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Stool Withholding: What To Do When Your Child Won't Poo!
At last we have a book which focuses exclusively on stool withholding in children and how to overcome it. Inspired by the author's experience of this issue with her own son, this easy-to-understand guide gives detailed advice on every aspect of stool withholding including soiling (encopresis), laxative medication, toilet training and constipation.
Stool withholding is most common in two to four year olds but it can also affect school-age children. It is often triggered by an episode of painful constipation. The child then becomes so terrified of experiencing this pain again that they hold on to their poo for days, even weeks, at a time. Just to add to the misery, stool withholding often causes children to soil their underwear. This bewildering problem can sometimes feel like a form of daily torture, not just for the child but for the whole family. Unless you've experienced this with your own child, it's difficult to imagine just how distressing it can be.
After reading this, parents will have a straightforward plan of action, with lots of tips and strategies to try at home. The book also contains useful information about the laxative Movicol (available in UK/Europe/Australia/New Zealand), with guidance on appropriate doses. The advice given is backed up by research, as well as the experiences of the author and other parents who have had to deal with this issue.
Aimed primarily at parents, this guide should also be essential reading for health professionals, teachers and anyone else who works with, or cares for children. Stool withholding is a widely misunderstood issue. If awareness and understanding of this subject is increased, many families could be spared this distressing problem.
Also available for purchase at ERIC (Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence): eric.org.uk
USA/Canada Edition also available on Amazon: "Stool Withholding: What To Do When Your Child Won't Poop!" (with guidance on MiraLAX dosage)
About the Author
Sophia Ferguson has an Honours degree in Psychology, a Masters degree in Applied Social Research and a great interest in all things medical and psychological.
She can be contacted at: www.stoolwithholding.com
Stool withholding is most common in two to four year olds but it can also affect school-age children. It is often triggered by an episode of painful constipation. The child then becomes so terrified of experiencing this pain again that they hold on to their poo for days, even weeks, at a time. Just to add to the misery, stool withholding often causes children to soil their underwear. This bewildering problem can sometimes feel like a form of daily torture, not just for the child but for the whole family. Unless you've experienced this with your own child, it's difficult to imagine just how distressing it can be.
After reading this, parents will have a straightforward plan of action, with lots of tips and strategies to try at home. The book also contains useful information about the laxative Movicol (available in UK/Europe/Australia/New Zealand), with guidance on appropriate doses. The advice given is backed up by research, as well as the experiences of the author and other parents who have had to deal with this issue.
Aimed primarily at parents, this guide should also be essential reading for health professionals, teachers and anyone else who works with, or cares for children. Stool withholding is a widely misunderstood issue. If awareness and understanding of this subject is increased, many families could be spared this distressing problem.
Also available for purchase at ERIC (Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence): eric.org.uk
USA/Canada Edition also available on Amazon: "Stool Withholding: What To Do When Your Child Won't Poop!" (with guidance on MiraLAX dosage)
About the Author
Sophia Ferguson has an Honours degree in Psychology, a Masters degree in Applied Social Research and a great interest in all things medical and psychological.
She can be contacted at: www.stoolwithholding.com
- GenresParenting
92 pages, ebook
Published November 22, 2014
128 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Sophia J. Ferguson
17 books7 followersOriginally from Scotland, Sophia Ferguson now lives in London with her son and two dogs. Her background in Psychology has inspired her to write several non-fiction titles - some of which are written under a pen name.
Sophia also loves to write and illustrate children's stories and has been doing so since she was a child. Grandpa Mudcake is a caricature of her grumpy Scottish father, while Reginald Stinkbottom is a caricature of a favourite comedian. Several other family members and a few neighbours also feature in her children's books - but they don't know this!
www.stoolwithholding.com
www.grandpamudcake.com
Sophia also loves to write and illustrate children's stories and has been doing so since she was a child. Grandpa Mudcake is a caricature of her grumpy Scottish father, while Reginald Stinkbottom is a caricature of a favourite comedian. Several other family members and a few neighbours also feature in her children's books - but they don't know this!
www.stoolwithholding.com
www.grandpamudcake.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 2, 2020
Work in progress
I am happy for the first time in 5 years. We had tried everything. Worked with my son's doctor, all of the things. Until we found this book we were lost. We're 3 days in and my son is excited to use the toilet again. His stomach no longer hurts. I k ow the journey is not over, not even close, but the reward of seeing such a drastic change so soon makes me have hope. We started with miralax alone and day 2 the disimpaction happened and the relief on my boy's face made it all worth it. We're starting his nightly toilet sit routine today. I'm only sad I did not find this sooner.
I am happy for the first time in 5 years. We had tried everything. Worked with my son's doctor, all of the things. Until we found this book we were lost. We're 3 days in and my son is excited to use the toilet again. His stomach no longer hurts. I k ow the journey is not over, not even close, but the reward of seeing such a drastic change so soon makes me have hope. We started with miralax alone and day 2 the disimpaction happened and the relief on my boy's face made it all worth it. We're starting his nightly toilet sit routine today. I'm only sad I did not find this sooner.
