Last year I posted an article on constipation relief in kids, and was very surprised at the response. So many more of you are dealing with constipation problems than I had realized. As I mentioned the first time around, I often support these issues with kids that I’m treating, but this isn’t my area of expertise. However, since I have been dealing with chronic constipation in children, personally, with my son for years now I have learned A LOT more about managing it.
If you haven’t read the previous post: Natural Remedies for Constipation in Children, you’ve got to check that out too, as their are addtional and valuable tips there. If you did read it then you know, that we, like many families, were using Miralax on a regular basis for several years. It is still shocking for me to admit that. Some things have changed in the past year and I wanted to give an update, as well as share a surprising revelation I had about this whole ordeal in case you are like me and still struggling to find a solution. (This post contains affiliate links.)
Let me recap and fill you in on what has been going on in the last year. At the time of last post we had basically omitted Miralax and we doing fairly well without it, but it was an extremely difficult balance and despite our best efforts it was still a source of stress for me. In fact, my son had more fiber in his diet than most adults I knew, yet the problem persisted. Something kept nagging me that there was something else going on.
Being the over analyzer I am, I kept running through his whole situation and ways I knew to improve it. For instance, I knew that eliminating milk didn’t have an effect and that drinking enough water every day helped, but didn’t seem to be enough. Of course, I revisit this topic at the pediatrician every time we have a check up, and there doesn’t seem to be any major medical issue. Actually, I learned at our last check up that pediatricians are talking about poop- or the lack thereof- a lot, with parents. Mine told me it was single handed the most discussed issue.
Somehow we had actually gotten to a place where Sam was only going once a week. It wasn’t a tremendous ordeal- although it was massive and seemed totally unnatural to me. The doctor assured me this was okay, and against my instincts I allowed it to continue (not to blame her, he wasn’t in crisis and I did have the option to use Miralax). A few days into the new year this whole episode reached its tipping point when we had a nasty little virus going around and around our home and Sam didn’t end up going for 13 days! This was an ordeal. I’m ashamed to admit that I didn’t realize until about 9-10 days as we were dealing with everyone being sick and a lot of other issues about taking medicine- that would be my other child that has difficulty with certain food textures AND medicine, a tale for another day.
Naturally, once I noticed he hadn’t gone in quite some time I started Miralax, lots of water, and really high fiber foods. Still no poop. Then, he was starting to complain of a belly ache. On the last day he actually ended up getting a fever from the toxic poop stuck inside of him and my husband was at the store buying suppositories when he finally had a massive poop that left him crying and yelling in pain- I’m leaving out many of the grizzly details.
In hindsight I should have gone to the suppositories sooner, but at the time I thought it would be really traumatizing to him and that he was going to go any minute. He had to right? I had called the doctor shortly before he finally pooped and we were only a few hours away from having to go to the ER for help removing it. I was shaken and knew beyond a doubt that I needed to find some other solutions. On a side note, Tylenol and Motrin are both constipating, Sam had taken a lot of these while he was sick with several high fevers. I believe this helped to exacerbate the situation!
Affiliate links used below. See our full disclosure.
The Revelation: Causes of Chronic Constipation in Children
A few days later my prayers were answered, literally, when I came across the book, Cure Your Child with Food
As I was reading, Kelly Dorfman, the author sited several of the typical reasons kids often suffer from constipation (and that I discussed in the previous post):
- Dairy intolerance or sensitivity
- Low fiber diet
- With-holding
As I mentioned before, I had clearly ruled all of these causes out, but then I came to the last reason and all of the stars aligned, bells rang, insert appropriate cliche, and I finally had an answer: Sam was low tone. I can’t believe I had missed it, albeit subtle low tone, but, nonetheless, I am an OT, I know all about muscle tone. And, that meant too much fiber was constipating for him, the opposite of what we expect.
What is Low Tone?
How to Start Relieving Chronic Constipation in Children
daily. I haven’t started the L-carnitine yet, as we are trying a few other ideas first, and if we go that route I would like to consult a specialist. Kelly discusses this in more detail, of course. By the way, I am endorsing her book on my own volition, this isn’t a paid sponsorship.Since our episode, now 8 weeks ago, we have occasionally used Miralax as we are trying to get back on track. I refuse to let him go once a week and four days is the absolute tops- for now. Currently we are about every other day and I haven’t used Miralax in two weeks. The long term goal is to poop everyday.Another important factor is that when kids have these really large movements their little colon gets stretched and they don’t have the urge to poop again until the colon is that full. Oh, this is such a terrible cycle, and hence why I’m willing to rely on the Miralax a little again so that his colon can regain its appropriate shape. Here’s a very helpful video from Chicago’s pediatric hospital that explains constipation, soiling, and stretching of the colon.
Tummy Rub for Constipation (aka: Poop Massage)
I’m using a poop massage (yes, you heard me right) a couple times a week to help improve bowel motility for Sam, as well. New research has actually shown that a regular weekly poop massage is likely to cut out the use of Miralax totally- no matter what the cause of constipation is. My mother is a massage therapist and while she is especially skilled at giving a poop massage (I’ve seen her get a baby to poop in 2 minutes) anyone can learn how to do it with a little practice. Here is a simple picture tutorial:
1. This is the overall direction that you will massaging in, as you move through the outline of the colon or large intestine. You will start your massage on the child’s lower left side just in from where you fell their hip bone.
***Please note that there is another method for completing this massage, starting on the other side of the colon. Either way is effective, although many massage classes only teach one. This method is taught and used by licensed massage therapists.***
4. Once you moved your way all the way up, across, and down the right side you can do some gentle but slightly firm sweeping motions with your hands from the top of their belly to the bottom.
6. Lastly, take their knees and push them up towards their belly on their right side and make a circular motion across their abdomen and back down. Now, you are tracing the colon in the other direction.
7. Ideally the entire massage should last at least ten minutes. You can repeat these steps several times over. Although this massage can be helpful in emergency situations, studies show that routine massage has the best outcome. Aim for at least once a week.
Affiliate links used below. See our full disclosure.
The Plan for Chronic Constipation in My Child
- Daily Probiotic
- Cut out excessive fiber products
- Weekly poop massage
- Strengthen core muscles (I use these fun exercise printables for kids that make it really easy to follow through with).
I also continue to encourage water consumption of half his body weight in ounces (i.e.: he weighs 45 pounds so he is encouraged to drink 22-23 ounces of water daily.) However, more fiber needs more water or it can constipate even a child that isn’t low tone.
Updates for Kids with Chronic Constipation
1. I listed bananas as constipating. Since then I have read from several reputable resources that if the many has some brown spots on it and is ripe then it can help constipation. Un-ripe or hard bananas are very constipating.2. I have tried Heather’s Tummy Fiber 
3. At the end of the last post I asked for suggestions for other strategies and products, and you guys delivered. I’m very appreciative for the many helpful ideas. Make sure you scroll all the way through to see all of the comments listed. Of course, I would like you to do the same here.
More Help for Chronic Constipation in Children
High Fiber Pumpkin Sweet Potato Bread Perfect for Kids
Healthy Snacks for Picky Eaters
How Much Milk Does Your Toddler Need to Drink?
The Best Position for Your Child During Mealtime
Did You Pin This?
Alisha Grogan is a licensed occupational therapist and founder of Your Kid’s Table. She has over 14 years experience with expertise in sensory processing and feeding development in babies, toddlers, and children. Alisha also has 3 boys of her own at home. Learn more about her here.
I’m a massage therapist and you want to massage with the flow not against it. The arrows on that picture should be the opposite way this is my opinion but do your research
Yes as a retired Massage Therapist I too noticed that the arrows show going against the flow but the wordage was right. Know, that the Poop exits on the left side of the body so start there, gentle and work up inch by inch backwards and then down, go up a few inches and down until you work the whole way up and across the Descending Colon and back down the right side, imagine you are breaking up the clog low in the abdomen first inching backwards to the top and then backwards to the opposite side. After doing this a few times you can do full relaxing big circles. Never push too hard.
You are correct and this info bothered me that this person who is not a massage therapist put this wrong info out here. You gofrom the ascending colon to transverse to descending. If you start with descending colon you push down with an I , go to ascending up and over to transverse make an L, then a U from ascending colon on the child’s right across transverse to descending colon in the “I love U” stroke. I teach massage therapy, infant massage and was a NICU nurse for 30 years.
Thank you for sharing this with all of us, I have one question? I believe my granddaughter has low tone by every description your son went thru, I read in a post that kids need 19-25 grams of fiber. If they have low tone is that the same amount they need? Since you mentioned too much fiber was backing your son up. Thank you
Hi Anna! Yes, same amount. We simply cut back on fiber. I’m not buying super high fiber bread or high fiber products. He is still having fiber, but a normal amount. Hope that helps!
I read that most of the time you need a prebiotic to get the full benefits of a probiotic. Do you endorse this and recommend anything?
Alisha is wonderful.
My neighbor and I read on here often. I let her comment on here using my name — Joan.
We love this blog.
Commented other day about Alisha telling her student gives the enema to her boy. Alisha comment was March 2017? Sorry forgot the date.
Glad you put the tummy massage on.
When is best time to give the tummy massage?
Before giving a detox bath or after it?
Also, since we both give the enema when needed, best to give the tummy massage before or after he gets the enema?
Blessings and hugs
Funny that a really soft banana produces soft stool and a hard banana helps harden stool.. and meanwhile a banana literally looks like stool. Too funny. God works in not so mysterious ways sometimes!
Hey Lisa!
Great to hear from you. That’s absolutely a great way to remember it 🙂
Best,
Andrea
The massage image direction is incorrect. The colon will become backed up if massaged against its rhythm.
Massage from right to left, in the direction the stools need to move to be evacuated
Thanks for your feedback. In our article we do note that it can be completed either direction. Typically it is only taught in one direction. However, Licensed massage therapists are taught in this direction as well.
How do you know if your child is getting too much fiber? Our 4 year old is currently gluten/dairy/egg free and consumes a significant amount of fruit. Could she be getting too much fiber from fruit? Is there a guide on the appropriate amount of fiber by size/age?
Hi I am really interested in the free exercise printable for core exercises to help with low tone and the link is not working. If you could re post the link, I would really appreciate it. Thank you!
Hey Deanna!
The link should be working now! You can check out the printables HERE.
Best,
Andrea
I really like your site and have gotten lots of useful ideas to help with my child’s constipation issues. Also lots of good, healthy snack and veggie ideas – thank you!
I just have to bring up the fact that ALL the other sites I read say to start massage on the child’s right side and go in clockwise direction which makes sense to me but from what I can tell is directly opposite to what you have pictured here. Am I missing something or should there be a correction?
Hey Cindy,
Thanks for reaching out! There is a note in the article that there is another method to start on the other side. Either is effective, but many massage classes only teach just one. The method shown is utilized by licensed massage therapists!
Hope that helps!
Best,
Desiree
Can you please tell me how you give your son the Probiotic capsule? Do you open it up and put it into yogurt? My daughter is almost 4 and cannot take a capsule. Thank you.
Hey Stacey,
Yes, you can feel free to open it and put it into any food that works for you! There are also other version of probiotics that are chewable if you’d want to go that route as well!
Best,
Desiree
I don’t see how I can post my suggestion. But my mommy Facebook group suggested spirulina in Apple juice with lemon. My child didn’t like it. So I just put it in a Naked Juice and it was fine. They also suggested vitamin C. Which I researched and Google said it helps. So hopefully that helps someone. We are still trying it. I do know the spirulina works because I was using it myself before ever knowing that it helps with constipation. I can keep posted and come back within a week.
Read quite a lot about constipation as my daughter with DS struggles a lot. Your article is one of the first that give me hope and a more natural alternative. Thank you so so much. By the way Im from South Africa.
YAY! So happy that you are feeling hopeful and that you found our article. We wish you the best 🙂
Best,
Desiree
Hi, this is a great article, my son sounds a lot like your son Sam 🙂 with the low tone, constipation etc. Are the probiotics you linked the ones you have found to work best? My son is 4 just wanted to make sure they’re OK for his age, etc. I’m going to try your ideas I was about to make a GI doctor appointment but my friend said they’d just push miralax on us and I’m not really a fan of that route. LMK thoughts. Thank you so much
Hey Meryl, So sorry you are dealing with this!! This is the probiotic that Alisha has used. As far as age, I’d check with the company. Keep us posted on what is working for you!
Best,
Desiree
Hi, my daughter is 4 years old and she withholds or bowels. She has vomited a few times because of it which then also forces her to poop. I’m like 102% positive this not normal 😅
She eats and drinks fine so I don’t think that is the problem. She is just stubborn.
I do belly massages and the bicycle motions too. It’s hard not to get frustrated because she will tell you she has to poop but then she will, I guess let the feeling pass and hold it in.
I don’t know what to do anymore. This is my second child and the first time dealing with this. Please help, any advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated.🙏
Side note: I bought Activa yogurts but I don’t know much about probiotics and young kids so I haven’t given her any.
Hi Thea! Thanks for reaching out! It sounds like she may have some sensory sensitivities. Sometimes, kids that struggle with sensory, have a hard time listening to the signals our body sends us about certain things, like going to the bathroom. We have a blog post about this. Check it out here, and then let us know if you have any questions!
Best,
Kalyn
Thank you so very much for this article! My son suffers with low tone and intestinal problems due to the effects of a birth defect. We are going to try the massage tomorrow!
I was looking up the link between weak core strength and chronic constipation, and was delighted to stumble upon your article! My son who will be 5 in August, has pretty much been constipated since we started solids! We have tried a myriad of things and at the moment he is on 4x the recommended dose of Osmolax with occasional Dulcolax (stimulant), which is working but it frightens me how much he has to take in to actually produce a normal bowel movement!!! He also had the same effect your son had re increased fibre – it just made things WORSE and put him in more pain, hence why we shifted to a stool softener, but then he wasn’t feeling the urge to push hence the stimulant. I was just wondering if you had any medical research to share regarding the link between core strength and constipation (because I am a reader and just LOVE to read more stuff about that) and am also considering whether we should see an OT about this or not. I have been doing core strength exercises with him at home (love your resources!) and am starting his swimming lessons up again, which I hope will help with muscle development in general!
I gathered my research from the book that is cited above. I’d check it out, it’s a good read!
Give him fruit that starts with P Give him prune juice and apple juice sometimes helps
I stumbled across this when looking for ways to help my ten month old who in the past month has had trouble with her bowel movements. Used the massage technique and she went while I was massaging her! While I’m still trying to work out what is causing her difficulty, I am so relieved to have found something which which help her. So thank you!!!
P.s. how often would it be safe to use this massage?
That’s a really good question, and to be honest I’m not aware of any precautions. I would check with your doctor though to let them know what you are doing and that it is working, and see what they recommend as far as frequency.
Hi Alisha,
My 2 years old daughter is suffering serious constipation. I read your blog and try out the massage techniques, I bought Nature’s Bounty Advanced Probiotic 10 fr iherb, however it state it only for adults.
Any idea if 2 year old can try this?
Thanks! 🙂
Hi Ann, that’s good to know, it should be fine but you’ll give half the dose. I’d definitely check with your doctor though!
Here is a video to back up the way you do the massage. I saw the other video you posted that wasn’t professional but this one is very professional. He says you start at the bottom left like you to break up fecal matter first. He says that if you don’t do this and start on the right, you put too much pressure on the hard/impacted stool. Also, starting where you do and breaking it up gives room for stool to move once you star massaging and moving it along from the right. So to all the naysayers, Here is a great video explaining why he does it starting on the left. I also recommend that you add it to the post.
https://youtu.be/pt5BjlkWQww
Thanks Rebecca, I’m not disputing this way at all, I’m simply saying that there is another way that is also being taught in reputable massage therapy schools as well, which is what I posted here. Thanks for sharing!
