Pediatric Constipation

Constipation is never fun to experience at any age and can be even harder to navigate in kiddos from newborns to toddlers. Little ones can have a more sensitive digestive tract, especially as their diet and daily habits continue to change and evolve. Most people agree that constipation, in children of any age, is fewer than 3 bowel movements per week. This typically results in feeling cranky, belly pain, being uncomfortable, and possibly a loss of appetite. Then, because the bowel movements can be hard to pass and painful, they often are avoided even when the kiddo needs to go.

Possible food sensitivities/allergies!

As children continue to grow, their diet and nutrition evolves as they are introduced to new foods whether at home, school, or a friends house. With gluten and dairy both being very common food allergens, they can often times be triggers for constipation.

Paying attention to what your kiddo is eating and if they get bloated or uncomfortable after eating certain foods can be the first indication of a nutritional cause of constipation. If this is concern, check out the resources online or work with a professional to guide you through a possible elimination diet with your kiddo or some other useful tips to adjust what they're eating.

Gut Health for Babies & Children

Treating Children's Constipation naturally

Set up "Potty Time"

Potty training is quite the process and can add stress around the potty process for parents and kids. It can be very helpful to set aside specific "potty time" with consistent 10 minutes of rush-free toilet time after meals. Carving out this specific time can help to reduce stress for kids around having to use the restroom and reinforce the importance of giving your body time to do it's thing! And don't forget, the squatty potty or setting your kiddo up in a squat position while having a bowel movement is most natural. This will further help encourage the typical pooping process!

It's also common to learn bad habits early on like pushing to go to the bathroom when kiddos are struggling to eliminate. Teaching them to simply breathe and relax to allow their pelvic floor to let go is SO powerful. The number of adults we see with pelvic floor issues who learned early on to push is staggering, so let's spread the word at a young age. Even a kid breathing video on YouTube while they sit can be helpful!

The importance of education!

This should not be a surprise since its the same for adults! Having open conversations about bathroom functions is extremely empowering and helps kids and adults to better support and listen to their bodies. Sharing the message of "Everybody Poops" with your kids can help reduce holding patterns that typically arise in school or public places due to embarrassment. With this should also come emphasis on the importance of nutrition and daily movement on healthy digestive systems! The more your kiddos know, the better off they will be able to interpret their body's needs.

How can Visceral Manipulation help?

Many of the visceral manipulation techniques we use in adults to help support constipation and a moving digestive system can be adapted for kids of any age! There are times in every body when additional support or a little nudge in the right direction is needed to restore balance and typical function.

This is esepcially true if any surgeries have happened during their lifetime or if they've ever had to take antibiotics. Any inflammation/physical tension in their system we can work on will allow for better nutrient absorption and development of their entire body. Visceral manipulation is SAFE and EFFECTIVE for kiddos of every age.