a little chocolate.
Cut up grapes (so she won't inhale the whole ones) or apples or any other fruits (not bananas) to add yet another fruit.
I hate to suggest this because I'm not a fan of things that are not "natural", but you could give her something that has Splenda in it (which is made from sugar, so it isn't like aspertame). There are puddings, jello's, yogurts, cookies, drinks, whatever with Splenda in them. Splenda causes movements. It seems to me a little Splenda (on top of the fruits and/or chocolate) would be better than milk of magnesium.
Other things that "contribute" to a cure are things with a lot of butter or margarine in them. I know butter and margarine aren't what we want our children to be eating all the time, but a couple of pieces of toast with a load of butter on it may help (or else some crackers with margarine or butter).
When my kids would run into an occasional "issue" I'd tell them to eat a couple of those snack-size applesauces. They were juice-drinkers anyway. Sometimes I'd get them a chocolate bar. That would pretty much do it. The problem wouldn't clear up within the hour, but it would clear up within, say, twelve hours.
Any time something like milk of magnesium is used a person can become dependent on it, and their bowels will not function properly without it.
If you just add a few more small servings of fruits each day, maybe a little chocolate and/or something with Splenda in it, and as much additional water as she'll drink I would think over the course of a week you may see a difference.
Whatever is said or not said about fiber, I always found that whole grain breads and crackers, oats, and corn products contributed to irregularity. If she's eating a lot of this kind of stuff try eliminating at least some of it for now. It makes things bulkier but not as easily moved along.
You could try adding the fruits and water and decreasing oats and whole grains for a week or so and see what happens, but - really - you should talk to her pediatrician. There's a chance a doctor would recommend Colace (a softener) rather than something with a laxative effect.
2006-12-20 01:45:56 · answer #2 · answered by WhiteLilac1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the poop is normal, not hard and not little rabbit poops, etc and your child doesn't complain that it hurts, or their tummy hurts often I would imagine it is perfectly normal for your child.
I am concerned about the milk of magnesia though, I realize it can be used to treat constipation however it is a fairly strong antacid. Not having enough stomach acid isn't good for digestion.
However I see no harm in talking to a gastro specialist, particularly to help you in getting your child off the milk of magnesia. Also you may wish to consider an allergist.
2006-12-20 02:17:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just got over this stage with my son! He hated to poop so he wouldn't go! I asked his doctor and here's some of the things she said
1. Put a little baking soda in her bath. The soda with the warm water will relax her and she'll go (It works fast)
2. More water less dairy
3. This is the worst but it will work... the child's suppositories (pardon the spelling) You can get a box of 12...Use it according to the directions. It works immediatly and usually keeps her relaxed for a few days.
4. Massage her legs..make her run around..it works!!
Just so you know, my son is a champ now when it comes to pooping. Do talk to her doctor, and lay off the milk of Magnesium
2006-12-20 01:19:38 · answer #4 · answered by shancauf 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You 'SHOULD' definately see a specialist.
I am a naturopathic Doctor and my daughter is a registered nurse, and we both agree that this is 'NOT' normal.
Most kids should 'poop' at least once a day, especially if they are eating right.
I don't want to alarm you, but she could have a congenetal
problem, maybe some form of deformity of the bowels.
I would take her to a doc as soon as possible, it's best to rule out any major problem, and the only way to do that is having tests run.
Your daughter can actually cause harm to her colon, bowels,
and rectum if she is not having regular bowel movements.
Make sure she gets plenty of fruits, veggies, and it cannot hurt her to give her two or three prunes every day.
Prunes are an excellent stool softener allowing natural bowel movements, and prunes cannot harm your child in any way.
But PLEASE take her to a Doc..!!!
"""DO NOT GIVE HER ANY MILK OF MAGNESIA"""!!!!!!!!!!!
2006-12-20 01:00:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Offer more liquids like water. I am not sure that Milk of Magnesium is good for a child that small. Fiberous, juicy fruits might help. Also, shredded wheat cereal.
2006-12-20 00:53:14 · answer #6 · answered by Serious 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give the child a tablespoon of Mineral Oil to start out in juice or milk, or just give 2 glasses of any kind fruit juices
2006-12-20 09:58:59 · answer #7 · answered by 11111111111 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would try to add more fiber into the child's diet and make him drink a lot of water-- do not give sugary drinks such as soda--- it dehydrates the child and makes it harder to poop... you can add string beans to the diet.. cereal with whole grains.. walking may help too.. make sure that she is comfortable so she can go.. if this doesn't help, you should take her to a specialist...
2006-12-20 00:52:29 · answer #8 · answered by quyen83 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would stop with the milk of magnesia and go see a specialist. Does she drink plenty of liquid and get some fruits and veggies in her diet?
2006-12-20 00:50:52 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prune juice is fantastic for constipation. My daughter used to get constipated, and I started giving her diluted prune juice (about 20% juice, 80% water then, about 40% juice 60% water now), she became regular. She's three now, and I still give it to her every few days, because she loves it, it's a treat (I think it tastes hideous).
2006-12-20 01:40:40 · answer #10 · answered by Kristy M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