You are both talking about the same method–the video she linked to is the same, only the “left” is referring to the patient’s left. Whereas when you’re looking at them it’s your right. Your pictures and this video are the same method, only the video is more detailed. 🙂
I know for my 2 1/2 year old, fruit is good at getting things to flow, especially prunes whether juice or dried fruit. If I notice he hasn’t had any major BM in 2 days, I up his fruit intake and it generally works within 24 hours to result in some major poops (up to 4 in the same day). Luckily, he loves fruit in whatever form, so the only thing we need to worry about is him eating too much and getting the runs.
Thanks Ariella, prunes do work wonders for some kiddos!
Every massage therapist I’ve known (being I went to a school that trained them as well) has stated the direction in your image will back you up worse. The energy flow in the body and massage should always run clockwise.
Please see the other comments, there are documented references to another approach. Of course, parents are welcome to use either direction. This approach was taught to me by a licensed massage therapist.
Hi Alisha!
I just wanted to add a few comments based on my own personal difficulties with constipation and also what I’ve learned from having 2 granddaughters who have also suffered with it.
My bowel shut down completely in 2010 and I had a barrage of tests which determined that I had a slow transit colon, a tortuous sigmoid colon and a loss of nerve sensations in the rectum. This resulted in a bowel resection.
Finding first one granddaughter, then a second (from totally different families), suffering with constipation has led me to consider a number of issues at play. These kids were around 5 when having their major problems and were therefore using an adult toilet. Children who are this small have trouble balancing on the edge of the toilet bowl, which makes it difficult to sit long enough to have a bowel motion. We have installed a combination seat for both adults and children, as well as having a step stool in the bathroom, so that they can sit comfortably and have something ro push on, to help them produce a morion. I also noticed that there was a tendency to go to the toilet and quckly say sge couldn’t go. So we said that she needs to sit there for long enough to allow her body to work. With the the addition of medication and increased water intake, we are starting to see results.
I use the step stool myself and certainly pray that they don’t end up with the complications from which I have suffered.
These are wonderful suggestions Jeanette! Thank you so much for sharing them, they will surely be helpful to other’s!
Hello Alisha,
Have you had experience with giving your son enemas, or contemplated this idea? I am looking into giving enemas seriously, because my son’s constipation continues. However I have not done it and am consulting a pediatrician first. I have found an internet site promoting a quite drastic enema protocol, but am not posting it as am wanting to research more first (am happy to send it to you privately if wanted).
Thanks and best,
Lee
Hi Lee,
I have never done this, I think I know the website you’re talking about and I just heard of it for the first time, too. A student of mine is using it with her son and she is really happy with it. For me, personally, this would have been a last case resort. My son would have had an extremely difficult time with this. Hope that helps, I know it’s a tough decision.
Very good informative article! Thanks.
I have tried many remedies for my two (b4 and b7).
Happy to know the enema works for her.
I know other moms who give enemas and they tell me it is easy to give. The prefer giving the enema.
I also give the enema when needed.
Never a Fleet enema.
I administer the enema across my lap way. Have him laying on tummy on my lap on a towel.
Enema bulb syringe, large bowl or pan of water and jar of Vaseline within reach.
Once all is ready for the enema I Call or go get him. Strip from waist down.
The enema does not hurt, is not traumatic and always works!
Have him relax. Most of the time I sit on the couch so he can watch tv when getting an enema. This helps him relax.
The enema bulb cost few dollars and is available in most drug stores.
After his enema I have him rest some. I am always amazed how well it works.
Clean the syringe in the kitchen sink with warm soapy water and rinse well .
I leave it sitting out for a few days to be sure is dry before putting back in box and into bathroom closet.
Hugs and blessings
The enema works and I am also happy with giving mine enemas when needed.
As I told earlier, very good your student gives her son enemas and is happy with giving the enema.
I know many moms who give home enemas. Either with the bag or bulb syringe. They also are happy giving the enema.
The key to giving a successful enema to the child is having him relax and know it does not hurt.
It should never be a problem giving him an enema.
Talking and explaining is important.
Even showing him the enema bulb. Leaving it sitting out so he knows it is good for him.
Once he knows the enema does not hurt, will make him feel better and even relaxing and soothing to get the enema,,,he will accept the enema.
I was taught the enema procedure by a older nurse who was my neighbor. She worked for a holistic doctor.
She taught me by giving me enemas first so I knew what it is like and then she gave an enema to my two.
Then she had me take an enema and give enemas while there to assist and help.
So others can learn some and understand briefly…..
When mine were younger she taught me to give the enema on a table. Put a towel on the table. Sat down with him and told him he was going to get an enema (that’s if he is old enough to understand).
Then took him to the table. Had him lay on back. Filled the bulb full. Held legs up some and gave him the enema. When done took him to the bathroom to expel.
If he didn’t have a good BM or little water came out (which meant was absorbed due to being hydrated) I gave him a second enema. Waited about half hour to give the second enema.
I also gave the enema to help reduce a fever. Much better than giving OTC junk and miralax.
I now give the enema across my lap way.
Always talk to your doctor before giving home remedies. Including enemas.
I am glad your student is using the enema for her son and is happy giving enemas to him.
I am a believer in the enema. NOT the Fleet one.
Give it with a rubber reusable enema bulb syringe. I have given plain warm water, herbal and the mild warm soapy water enemas to my two.
Go to optimalhealthnetwork.com to find Made For Enema Soap bar.
Swish it in pan of warm water and then give the enema. Make very mild soapy water.
Strange I was reading on here and was a friend’s house earlier. She had just finished giving her 7 yo b an enema.
Consult with your doctor before giving any home remedies.
Lee, I believe the site promoting drastic enema protocol you read on is Soiling Solutions.
A friend of mine has the book and she is using the protocol for her boy.
It has step-by-step procedures. I took a quick look at the book. But forgot the steps. I know one is the “sitting time.” Where he has to sit on the potty for so long the same time each day.
The protocol does require enemas be given the first day. To clean him out.
The enema is the warm soapy water one given with the bag.
I think, dont quote me, the larger volume enema is given each day for a few days. I forgot how many days in a row.
I have no problem giving my two enemas when needed.
The enema is a very good home remedy. Natural remedy. Does work.
But, I give a smaller volume one. Using the bulb syringe for the enema.
I give herbal or plain warm water enemas.
I haven’t spoken to her in a while. So I dont know how it went.
The doctor who has the program and a book to go with it says it works for the child who with holds.
Blessings
Hugs
I’m in the same boat as most of the posts. My 5yr old picky eater just experienced another bout with constipation. I appreciate your information and look forward to trying the massage. Thank you!!!
You welcome Kennie, best of luck!
Hello Alisha,
Thank you so very much for your post. I am an occupational therapist (in mental health though) and mother to a 2.75 year old who has struggled with constipation since he was about 1 year old.(from mildly hard stools, all the way to pain, crying, blood, huge/hard bms, and taking a whole day of struggle to slowly get the bm out:( Though it gets better at times, it is very much still a problem. I wonder if it is low tone for him, that is an excellent suggestion. Also I wonder if it is dairy or wheat intolerance, and I admit the thought of trying to cut it out makes me anxious that I cannot do it. IT also may be Too much fibre (see what I have fed him below!), particularly given that he does not drink a whole lot (plus low tone possibility). I will try to do the poop massage more regularly (have used castor oil with drops of lavender essential oil or DoTerra digestZen). I will share what I have used with the obvious disclaimer that 1) it is just experience not advice I am giving, and I may make errors 2) as people wrote above, it is so different for every child and 3) we have not solved the problem permanently as yet!
a) ‘NATURAL’/supplement PRODUCTS:
– magnesium – powdered form – makes stool soft in texture
– probiotics
– omega-3 oil, lemon flavoured, nutrasea (for general nutrition, not particularly for constipation but we mixed it with the other oils)
– olive oil
– flax oil
– psyllium husk (from bulk food store)(has high fibre content)
(I mix 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of 2-5 of these ingredients in a large spoon, put raisins or dried cranberries on it (to entice him, he likes them) and spoon the whole oily mixture into his mouth almost every day. Long story short – for a few weeks it seemed to work (daily bowel movements, soft stool) then it slowly seemed to stop working. However I would try to decrease what I used, maybe too fast, and did not try it long enough
b) not natural:
mineral oil – recommended by his doctor – petroleum by-product 🙁
– again, it would work well for a few weeks then stop
PEG (polyehtylene glycol) the Restoralax/LAx-a-day brand
– I have been using 1 teaspoon mixed in juice, for 2 months, daily or every other day, even though I did not want to, I started because he was in such pain. It has helped but AGAIN, seems to have just stopped working lately
c) food/beverages, some examples:
– dried apricots, (dried) prunes
– Heinz baby prunes (canned baby food, pureed, it says strained though they do have some fibre content listed)
– giving water, juice, watered-down juice, fluids in general (including milk), following him around with a sippy cup as much as possible. I do not know what his intake is
– continuing to breastfeed him 1-2 times daily (I estimate he gets a small amount only, about 50 mL)
– ground flax
– chia seeds
– sesame seeds
– almonds
– canned black beans, red kidney beans, chickpeas, white beans (I rinse them off and give as finger food snacks
Thank you again,
Lee
Lee, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. It will be really helpful to other parents, for sure!!! Wishing you all the best!
This direction of massage is completely incorrect. The massage goes clockwise from ascending colon to transverse to descending. Correct immediately. Teaching incorrectly can cause more problems as you are going against natural motility!!!!!!
Hi Pam, thank you for your concern, but please read through the other comments and see the link listed in these comments as well to the video demonstration. There are two different massage techniques that are well documented, but depending on the school most therapists are taught one or the other.
Great article but your diagram is showing abdominal massage anticlockwise, it should be clockwise. You need to correct this. I am a massage therapist of 20 years standing.
Thanks Suzie, please see the other comments- I fully explain there. There are two different techniques, I’m sure yours is effective as well.
This is awesome and such a relief to read! My 3 year old has been struggling with constipation for 2 years and it just seems to be getting worse. We have found probiotics work, and I’ll start using them every day. One thing her doctor recommended is a natural product called Calm. This seems to work when things get really bad. I’m going to try the massage today! I got super worried this week because she just stopped eating almost completely. But then I realized she was struggling with constipation super bad this week, so your articles have brought me peace of mind. Thank you so so much!
You’re so welcome Michelle! I totally get it!!! It is so stressful. So happy to report we are totally managing it successfully with only natural remedies!
Very useful article, indeed. I have been researching for our 11-year son, who is underweight (55 lbs), short and seems constipated. He is very active but does slouch (low tone?). We have obviously performed all sorts of blood tests, consulted specialists, including nutritionists, but to no avail. He is also on Miralax although not regularly. I just want to make sure he doesn’t miss out on his growth potential. His puberty hasn’t started yet.
Our 8-year old son, while skinny, eats well and is tracking reasonably well to his growth chart.
Right, the slouching could be a sign of low tone, and the truth is it can be soooo hard to diagnosis. Sometimes kids have low tone just internally making it impossible to know for sure. The best we can do is a process of elimination. If you have looked at all the other causes then that is likely what is going on and you’ll want to follow the suggestions for low tone (i.e. not too much fiber) which is contradictory to normal constipation advice. I highly recommend the book I sited in the post.
Alisha, I can not thank you enough. Our youngest child will be 6yrs old next month. He has been struggling with constipation since he was 6mo old. When I first introduced solid foods to him, he ate all kinds of wonderful, healthy foods. However, as the constipation began, he slowly became a picky eater and began to avoid healthy choices. We went to a specialist who said that our child was most likely withholding and put him on Miralax. It took nearly two weeks to begin working and within two more weeks of use, he became constipated again. The specialist had me up his dose of Miralax. We went through this routine for a few months before I said no more; this can not be healthy. We’ve tried different things over the years but nothing has resolved this problem. Things have worsened since the struggle of potty training. It wasn’t until 2 months before his 5th bday that he finally started to pee in the potty regularly without accidents. We are still struggling with pooping in the potty. He constantly soils himself, small amounts a few times per day. Doc says there is no reason to believe there is nothing more than the fact that our son is withholding. He was doing well this past Dec/Jan, very little soiling and pooping small amounts in the potty. Then, in Feb, he became constipated again and eventually developed a constipated induced fever. This was the second time this has happened. Last time was this past Oct/Nov.
Last evening, our son asked for yet another marshmallow and my husband told him no, that they were probably making his constipation worse. I, wondering if that was true, google “do marshmallows cause constipation” and found your articles. I have been searching the internet for years for a solution or answer to this problem, fearing that he may have Hirschsprung’s disease. After reading your article on low muscle tone, I feel you are onto something. My son constantly claims that he can not feel the poop. In addition, he never really crawled (did the butt scoot, but later than most kids begin to crawl), he didn’t walk until 16mo old, and doesn’t have regular daily physical activity. I am going to try your suggestions of a probiotic along with tummy massage and core exercises. I am hoping that this is the solution we have been praying for. Thank God for the internet and thank you for sharing this information for parents of children like me.
Hi Liza! I’m so glad you found this, too! Believe me, I get it! Make sure you read through all the comments here and in the first article, there are so many helpful suggestions. Did you see the video about the soiling- that is what is happening with your son, he can’t help it! If it is low tone, which it sounds like, then you don’t want to pound him with fiber either. Let me know if I can be more help in any way!
Constipation definitely can cause accidents, I experienced this during potty training years with my now four-year-old. Also chronic constipation can cause the colon to expand , which is then true that it can then cause a child to not feel the poop coming out. My doctors have recommended getting her regular again (with Miralax and diet changes) so that her colon can go back to the appropriate size and she can again start to feel when it’s time to go to the bathroom. Part of her issues was that she would tell me that she didn’t have enough time to get to the potty, that it happened so quick. The doctor says these are spasms and that she is correct in her description of how it happens and feels to her. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix to chronic constipation and it takes months for the colon to go back to regular size, so even if you start to see him becoming more regular, continue on with treatment and be consistent. My #1 tip from my personal experience is to also have the child tested for food allergies which is what finally cleared up our constipation issues. Good luck!
PS. I have a friend who’s daughter has had great results with Bio feedback therapy.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I’m sure it will be helpful to others!
opps typo above abdominal training
The massage technique here is actually incorrect. you are doing it the opposite way. You go ascending colon to descending which is starting on the right and working around to the left. you can check any basic anatomy book to double check me. I am an peds Ot and Massage therapist with abdoninal training.
You can visit Mamil website and redeem a free trial pack and give it a try. So that you can save money and determine whether the FM brand is suitable for your child.
Mamil really that effective? My son is not consuming Mamil and he will constipation sometimes. Although his constipation issue is not terrible but he still suffer.
You can consider to purchase Mamil. Mamil contains high level of DHA and 0 sucrose. It also helps to softer stools and increase good bacteria for kids as to help maintain the healthy digestive system and prevent constipation.
Which formula milk brand you bought for your kids? I know there are many brands out there, thats why I have no idea which brand to buy. By the way, which brand that you think is preferred the most?
It’s depends on your requirement. IMO, you can buy the formula milk brand that the ingredients can treat constipation issue. I guess there are a lot of formula milk brand out there provide such effective.