October 27, 2017
Very useful guide
This book was a quick and easy read, but it was packed with information that helped my wife and I feel much better that our son isn’t the only one going through this. Not only did it provide that comfort, but it also had a clear and simple “Magic Formula” to help your child overcome this problem involving a steady dose of laxatives, change of diet and daily potty sits. Anyone who feels helpless like my wife and I have recently will benefit from reading this book.
This book was a quick and easy read, but it was packed with information that helped my wife and I feel much better that our son isn’t the only one going through this. Not only did it provide that comfort, but it also had a clear and simple “Magic Formula” to help your child overcome this problem involving a steady dose of laxatives, change of diet and daily potty sits. Anyone who feels helpless like my wife and I have recently will benefit from reading this book.
December 24, 2019
My son has had stool withholding for several months and it is so frustrating to
Deal with it... I tried everything from charts, to stickers, m&ms... this book was awesome to help me not feel so alone. I called the pediatrician and just like the book suggests laxative was recommended. He is progressing in the right direction now... at least he doesn’t scream anymore and/or is afraid of going potty anymore.
Deal with it... I tried everything from charts, to stickers, m&ms... this book was awesome to help me not feel so alone. I called the pediatrician and just like the book suggests laxative was recommended. He is progressing in the right direction now... at least he doesn’t scream anymore and/or is afraid of going potty anymore.
September 16, 2022
Very informative
I feel like this book was written for me! My child displayed every symptom but we were always told to change his diet and that he'd go on the potty when he was ready. Due to stumbling upon this book, I was able to arm myself to stand my ground in telling the pediatrician s that there is something else going on. We ate just starting to treat my son, but I'm hopeful that we're finally on a road to recovery.
I feel like this book was written for me! My child displayed every symptom but we were always told to change his diet and that he'd go on the potty when he was ready. Due to stumbling upon this book, I was able to arm myself to stand my ground in telling the pediatrician s that there is something else going on. We ate just starting to treat my son, but I'm hopeful that we're finally on a road to recovery.
January 3, 2020
THANK GOD FOR THIS BOOK
I've been parenting a 4 year old who's had poop withholding for two years and this is the first bit of advice that felt helpful for our particular situation!
I've been parenting a 4 year old who's had poop withholding for two years and this is the first bit of advice that felt helpful for our particular situation!
March 7, 2021
Amazing
This book opened my eyes and made me see that as a mother I need to trust my gut. My 2 year old son has been stool witholding for 3.5 months...and its been awful. Finally reading a book that checked all the boxes and provided a solution! I cant thank you enough
This book opened my eyes and made me see that as a mother I need to trust my gut. My 2 year old son has been stool witholding for 3.5 months...and its been awful. Finally reading a book that checked all the boxes and provided a solution! I cant thank you enough
January 9, 2019
I found this to be a useful source of information. My son may not be as bad of a withholder.
May 21, 2019
Simple and Informative
Educational book explained in very simple terms. An easy quick read that can help tremendously when a parent does not know what to do.
Educational book explained in very simple terms. An easy quick read that can help tremendously when a parent does not know what to do.
February 2, 2020
Exactly the info I needed
This isn’t exactly the sexiest subject to be researching, but this was a concise guide that held the info I needed from a helpful perspective.
This isn’t exactly the sexiest subject to be researching, but this was a concise guide that held the info I needed from a helpful perspective.
February 24, 2023
Not something I'd ever thought I'd have to read. But so glad it exists as a book. Really useful and clearly and simply written and not too long. Sophia J. Ferguson has done us all a favour.
March 23, 2020
Good info
I like the info provided. There were good reference sections for laxative doses and good/bad foods to eat. We haven't implemented anything yet. Our issue didn't start as constipation, so it will be interesting if the physicians assessment includes these suggestions as well. Appointments have been made with child psychologist as well, hope the collection of information sends us on a treatment path. Good to know we are not alone!
I like the info provided. There were good reference sections for laxative doses and good/bad foods to eat. We haven't implemented anything yet. Our issue didn't start as constipation, so it will be interesting if the physicians assessment includes these suggestions as well. Appointments have been made with child psychologist as well, hope the collection of information sends us on a treatment path. Good to know we are not alone!
November 9, 2016
Nothing I didn't already know or research. Going on 17 months with my 4 year old. We plan to follow this book. I hope to God we get this fixed. It's so hard to see my son withholding and having no answers.
Basically, don't pressure, reward, and give meds.
Basically, don't pressure, reward, and give meds.
January 15, 2017
Gave me a lot confidence in using med, esp for the clearing out phase. Also a prepare for a long battle...
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews