Help, my child is Constipated! How Enema’s can help:

Constipation is unpleasant for both child and adult. We never wish to see our kids struggle with their bowels, so here are our top tips on how to help your kids overcome constipation today

WHERE DO I START?

• Many parents will choose to show their child themselves doing an enema first to build familiarity and trust with the kit.

• The most important part is ensuring your child feels comfortable and safe in whichever way works for them ie. putting on their favorite music or movie, cuddles, reassuring words that their tummy will soon not hurt as much. 

• Lay down a towel/yoga mat, pillows, blanket, even a candle (out of reach) for calm lighting.

• To soothe your little one and connect, a nice place to start is by massaging their belly with moisturizer or oil in a clockwise direction. Peppermint essential oil can be very soothing for digestional discomfort via tummy massage.

• Ensure you have everything you need set up (enema with warm water, lubricant, a little potty nearby, wipes or a towel for any leakage)

ENEMA PROCESS:

1. Roll child on their side and gently insert the tip very slowly about an inch 

2. Child may stay on their side or roll onto their back so you can massage their tummy

3. Once ready, open the clamp one or two notches to allow for a very gentle slow flow from the enema bag hanging up (the higher the bag, the faster the flow, so you may choose to hang it low on a drawer or bath tub). 

4. Watch the child's body language while gently rubbing their belly as water travels through the colon. Once they are ready to move their bowels, simply take out the tip, and sit the child on a potty or toilet and let them release. This can take a few minutes depending on the size of release. 

5. If nothing comes out, don't be alarmed. This could be due to dehydration or nerves, however you can expect a bowel motion in the coming hours or next day. 

6. Repeat the process as often as needed 

Kyah’s story: 

“When my first born, Jack, was 4 months old he had a very high temperature, wouldn’t feed, was lethargic.. And I was panicking. I recalled a mentor of mine previously saying to give children a warm water enema to help with temperatures so that’s what I prepared. I used a syringe with a very small catheter tip and inserted about 50 ml of warm water. He immediately calmed down. I was prepared with all sorts of protective mats and towels down for a poop explosion but nothing came. His temp came down and he settled. The next day he passed the biggest, stinkiest poo and he quickly recovered from his illness”. Luckily my children have regular bowel motions however if they were to ever become compacted I know I have the tools on hand to help immediately before it becomes a greater issue”. 

FAQ: How much water should I use?

This is dependent on the child’s age. 

For babies we suggest starting with a catheter and syringe of approximately 40-60 ml water to soften the stool and encourage a bowel motion. 

For older children you may choose to put 100ml in the bag and go off body language, stopping the flow when the child is ready to poo. 

If 100ml goes in easily and the child is comfortable, they may keep laying down while water is in to soak the stool and enjoy a tummy massage while holding. Gravity should assist when they sit upright on the toilet! 

Yes! Happy Bum Magnesium Oxide capsules are designed to soften the stool and relieve occasional constipation without the nasty ingredients of common laxatives. Many parents open a capsule and add to their kids juice, smoothie or bottle to relieve constipation. 

What else could help my child’s gut health? 

• Happy Bum Gut Greens Powder in a juice, smoothie or glass of water to boost nutrients within the diet

• Gut Scrub as a gentle parasite cleanse and gas/toxin binder 

• Happy Bum Biotic in juice/smoothie to increase good gut bacteria, especially after antibiotic use

• Drink plenty of filtered water 

• Varied diet rich in whole foods

Don’t forget - childhood is a crucial time to create good gut health habits such as not holding or rushing their poo’s. So much of adult constipation links back to childhood and to nip it in the bud sooner rather than later is incredibly beneficial!

For any other questions regarding childhood enemas and gut health concerns, feel free to contact us at hello@happybumco.com 

Happy Poopin,

Happy Bum HQ