I would like to purchase FM brand as requested by my SIL. Unfortunately, I have no idea which FM brand is the preferred. Any recommendation? Millions of thanks
Mamil FM brand sounds not bad. If I’m not mistaken, we are able to redeem the free trial pack right? I will bring the information to my friend and suggest her to give it a try. Thank you so much
Mamil FM brand sounds not good. If I’m not mistaken, we are able to redeem the free trial pack right? I will bring the information to my friend and suggest her to give it a try. Thank you so much
Try Mamil. My boy is consuming Mamil and he’s rarely constipate since the first day of consumption. As I know that Mamil helps in preventing constipation in kids. Reason being is because Mamil helps to softer stools and increase good bacteria for kids. You should give it a try
That’s true. My DD used to suffer in terrible constipation issue. Once I changed the FM brand, her tummy feel better and constipation issue decreased. She’s now very happy because she no longer to afraid of going to poopoo. IMO, FM brand is very important, dont simply try to give the kid consume whatever FM brand.
First you have to make sure that the FM brand is suitable for the kid. Reason being is because kid’s tummy is very sensitive. Once the kid consumed the unsuitable FM brand, you might cause he/she into constipation issue.
I’m not a mother, but my friend who is a mother of 3YO daughter keen to change FM brand. Unfortunately, we have no idea which brand is the preferred for purchase. Any idea or recommendation from you guys? Thank you so much.
thanks for sharing~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Try to add some brown sugar in the feed. This works well for my child constipation problem. After the feed for a while, he has released the bowel that has held for 3 days ago. I continue feeding him until the next day to make sure that he has fully passed out all the stools that he has held for 3 days.
Constipation remedies are very subjective, it may not be helpful for every single child. If this remedy does not help to ease your child constipation. You need to look for alternative constipation remedies instead of focusing in one remedy. Probiotic is well recommended to ease constipation problem because it’s help in digestion. You may get some probiotic drop for your child and I believe it can help to ease the constipation problem. All the best.
I have followed the guideline of how to give my little one a poop massage. I have tried more than 3 days, yet to see her go for bowel. In the meantime, I have also fed her with some fruit juice. It isn’t helping either. I am desperate to seek for some more effective remedies. She has been suffering these days and crying hard at every morning and night. It’s really heartbreaking to see her crying daily.
I’m so sorry! I know how stressful that is! Right now you are in a bit of a crisis situation and I would call the doctor. They will likely recommend an enema, which will provide safe and quick relief. I would then go back through this post and apply some of the strategies.
The poop massage working great for me though. The remedy will not work, if you did not manage your child’s balance diet and It will not help. When my child constipated, I switched the formula to Mamil. I find that the Mamil contain of prebiotic which is good to prevent digestive discomfort. At the same time I have also applied with this poop massage to treat it as extra help to ease the constipation. After a few minutes, he is able to go for bowel movement and released an explosive poo. After feed him with Mamil, I find that his stools are getting softer and easier to pass it out. I am very happy with the result. Pretty recommend to try it out.
Thank you Alisha for the helpful tips and the massage. First time using this to my boy and it work like a charm to ease my boy constipation problem. After applying the massage for less than one hour hour, he had released her bowls well recommended.
Great tips. Thank you so much.
Hi there! I’m confused with the direction you’ve stated in step 1. Ascending colon starts on lower right. As a licensed massage therapist I’ve been taught to move in a clockwise motion. Work your way up ascending colon, over transverse colon to the right, then down decending colon. Is there something I’m missing with your steps? Thanks in advance!
Thanks for your question… My mom is a licensed massage therapist and she got her training in south carolina. This is the technique they taught her and she has used in her practice with great success over the last 10 years. From what I understand there are different techniques, such as the one your describing. From what she tells me they start on the descending colon because it starts to break up blockage and as you move backwards things will move through easier as it should be softer or the muscles more stimulated. By the end of the massage you do go in the direction you described but you work your way up to that point. Here is a you tube video that demonstrates this technique – I found it while researching for this post, but didn’t end up sharing it because it wasn’t very professional.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42561H962UI
Hope that helps!
My daughter has had similar issues with constipation as well as poor muscle tone. I have found that using the massage technique you decsribed usally works, as well as upping her intake of fresh fruit. I also have started using Doterra DigestZen blend on her tummy while massaging, it seems to take away any pain and she usually has a BM shortly after. I think I will start her on a probiotic too, thanks for your insights!
That’s really helpful, as well, Sasha! Thanks!
This info on constipation really cleared-up some things for me, thank you. I do have a question though. Is there exercises that will help a with low tone?
Funny you mention that I was just looking some up… the Inspired Treehouse is my go to: http://theinspiredtreehouse.com/core-strengthening-activities-for-kids/
Hi Alisha, This is a great article with awesome links! I have been researching low tone to support my practice (I am a holistic nutritionist and I counsel parents whose children suffer from constipation and are going through picky eating stages). While I advise my clients on diet and lifestyle, they also need to work with a pediatric occupational therapist (like you) or physical therapist to strengthen low-tone muscles.
Thank you for this great article. It helped me understand low tone and be able to provide additional help to my clients.
Thanks for the comment Alina, I appreciate it. If you are looking for core strengthening activities this is a great site as well: http://theinspiredtreehouse.com/core-strengthening-activities-for-kids/
Hi, thank you for your post, but I also wanted to ask if your pictures got flipped around because the Massage is pictured the wrong way around. I am a physio therapist so I learned about this type of massage during my studies…the way you pictured it is counter digestion wise. Hope you don’t mind me pointing this out.
Anne is correct. I am also a pediatric PT and our clinic is known for treating pelvic floor dysfunction for constipation, UTIs, incontinence, etc.
The ascending colon is positioned more on the right side of our bodies and the descending colon (that leads the poop to the exit) is more on the left side. So poop massages should be a right to left rainbow pattern (or clockwise from the massager’s perspective, if that makes more sense.)
THanks for posting this, Alisha! Good, accurate information! And I will add that fiber usually is not helpful in cases of chronic constipation, megacolon and large impactions. You are right, if you don’t take fiber with significant amounts of water, it will only bulk up the poop more and do nothing to help kids get the poop out. Most kids are very dehydrated, and increasing water decreases your need for miralax. Your goal for a permanent fix should be to give enough miralax and/or to have 1-3 poops a day, no harder than a mushy banana…as long as it’s not liquid diarrhea that turns the water brown and sounds like pee coming out (ha!), then don’t be concerned if it is “too soft”.
typo* that is supposed to say “enough miralax and/or exlax and WATER to have 1-2 poops a day….
Thanks Wendy for adding your insights and experience, so valuable! The massage is just a different technique, the theory with this massage is that it breaks up the blockage first and at the end you do the swiping motions all in the direction that the poop ultimately moves. I know a lot of practitioners are only trained in the massage you described, which is great too!
I had my kid on Pegalax for few months after trying so many remedies, medicines. It worked like maricle for my kid..no concern after that and its 3 years now.
Will any of these things help for a 1yr old? He started getting constipated regularly after switching to whole milk and was formula fed before then. It clearly hurts him to poop (crying and death gripping us or whatever is near) but he is ok when its over. He drinks watered down pear juice and I’m trying to get more fruits into him but he’s become picky about many foods… maybe this is all related (or also because he’s 1)?? Thank you!
Sure, I would talk to you doctor before you give any supplements, but changes in diet can be huge. Being picky is probably a combination of being one (very common) and the constipation. Really watch his dairy intake and see if that helps. You may also need to go to 2% milk.
Thank you! We are seeing his doctor tonight to try to set things right. I’m hoping to just change his diet as much as we can before trying a probiotic or miralax.
I definitely understand wanting to avoid miralax, but probiotics are completely natural. Also, you may need miralax at some point, I would just recommend avoiding using it on a regular basis. Best of luck!
I know this is an old post, but in case others see this: if your child is having constipation issues, (especially if they have Exzema or skin issues) I highly reccomend having them tested for food allergies, and the sooner the better. It’s always best to have a full picture of a situation and perhaps avoid what happens with me and my daughter. Long story short, she had many food alllergies which we didn’t discover for 2+ years! 2 years of feeding a child what is causing her pain and constipation. I just kept thinking she needed more fiber and better foods- it never really occurred to me what should be REMOVED to heal her. Unfortunately, this was during the Oh So Important potty training years and there was a lot of tears (from both of us) and it caused her to form bad habits and delayed mastering potty training. Almost immediately when i removed the allergen foods, her accidents ceased and she was finally able to potty normally. We do still have bouts of constipation but it’s not the daily battle it once was. Please note: allergy testing is not a one and done, allergens can show up later in life and so I suggest having them tested yearly, which is what happened in our case, we discovered more and more allergies as she got older. By the time they’re one and eating solid foods, If you’re seeing skin or potty issues, I highly recommend allergy testing to avoid years of feeding them harmful foods. You’re the parent, follow you instinct and be insistent with your doctors on this testing. There’s no harm in testing and getting negative results, so you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain!
I have been praying for an alternative to exLax for weeks now. I can’t believe I happen to stumble across your website while on Pinterest. My 5 yr old son has been taking exLax since Aug 2014!!!! It worked for his witholding issue until recently when I progressively had to up his squares from 2 to 6!,!!! Tomorrow will will day 4 of no poop. I’m desperate and happen to see this!! While I haven’t read thoroughly threw everything, I feel like you r walking in my shoes. I’m excited to read more and try your suggestions. My son is also a picky eater and has low tone and sensory processing disorder. Sound familiar? LOL
GOD BLESS YOU FOR HELPING OTHER PATENTS IN SIMILIAR SITUATIONS
Thank you!! This is awesome info & I can’t wait to try the massage!
Question: how do you feel about upping fat? I don’t know enough about all this, & we’re about to start potty training… I’m nervous about constipation.
Is this worth trying? I don’t know that I can get my child to eat these foods, even in a smoothy… From Oh Crap Potty training “The BEST thing to get poop soft and easy going is to up your child’s fat. A lot of parents watch their fat intake and subsequently your child could be not getting enough fat. The 2 BEST fat sources are avocado and full-fat coconut milk.”
http://www.jamieglowacki.com/struggling-with-getting-poop-in-the-potty/
Hmm, that is interesting. I actually haven’t heard of that before. However, avocado is also an excellent source of fiber. I’d give it a try, let me know if you see any improvements.
Thanks for the massage info! I’ve also found low muscle tone and decreased core strength interferes with urinary continence and awareness of the bladder being full.
Thank you for sharing your story and strategies! I am curious as to why the massage is performed in the opposite direction of digestion? This seems counterintuitive to me. Thanks!