Help to Undo Mil's Damage!

Hi T.. I feel so bad for the kids. We, too, do not do drugs. When my kids are constipated, I know how painful it is. What seems to help us is loading them up on vitamins (from Whole Foods) and lots of strawberries, grapes, cherries, mangoes. All fruits exept bananas and apples are good to counter constipation. It usually clears up within 2 days. Good luck!

Prunes!!!

They are better than any medication. Start with only 2 or 3 one day. Then a few more the next day.

Dried apricots have a similar effect but are much more mild. They are good for everyday regulation.

Try Natren probiotic, just 1/4 teaspoon and ground flax in the same amount. Put them in a small amount of apple sauce or something similar. Just once in the morning.
Andy

How long do you stay when you're there? Are the food choices something both you and your husband agree on?

It's important that your MIL knows that it's not that you don't appreciate her cooking, it just that Their bodies are not used to it. Is she aware of how it's making them feel? Would she be okay if you brought some familiar foods for them?

I know that these really weren't your concerns in this question, but I just wanted to give you a little support in the decisions you've made on trying to keep your children healthy.

I understand how difficult it can be to have differences with your MIL. My husband doesn't share things with his mom the same way I do with mine. Partly cultural, partly male, partly his personality. It can be difficult to get your point across without offending anyone.

Good luck with it and I hope you're kids feel better soon. Oh, btw, mangoes are in season. asian markets usually have pretty good selections at reasonable prices. they can usually get things going without too much stimulation. papaya sometimes helps too. i feel that papaya can sometimes stimulate the gut a little more and if there is constipation, the added stimulation might cause a little more discomfort.
pedialyte might work too. the electrolytes may help draw more water into the stool to soften it decreasing the constipation.

I would take your own food for now on. And let your husband do the dirty work....he can tell your MIL what you have gone threw. Kiwi is high in fiber. I would try making smoothies, with high fiber fruit. Good Luck, J.

Applesauce can be constipating, swith to prunes. Try other fruits and vegetables, but NOT bananas. Give more water. My son has has much trouble with constipation, and I think you are correct to try to stick to a balanced diet. If you eat wholesome food most of the time, then you can afford a few treats and some less wholesome food. My son did not really get over his constipation until he started eating whole grains and vegetables. Also, I started seeing a naturopath, who ran an Organic Acids Test (OAT). He then prescribed vitamin supplements to help digestion. My son is finally doing better. When we go to relatives' homes, I do have to watch what he is served. I actually bring vegetables and fruits, and whole grain bread with us when we travel, and supplements. Good luck!
T.

First of all, I would avoid this situation again by talking uniting with your husband to set respectful boundaries with what your MIL feeds your children. Your children shouldn't have to suffer just so she doesn't get her feelings hurt. I understand the difficulty of the situation, however, especially if your husband won't take a stand. You can try loading up on fiber, of course, I find adding flaxseed oil and flaxseed meal helps. In urgent situations, I use Miralax. My ped said it's safe for babies in a smaller dose. Just add a little to yogurt or whatever. You can buy it at Walgreen's. Hope that helps and that your family can avoid this happening again!

Glad to hear your child is doing better!

Just a note...=) Apple Sauce is constipating. I would suggest cherry juice, prunes etc. No rice or bananas or toast as that is constipating too. Lots of strawberries, maybe a smoothie with all of these things plus apple juice. Good luck. That is so miserable for your son.

Hi,

I can sympathize about changes at Grandma's! When we are visiting, we go the first day and buy lots of our own food and then try to keep a balance going with healthy versus the "treats" that grandmas just can't resist giving (plus they are usually willing to use our healthy hot dogs, etc.)

For now with your son, stop giving him applesauce for sure. Apples are constipating (Remember to stop diarrhea you do the "BRAT" diet of bananas, rice, apples, and tea, so don't give him any of those). Plums, prunes, prune juice, grapes, grape juice, raisins or blueberries will all help reduce constipation. Good luck!

I would stop giving him applesauce as this is used as a binding agent when you have diarrhea (part of the BRAT diet) and may make the constipation worse. Will he drink some prune juice or eat dried prunes or fruit? Good luck!
Also, don't worry about the negative responses you've received. Ignore them. Some people just don't understand. My sister and I have the same problem when we visit our MILs.

I'm so happy to have read your situation and how everything turned out. You're doing a fantastic job, keep it up. Maybe your kids won't be staying with MIL for overnights anymore, maybe she could come to your home where you have the control over what everybody eats. I didn't give my DD any sugar before the age of two and now (she's 5) she always says "no thanks" to cookies, candy and most sweets. She does like the occasional vanilla ice cream of course, but not that often and really, who doesn't.
Best of luck
M.

Sounds like he needs to reset his system! Get him back on LOTS OF VEGGIES! They are the trick to getting him regulated! Lots of H2O will also be helpful in getting rid of those toxins in his body. Lots of toddler excercise! Spend some time at the beach, lake or park letting him run and jump! Movement will help with his digestion. And lastly, cut yourself a nice fat break... be as patient with yourself as you are with him... a calm Mommy tends to be pretty soothing to a child with a distressed tummy.

GOOD LUCK!

Hi T.,

I also have 14 months old son. And we also have similar issues with MIL feeding diet. Since we are trying to give our baby very healthy and organic foods for as long as possible.

My advise to you is just give him lots of water and try some prune juice or prunes. Hopefully he'll like the taste of it too. I hope it would help him.

Take care,
N.

PEARS!!! Pears and Plums will get his pooper straightened right out. Remember that bananas will make the constipation worse. Just as when your children were younger and starting solid foods, you must be in control of their diets--- Your MIL comes from a different time, one where whisky on gums and a good swat on the butt were ok. Next time you go visit, do some grocery shopping, suggest some healthy alternatives like turkey bacon or sausage. Bring along the cereal and just let her know that you want to make sure they eat well so they feel their best when they come to visit her.

Wow! I totally respect how you feed your children. Nutrition is so important. I do have the education, but I can't say I have the discipline that you do. So good job on that! For your sons constipation, have you tried prunes or coconut? I would try those, a vegetable diet, and tons of water. Can't imagine he wouldn't have a soft stool after that.

Hi T.,

I would definitely stay away from the applesauce. No Bananas, either. I usually give my son a mixture of apple juice and prune juice (not watered down, per his doc). If he is having a lot of trouble, as he sometimes will, I will start him on Miralax. I now you're not crazy about pharmaceuticals, but this has really worked wonders. It is not a laxative...it absorbs the moisture in the body and allows things to flow a lot better. Miralax makes it so that they can't hold it, even if they want to. Better a couple of days of Miralax than an enema, or worse, long term damage - which I know a lot of moms on this site can attest to. In any case, a call to your doc on Monday may be a good idea if he hasn't gone by then. As far as your MIL goes, jeez, good luck with that. It's a tough position to be in. Hope this helps!

I know you've already followed up, I just wanted to say good for you. You've worked hard to keep your kids diets healthy. Anyone who tries to judge you on one request with the word "organic" in it is being closed minded themselves. People forget that whats posted on these requests is never the entire story and that you can't assume to know the whole situation in someone's life.

I also wanted to sympathize with your MIL woes. Its very difficult to explain to my MIL anything, but if you can, talk to your husband about the fact that while you know its hard for him to choose sides, that it ISN'T about sides. It's about the kids. They're your children, and his mother should respect your opinions, even if she doesn't agree. Giving them stuff behind their back only causes more problems, like would you be this mad at her now if she hadn't done that before. Oh I could tell you some stories...like the time my MIL decided my son needed a hair cut and I was planning to take him to his first one, when she babysat him and cut his hair while he was sleeping. I got home and found three bald spots. I didn't talk to her for 3 months. It's hard, but we worked it out.

Prune juice will work wonders. I have also heard that flax seed oil can do the job as well.

Hi T.!
Sorry I came in late so I might have missed this but perhaps oranges and apples, blueberries and raspberries. My daughter had constipation, too, and I elimnated cheese, bananas and rice from her diet. Watered down her milk, juice and started her on miralax. It was terrible but now thankfully she is doing all right. I did buy organic fruits and vegetables from Whole foods to try and give her more healthy foods. Broccoli works really well, too. Hope this helps and glad to hear your little one is doing better. Good luck whatever you decide:)

I'm sorry you had such negativity. It's hard to try to give your kids healthful foods and be questioned and criticized. I know, because I go through it with my MIL too. She has to bring M&M cookies with her EVERY time she sees my daughter. It's like the only way she knows how to garner affection or something. And we lived with my MIL for 6 months, so I definitely know what it's like to get off track! (Ugh) And the way to get back on track is slowly. Offer one fruit or veggie with each meal, and stick with plain foods otherwise. You don't want to overdo it with the fruits and veggies or their diarrhea could flare up again, and they could get cramps. I think some people suggested prune juice, and that could be good. Also apple juice. I feel like yogurt does help with digestion if eaten every day. My daughter has eaten it almost every day since around 6 mos, and I notice a difference if she doesn't have it -- her "schedule" changes, if you know what I mean.

I know it's super hard when everyone around you seems to take offense at your attempts to teach your kids better eating habits. I am trying to learn to be a little more flexible myself, mainly because I know I can't control what my daughter eats when she goes to other people's houses, etc. Though a lot of parents who have young kids now seem to be more aware of the connection between our health and what we eat, our kids will still be served hot dogs (and not necessarily the healthy kind!) at parties and have access to junk food when we're not around. I believe in teaching them WHY the junk food is not good for them, and having on hand as many of the healthful choices as possible but ultimately letting them make some choices. If they don't learn the difference, they will not be able to make good choices out in the world. Allow your kids to have "junk" food like hot dogs every once in awhile, even in your own house. But when you serve it, tell them it's something you will only do once in awhile because it's not as good for them as the foods you normally serve. Tell them why. Then let them discover for themselves how their bodies don't feel as good. Now stand back and watch them make informed choices about what to eat, even when you're not around. That's my goal, anyway. I wish you the best of luck and good for you for sticking to your guns, but don't let it make you too crazy.

Hey T.! I didn't read all of the responses but I really want to commend you on giving your children good foods. Too many parents give their kids chicken nuggets and think that's a good protein. They let their kids have sugar (even in a form that's not so bad like maple syrup) and end up with "behavior problems" - perfectly happy to put their kids on medication. I think what you're doing is great. Some people don't understand it. I think your MIL takes offense because that's how she raised your DH. Next time you visit, you really need to insist in a nice way that what you're doing is right for your kids. Acknowledge that she did a great job raising your husband - after all you married him! Tell her your really need her help in this. If she tries to say you're inflexible again just acknowledge her and keep putting your viewpoint there. It's way too important. Pancakes, French Toast! Yikes! She is disrespecting you as a Mom and you should keep gently guiding her to your side. If not, you shouldn't stay there unless you can be in charge of food for your family. Seriously, you have my support.

My pediatrician always recommended flax oil for constipation, starting at a tablespoon. It isn't the best tasting, so mix it into a fruit smoothie and they won't even notice it. When my daughter was 3 she was having terrible constipation - withholding poop for 5 days at a time and then really painful poops, and they had me give her milk of magnesia. I don't remember the dose, but Dr. Sears Medicine Cabinet (online) might have it.

Do more fruit (like every fruit in the book except bananas)- berries tend to work well, and fruits with high water content like watermelon, but whatever he likes. And cut out all meat and cheese for a few days- give him fruit, veggies, and oatmeal. Good luck! Sounds just like my MIL. And, even though it hurts her feelings, I would talk to her about the affect it has on your kids- their health is more important than her ego. I know that, if she's like my MIL, she'll just say "my kids ate that stuff and they're just fine" but if you can somehow convey to her that it's different because your kids' digestive tracts aren't used to that stuff then it will be worth it, and she will get over it! I would (especially if it got that bad, but I tend to say "darn people's feelings" if my child's well being is at stake) go so far as to say if you don't feed my kids better they're not going to eat (ie stay) at your house anymore. But that's just me, I'm kind of extreme. And I also know that in my case it would work because my MIL would do anything to see her grandkids.

For you son try glycerin inserts, i have use them with all 3 of my daughers. You can get them at rite aid, walgrens, etc etc. not painul at all, just use vaseline or KY and insert them. within minutes they will use the bathroom.as the pharmacist they have adult and children size. they are very thin.....give him as much raw fruits and veggies as possible stay away from anything with flour, bread, pasta etc etc. I don't want to sound mean but every time your baby cries ask your husband if it was worth not hurting his mommys feelings!!!!!!!!!!!!! you and you children are his responsibility. If he can't get a back bone then you have to learn to stnd your ground, sooooo unfair to the babies. hope they feel better. oh, prune juice always works. mix it with organic apple juice for better flavor. Good luck
g

All kids no matter what kind of diet they are on go through periods of constipation, give the human body a little credit, it will work it's way through.

I usually take 2 organic prunes and 2 organic apples and steam them, blend them and serve them to my daughter if she has any problems. It works magic. Good luck.

H There,
I'm and acupuncturist and mom of 2. When my 5 yr old was 3 and under he used to get chronic constipation (as did 2 of my nieces as well). I can tell you that applesauce will make it worse--it is one of the items in the "BRAT" diet to help kids with diarrea (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast). Apple juice, however, can help. I used to get the organic unfiltered apple juice, warm it, and give it to him undiluted (try 1/2 cup). Usually helps them go pretty quick. If he'll let you, gently massaging his tummy in a clockwise motion or rubbing the lower back down the sacrum can often help them go. Good Luck :)

You can try organic prune juice or even purchasing organic plums cherries since its finally the season anything with a pit or seed will help him get things moving again. I hope this helps.

Hi
Have you tried prune juice?
Good luck

Have you tried giving them Infants Probiotics? I give that to both my kids (3 and 1) about once a week or so, depending on how much yogurt they eat that week to help keep their digestive system running smoothly.

Yes, it sucks when your in-laws don't respect your rules...especially when it comes to food and your kids health. But they are the grandparents and do have the right to spoil your kids to a certain extent. I have similar issues with my in-laws. Lots of meat (and not the hormone and antibiotic free meat that we eat at home), lots of refined sugars and refined carbs, very little veggies, and lots of soda. Oh and TONS of iodized salt in everything that my MIL cooks!

But I figure we only see them once or twice a year so I let it go to a certain extent. I still hold on to very little soda (like maybe 1 a day) and a few sugary treats (MIL is a candy-a-holic so this one is a tough battle for me to fight). My kids get maybe a couple of sips of soda and MAYBE one or two candies a week, if that. So once or twice a year is okay with me. I just make sure to also give them yogurt or the probiotics and DEFINITELY their multivitamins each day when MIL is around. I also try to give them fruits and veggies in between MIL's sweet treats throughout the visit.

I would definitely increase the fiber...greens...veggies....fruits and reduce the dairy and meats for awhile until his system gets back on track. And watch out for bananas, they are major constipators.

If my kids are really constipated I give them 8 ounces of diluted pomegranate juice...within a couple of hours it clears them out.

And if we are going to be with my in-laws for more than a couple of days, I just eithe bring along foods that we eat or go grocery shopping once we get to our destination. You can find decent organic or hormone or nitrate free stuff at places like Super Walmart or Super Target and they have those stores EVERYWHERE!

And if keeping my kids digestive system running smoothly hurts my MIL's feelings, so sorry, but I am their Mom and am doing what is best for their health in the long run. DH and I are on the same page with this. We give her ample chance to spoil them and give them some junk food, but we pair it with the good stuff. She's made a few comments here and there, but DH or I always tell her the same thing "Sorry you feel that way, but it's best for the kids so that is what we are doing. We aren't doing this to hurt your feelings, we are doing it for their long term health". End of story.

Maybe you could send her some articles about the nitrates, artificial sweeteners, antibiotics/hormones in meat and the horrible damage they do to our bodies to educate her on why you are choosing not to give these things to your kids. Maybe it would open her eyes a bit and realize that you aren't trying to hurt her feelings, but keep your kids healthy.

DH sent a few articles to his parents and they changed their ways a little. But MIL still gets her feelings hurt if I say "No" to all of sugar that she wants to give my kids. Win some, lose some.

Now on the flip side, we sent the same articles to my parents, and over the last 2 years they have taken it upon themselves to further educate themselves about these issues and have made radical changes to their diet and exercise :)!

Good Luck! Hope your little guy's system gets back to normal soon.

Try pear juice, you can find it in the babyfood section. Works like a charm!

My daughter suffered from terrible constipation from the moment we started her on solid foods, so I feel your pain. I know how awful it can be when they are so uncomfortable. Here is what works for us: Fruit juice... prune worked best for us, but plenty of apple juice works to. The other thing that always loosens up my kids is citrus. Eating oranges or drinking orange juice will help. Another strategy is a nice warm bath. That seemed to help relax the child and help them to go. Good luck!

I can give you some advice, but you have to do in in small amounts, get a can of olives, and give the olive juice a little at a time to yor son, it may cause diarrhea, but it sounds like i8n his case that would be better than what he is going through now bless his litle heart. You kids were not used to those foods and the change of diet, probably was not the best for them. Just a little more advice T., the next time you visit your MIL be firm about what you allow your kids to eat and what you don't. J.

Have you tried Prune Juice? This is what my mom always reccommends.

giving your son applesauce is going to bind him even more. applesauce is good if you have diarrhea. i'd leave that out of his diet until he's back to normal.

Yogurt, Yogurt and more yogurt will do the trick (plus the juice and fiber that everyone else recommended! - We've got some smart mom's out there!) GOOD yogurt will have probiotics in it (Make sure it's not the fake sugary gelatin stuff, but has active cultures in it - like they sell at trader Joe's, and the higher quality kinds at other stores.)
Hope everything comes out alright in the end!
:)
R.

Hi T.
I know how hard it is to see your son go through that because my daughter did too. We started out by giving her prune juice or pureed prunes. Give him a lot of water as well. We actually took her to a GI specialist for her tummy and he told us that she was having more food than she was able to digest. My problem wasn't MIL but my open mother and sister. He actually had us give her Miralax to help break down the food and she's back to her old self again. Ask your doctor if it's ok try it. Good luck!

For the constipation: Hemp seeds are really a great, healthy, balanced food and in Chinese medicine are considered a lubricating laxative (as opposed to cathartic, irritiating laxatives) You don't state your son's age, but they come in an eat out of your hand, nut like, form or ground up for mixing in foods/smoothies. I would try these. Also there are good chewable fiber tabs at the health food store with no psyllium, mostly inulin and oats, etc- look for enzymatic therapy brand. Drink at least 6 oz water with these.
Because the kids had diarrhea at first, I would give them a pro-biotic formula, either a liquid or powder mixed with water. Ask at the health food store for their best brand. Use is generally 1x per day on an empty stomach, for a week or so. Ok to take anytime, but especially after digestive imbalances.
Sounds like your mother in law is using the food as her language of love and the "feeling's hurt" as a I'll win and end the power struggle instantly tactic.
There has to be a way to get her on your wavelength, I hope. Have you just asked for her advice, like "Everytime we visit, you show us so much love and really try to nurture us, but I get so frustrated because it doesn't really turn out that way, our bodies' are not used to this type of food and although it tastes good and we want to accept it because of all the love you put in it, I really need your help with a solution that will work for all of us!" I know it is more complicated than this, but maybe it is a start...
Hope that helps

Grapes are a great natural way to relieve constipation. My Dr. recommends it all of the time and uses it on her kids as well.

Applesauce would be better for diarrhea since apples bind. Baby prunes always did the trick for us.

My 21 month-old son just went through a terrible bout of constipation - we ended up in the ER to make sure nothing else was wrong, he was in such distress! Anyway, they gave him a fleet enema. Not pleasant but effective. Afterwards, our pediatrician recommended "fruits that start with "P" - prunes, pears, peaches, papaya, and apple juice, orange juice, prune juice, watermelon, honeydew melon and grapes. Definitely not bananas or apples until things are back to normal. You may even notice a lot of loose stools while your son gets back to normal. Good luck!

There must be some organic prunes out there.... puree prunes, and maybe even some cod liver oil! But don't use any more apple sauce or pears. that is something people use for diarrhea! If prunes aren't available, try many other fruits (low in pectin): kiwi, mango, cherries, blueberries...

Good luck. this too shall pass!

Maybe the next time your MIL is in the picture, try suggesting a commpromise: suggest adding rolled oats, buckwheat flour, millet and flax seed to her batter or roll the french toast in a mixture of that. And maybe ask for turkey bacon. YUMMY! Can you also bring fruit leather for constipation? what about some organic baby food jars to even the keel?

Good luck!

Get this book: "Super Baby Food." It has good recipes for making your own healthy food for babies (we never bought a single jar) through pre-schoolers. There's even a great recipe for adding spinach to the pancakes <wink>.

As for the constipation, add flax seed oil to his diet. You can put it directly in the apple sauce or other mashed fruit, or you can put it on bread alone or under another spread.

Hi--- Have you tried prunes?!

Watered-down prune juice usually does the trick for my 2-year-old (about half water). She doesn't drink much juice, as I imagine your kids don't, so she thinks it's a real treat. Give it in the morning, because it often brings on a poo almost immediately. Also if he likes avocado, the high fat content helps regularity. Good luck!

How frustrating, I feel for you.

A quick, short-term remedy is a tablespoon of mineral oil a day. It really gets things moving. This was recommended by my mom. My pediatrician actually recommended corn syrup (3 tsp/day), but it had not effect.

Good luck with your son AND your MIL, that's a tough one.

I feel for you. I am also a health food nut and would pull my hair out with that kind of M.I.L. For the constipation: prunes and or prune juice are a good gentile and natural way to bring on more bowel movements if things are stuggish. Glycerol supositories are excellent safe non stimulant laxitive to bring on an instant bowel movement. Stay off bananas and rice which can be constipating.
Maybe instead of forbidding foods, request the addition of fruits and veggies at every meal. That way her cooking isn't directly attacked. Maybe slip her a book that could inspire her towards better nutrition. Supper foods Rx is one we've loved passing around. Good luck.

You are lucky to have a MIL that cares so much for your kids to have them over for 3 weeks! Be assured that your kids won't die from any of her cooking. Lots of water will help. However, if the constipation lasts for more than a week, you should take your son to the pediatrician --it could be something un-related to a little extra grease in their diet. In the future, if you do not want your kids to eat this stuff, then you should not stay with your MIL. But if you choose to stay with her, then you need to be gracious, thankful, and a little flexible about all this since it is her house. Above all, don't let your kids hear you speak poorly on Grandma's cooking or lack of anything... it would reflect poorly on you. Good luck! Ali

You may be contributing to your son's constipation by feeding him what you are. Applesauce actually firms up the stool, not softens it. And, not all soft foods will soften the stool. Please try what others have recommended, prune and apple juice is a great place to start. You can remedy this without medication. Good luck!

My pediatrician always recommended the unfiltered apple juice from Trader Joes for my son's constipation.

Dear T., If you don't agree with the menu at your mother in laws, simply take your organic foods with you next time. I grew up on canned vegitables and lunch meat, miracle whip salad dressing and chips. We had some soda, Kool-aid. I'm 49 years old and still kicking wow. And please keep in mind that at least you have in laws. Both of my husbands parents were deceased before i met him. J.

Constipation can be treated by adding lots of fluids and fiber to your son's diet. Foods high in fiber include; most fruits and vegetables, bran, veggie soup, etc. Also, diminishing the amount of milk (or other dairy products) he is taking in until the constipation has passed should help. Good luck!

Dear T.

There is a way of eating pancakes, and French Toast with the healthy side kick to it. Are you saying that you grew up eating organic? Are you saying that you & your kids never eat Restaurant Food?

Some Organic Food are all fad! Google and see for yourself.

Hot Dogs? I agree! Hot dogs are gross and dangerous specially for kids. What to do??? WIbn with Peace, not anger or resentment specially with your
husband after all she is his Mom. How would you feel that one of your children spouse speaks negative about you behind your back?

You have to outsmart your MiL, Be kind, and NICE Someday you will be one too!

What to do? As you cannot fight them... Well Join them

Simply show up early, dress up nicely, Get the kids involve, bring her some flowers and offer to help cooking. Right after you give her a basket full of goodies there are healthy ways to make creamy delicious healthy pancakes and French Toast.

After all you married her SON, and the question is... he is Ok? right?

RELAX

I have a MiL :) She is awesome!!! More so because I laid the rules from the get go. No hot dogs, No sodas, no fast food, well My son is allowed In& Out without salt!

We get along just FANTASTICpancakes and French Toast

Whenever my kids get constipated I get them pear juice. Heck, I've used it for myself as well ;)
We have food issues in our house as well so I know it can be tough.
Best of luck! Hope your little ones feel better soon.

Hey T.,
100% pure pineapple juice like from Trader Joe's really works well. Cut your son's with half water though because of the acid. Works really well. Take care,
V.

Try giving your son some acidophilis (found in yogurt) to help balance his tummy. My daughter responds well to Activia yogurt although it isn't organic. Also try pears instead of applesauce.
L.

Hi,

It is so hard when a little one is constipated. I eat the activa yogurt, it really does work. Maybe a half of one will do the trick for your son. All it takes is eating this once a day until he is regular again.

No dairy, plenty of water, and lots of vegetables. Good luck, I know your son is in pain. I would definately let my mother-in-law know what has happened. Let her know you will be doing your own food when visiting her. Your children's health comes first.

Peachie

I second the Prune Juice.
Heidi

HI T.,

I have heard that applesauce can be constipating(ie the BRAT diet). Pears and pear juice and just tons of fruit (blueberries, strawberries, cherries, melon, grapes) and veggies (peas, broccoli) work well.

I have heard Karo syrup and suppositories are also helpful if you can't fix it naturally.

Hope he is regular again real soon. D.

Hi, T.,

I won't advise you on what food to give your kids as it sounds as though you've received plenty of advice on that topic over the last few days.

I know what it's like to marry into a family that has a drastically different lifestyle, esp. in terms of diet and exercise. I am an athletic vegetarian. (I am a vegetarian for ethical reasons.) My in-laws are sedentary, obese meat, potato, dessert eaters who stock their house with up to ten desserts at a time--even after triple bypass surgery! After 4 1/2 years of visits, my father-in-law still forgets that I'm a vegetarian and often offers me fish dishes. After telling him at least a dozen times that I don't eat red meat, poultry or seafood, he still prepares seafood for me. My MIL has tried to convince me to eat meat, poultry and seafood to be healthier and tried to get me on HER latest weight-loss diet, one of dozens she's tried!

In order to maintain my principles and keep the peace, when I'm with my in-laws, I calmly repeat for the umpteeth time that I don't eat red meat, poultry or seafood and am very healthy, which is beyond their comprehension. I have asked my husband, who is sometimes at my in-laws' house without me, to allow my kids to eat no more than one sugary drink (soda) and one solid food containing sugar (dessert) per day. When I visit my in-laws, I sometimes bring healthy food for the kids and me to eat.

When you stay at your in-laws', can you prepare some of the meals? Preparing some of the meals might help your children's digestions and reduce conflict between you and your MIL.

Why have you decided to completely avoid pharmaceuticals? If you are avoiding them because you think that their ingredients are harmful, would you ask your doctor if he or she could recommend a pharmaceutical drug that does NOT contain harmful ingredients? If your child has been suffering for days or even weeks, to speed recovery, it might be worth it to at least ask.

Good luck to you and your family.
Lynne E

Hi there, I had similar issues, I spoke to my Dr about it and I was told to make sure to give a lot of water. Also, I know this isn't pleasant for you or your baby, but you can take your sons temperature, it is safer than an enema, all natural and really works. It stimulates the poo, my son is 16 months now and he was having problems a couple months ago and it works, he used to have lots of constipation from formula too and I would do it back then, it'd get him going and make sure once that first hard stool was out keep him flushed with water to keep it at bay. You sometimes have to hold the thermometer in a little longer-maybe 2 mins. I know it sounds bad, but you have to pick the lesser of 2 evils ya know? This will bring him relief and you can get him back on track. Good luck.

After I stopped nursing, my son would get really constipated. Our pediatrician told us to give him a little bit of mineral oil (I would check with your pediatrician to see if that's OK and how much they recommend). It worked like a charm.

Applesauce and soft foods are actually used when a child has diarrhea, so you're giving him the opposite of what you should be giving him. Try equal parts of prune juice, apple juice and water once a day until he's back to normal. Good luck! :)

While I understand your frustration, the problem as I see it is that you have not exposed your children to a sufficient variety of foods and diets, so that when they are exposed to other foods, they find them alien. What on earth is wrong with occasional pancakes? They fed entire generations of Americans. When your children grow up, they need to be adapted to the much wider range of foods they will be consuming than your nimsy, controlling regime. Lighten up.

Hi T.! Do try ground flaxseed (take 2 tbsp per day) or psyllium husks (same amount). For these, you need to give your son lots of water. Try also prunes/prune juice. - G.

I would go back to your normal diet and add prunes and or prune juice to help get him going. I give my kids a prune a day and it helps with keeping them regular. A high fiber diet helps to let them go poop also.
I hope he feels better soon.
Take care
B.

Have you tried the old standby of dried fruit (especially prunes?) I've heard that warm prunes/prune juice takes care of constipation very quickly. Also all bran cereal will do the trick. I can't stand the taste of all bran cereal- but even shredded wheat does the trick pretty quickly, and tastes a lot better too.

Hi T.,
My neice has constipation problems for other reasons, however some of the methods have been helping. Maybe increasing the probiotic foods that help the digestive system...you can google it and find all kinds of things. Type in constipation and you'll find all sorts of things. Fresh berries like rasberries and cherries that are in season now are good. If he'll eat dried apricots or even better are prunes. Increase fiber intake and decrease any dairy or things like bannanas and apples which have a substance that promotes constipation.
You want to help him get out of this constipation before it gets to be a problem of him holding in his bowells because he associates pain with it. Don't let him go more than 2 days of not defecating (pooping) Try to do anything natural that you can to make the bowells soft. Best of luck!

Hi Sahm,

I too recommend the prune juice and water. Plus, something that my Mom passed on to me, add a little bit of fresh ginger when cooking their foods, it helps with the tummy aches and digestion. I've always added some when preparing my baby's food. It works!

And, just some of my two cents, if you care to hear it ;-) Although, I am a true believer of teaching and practicing healthy eating, sometimes, if we are way too strict with their diet, we can actually cause our children to be prone to a weak stomach. You know what I've learned from talking to a couple of woman over the age of 90 (great grand mothers)? They say their trick to a long, happy, and healthy life is "everything in moderation!" A little organic here and a little greasy bacon or butter there... It all comes out in the wash. A Big Mac™ everyday for lunch? No way! A home made burger on her birthday, for sure! We are all more conscious these days when it comes to diet, but breaking the rules every now and then - with Grandma - keeps things interesting. Too much bran flakes is boring for anyone. Eat healthy, but have some "healthy" vices every now and then. Remember, your brain needs healthy fatty foods.

Hope your kids get better soon!

Foods with lots of fiber that my kids will eat: Cheerios, prune juice, and soy milk. Generally one glass a day of prune juice is enough to get their systems back on track. Your son may be holding his poop in because he's afraid to poop because it hurts. If the change of diet doesn't help please see your pediatrician. I babysit a little guy who has to take miralax everyday because his bowels got all stretched out from his holding his poop in. He feels so much better now. He's happier, sleeping better, and his little personality has really emerged.

Good luck!
N.

Drinking lots of water and eating an apple (whole, not the sauce) is the best natural remedy I've found for constipation. Good luck!

Hi T.,
I'm so sorry that there are so many mean mother's out there willing to inflict their nastiness on another mother's concern.
I commend you for feeding your children healthy and natural foods.
I'm glad that your little ones plumbing is back to normal. Stand your ground! Ignore the ignorant responses. They obviously need more love in their life!!
T.
Momma to 5

T.,
You can try glycerin suppositories. There are no other ingredients and the glycerin simply coats the bowels to make movements easier. We used them in the NICU for the preemies. You can buy them over the counter at almost any pharmacy.

Hi there
So your MIL cooked breakfast every morning for 3 weeks, and you never once said anything?
I'd assure you that she was probably doing most of the cooking for your sake.
In the future, tell it like it is, or it will continue.
If you are family, you are supposed to be able to tell each other things, if your husband wont - you do it.
You cannot continue going there for visit every year and pretend to like her food - stuff yourself and say nothing?
Eventually your kids will be old enough to blurt out
"Grandma, you know mommy really hates all this food".
If it's important to you - tell everyone in your family - not the boards on the internet.
In the meantime- give the baby a bottle of diluted prune juice to drink - if the constipation wont go away - doctor time. Pure and simple.

E.

I would give him papaya and pineapple. The combination will help break down the food in his stomach and also heal any damage.
If he was older I would say give him a little (a couple of ounces) of Aloe Vera Juice. That would soothe his stomache and also soften his stool. But I've never given it to a child that young.
I hope the papaya and pineapple helps and he feels better.

First I would talk with your kids about foods that we eat and how tha taffects our bodies. THis is a golden opportunity to get your kids involved in their own health. Explain to them that when you eat out of balance that your body suffers. My MIL is pretty cool, yet her food prep habits were similar as yours in the begining. Once my 6 year old started telling her not to buy 'parshelly drodgenated' things at the store, there is a shift even in her shopping/feeding habits. My kids know that even if all we ate was brocolli that we'd be out of balance, they are more involved in asking for fresh food to balance out al the sugarly bready stuff. Last month my 5 year old said "My tummy doesn't feel good. I don't thin k I want to eat anymore sugar today." - and we don't eat that much at all.

Let them know that your MIL doesn't know about healthy eating the way your family does and that she wants (the grand kids) to have a special time at her place by making them all the 'party foods' and that the kids can ask for other foods to eat with the treat stuff. You know the idea and can runn with what works. I say it is NEVER TOO EARLY to explain these concepts to your kids, because they build on this knowledge as they cognitively develop, so they have the foundation of what your family does at home, their conscious mind integrates that with the explainations, and their bodies have this as an exanmple of why we want to eat healthy.

Tummy busting. On the right hand, there is a 'poop spot' this is from Vas PEsh- Romaini Chiovani hand walking. it is on the heal of the hand just to the pinky side of the middle line. Feel around until you find the spot that feels 'stuck, or have your boy do this until he finds the spot that feels liek a bump or just feels like the right spot. Have him hold this spot for a bit, rubbing it around or just holding still. THis opens things up. Don't do this in the car or any where far from a bathroom. On the tolet works, but you might want to do it before the scream fit starts. Also warm compress on tummy, massageing clock wise circles on the tummy also manuallly moves things. My husband just shouted from the other room: "Fruits" then he said Prunes. Get some baby food prunes and have "prune pudding" or get prune mixed in yogurt to re- flora the intestines.
Apples and bananas are constipators.
I don't know why but they are, so drop the applesauce for now.

Hello, I usually give my boys lots of water/juice and fruits and veggies for a couple of days untill they are regular and slowly add the gluetin back into their diet. Talking to a Nurtri. About my sons love of carbs I found out that along with Bananas, Apples in any form consipate! Never would have guessed. Hope He feels better soon :-)

get him in the bath tub with almost hot water this will loosen him up.

T.,
I completely understand your situation. Outside people don't understand why I'm so strict with foods I allow and don't allow. Organic is best but my main concerns are high fructose corn syrup and dyes. The activa yogurt recommended has tons of sugar. I would just give both kids probiotics straight or mixed in some food. Another great source is a drink called Amazake. You can find it at health food stores in the refrigerated section. Heavy, greasy, meat laden diets aren't good for anyone especially children. We found out the hard way my son is allergic to nitrates. An epsom salt bath will help with the constipation also. Hope the family is back on the road to good health soon.

Have you considered taking your son to a pediatric chiropractor? My brother-in-law is one and he has had success with this type of problem. The jolt to your son's system from the toxins and chemicals in food that his body isn't used to may have caused a subluxation.
Good luck!

Hi T.
I am so glad your son's contipation has been relieved! I think that eating the way your family does is giving your children a gift, that goes way into the future. If you have time, I would love some ideas on what your kids like to eat and/or recipies you use. My husband gave me the Deceptively Delicious cookbook for Christmas and I love it, but I need some new ideas!
Thanks!

try aloe vera juice. My son has a similar problem and the aloe vera helps to naturally get the system cleaned out and help them become regular again.

Hi T., Make sure your children drink plenty of water.

A new friend, B.

Do you have a local chiropractor? My daughter had a fit of semi-constipation as a baby, and she pooped in the car on the way home from getting adjusted by the chiropractor. She has been going since she was 27 hours old, and she has never had pharmaceuticals either (never been seen by an MD, actually). good luck!

Hi T. - In regard to your sons constipation, when my daughter was about 2 years old, she was terribly constipated. I purchased a product (it was about 6 years ago but any drug store clerk would be able to help you). They are specifically for infants and children. It was a box of very small plastic tubes, almost in the shape of a large vitamin. You snip off the end of the tube which is filled with I want to say just mineral oil. You squirt it into the rectum and honestly, within about a minute or two, all is empty! It is just an oil, not a suppository. It worked fantastic and quickly. She felt SOOOO much better after that. Constipation can be so painful to them when they're small and don't understand. Good luck and I hope all gets better!

I've done dried prunes or prune juice and had success, but it does make a lot of gas. My doctor always says juice will make them go. Apple sauce, by the way, is constipating, it is part of the B.R.A.T. diet that is used for diarrhea/flu. B-bananas, R-rice, A-apple sauce, T-toast.

Have you tried giving him Prune Juice or Prunes? That always helps my boys.

Hi T.,

My husband is from Australia and what they do over there is take an apples and grate it with a cheese grater and have your little boy eat it a grated apple each day for 2 weeks. It sounds simple and it is and it really works.

I wish you good Luck,
J.

Lots of good suggestions, organic probiotic that can be sprinkled on or in food (cold) can be gotten at we-us.mychoice.biz and works great.

My daughter has suffered with almost chronic constipation since birth. It has gotten better with age but whenever she starts having issues we give her apricot nectar, dried apricots (cut into small pieces of course) or prunes. She actually loves all of these and in moderation they really do the trick. Good luck!

prune juice worked for my son.

Gee! Your poor MIL was just being a grandma, doing what she knows, showing love for her family through cooking the foods she is familiar with. Where were you when your MIL was feeding your kids all these foods they are not used to? You are their mom and you are responsible for their diet. If one of your kids was a diabetic would you stand by while someone fed them candy? It is unfair to blame your mother in law for this situation.
Do not use applesauce for constipation. Prune juice and yogurt will do the trick, and if it doesn't take your son to the doctor before a serious situation develops.

I have been through this :( Last August we went on a family vacation and we were in the car for 2 days. One of my 2 1/2 year old twins was in the middle of potty training and would not go poop in the car potty or a public potty. After two days of holding it we got to our destination which was a cabin in the woods she still would not go. I think it was the fourth day she finally went but it was extremely painful and she was totally traumatized. I took her to the doctor after we were home for about a month and she was still holding it for days at a time in fear for another painful bowel movement. The doc told us to give her Miralax (which is sold at the drugstore) for a month until she forgot about the painful poop. It really worked. I was really hesitant to give it to her because I am a natural mom and her diet is really good but it was not about her diet after being tramatized she just would hold it. It did work but it has almost been a year and we still have times when I have to give it to her because she cant seem to completely get over it. I would definetly suggest giving it to him asap so it does not become a habit, it can be a long term problem. Sorry to scare you but it has been really hard for us so if I can help anyone avoid it I will try :)

Dried fruit (prunes, apricots, apples) tend to work well and kids like them. Good luck.

Hi T., I feel your pain... Do you have your children on any Fish Oils? If not, it will help the body rid itself of the toxins and clean out the bowels. I use Carlson's for Kids chewable DHA in Orange bursting flavor and my kids love them, they think they are candy and they call it their gummy vitamin. I have been giving it to all of them for over all health since they were about 10 months and now they are 9,7,5 & 2. You can also do organic applejuice and pearjuice, if those don't work, go to pure prune juice, but dilute it so the taste is not too strong. Try to get him them to eat plums, apples, all those high fiber fruits too that are in season right now!!

Good luck! I also have my kids adjusted each week by their Daddy, my husband is a Chiropractor and it is a tremendous benefit to their little bodies. We are on Juice Plus+ they love the gummies and chewables and it really has helped on times like these where I don't get to feed them the way we eat at home, it is my back up that I give them year round, it is great! I can give you more information on Juice Plus+ if you want it.

Take care and blessings to you and your family,
W.

T.,

MiL love to cook, it's their way of doing something special for her grandchildren.
Next time, ask Grandma to cook special breakfasts on the weekends only. (tell her what your husbands favorite is)
During the week, cereal, yogurts and fruit... possibly eggs would suffice.
Since your kids are small, let her know that you are having constipation problems and that you need to monitor diets. I am sure that if Grandma knew this, she would want what is best for her kiddos..

Offer to help make cookies in the kitchen or do something else with the kids...

Old fashioned Grannies only think cooking brings families closer.. I have Grandma be the story teller with books she grew up with... my Children love it when Granny tells stories.
Now, only have her do this and she will be the star of the show and you will see the twinkle in your babies eyes!! Best of all, if there is any conflict... stories normally only last 15 minutes if that... Not much for you to sit through.

M.

Applesauce will stop him up. so, get rid of that. how about other fruit-like watermelon? or Grapes (cut) or raisens always do it for my kids!

When my daughter suffered from constipation I gave her pureed prunes with her rice cereal/oatmeal or put some prune juice in her milk. It always did the trick. ONce the kids get all the crud out of their systems, they should start feeling better.

your so may need a gentle childrens suppository to aid elimination of his stool. He may be holding back his poop because of all the problems and may need an aid.
as to your MIL, I too am an MIL and my advice is to be very firm with her. You are the MOM and if she cannot abide by your dietary wishes, she should not have the PRIVILEGE of seeing(feeding) your children.

Prune juice does the trick for my daughter!

Our doctor suggested trying diluted 100% natural prune juice for the constipation. We've had problems with constipation in my daughter since she was born, (she's now 5) so we had to actually put it into her formula at every feeding to keep her regular. If I remember correctly it only took an ounce of prune juice to 4oz of formula, but you could dilute it with water or apple juice too. I would go slow initially b/c sometimes it doesn't take much to get them going. Hopefully this helps the little guy...

I fear the same thing with my MIL when my son gets a bit older, especially candy! Sorry I don't have any good ideas there. But regarding the constipation, believe it or not apple sauce is actually constipating. Try pureeing some organic, non-sulfate prunes. It always works for my son.

Hi T.,

I would recommend a good probiotic and additional fiber especially for your son.

Excellent food sources of fiber would be fresh raspberries and blueberries, broccoli and cauliflower.

Apple sauce does not contain high amounts of fiber. Stick with raw fruits and veggies for better fiber source including raw carrots, red bell peppers, green peas, legumes, etc. for better digestion.

When my daughter was little we gave her organic prunes - it always worked for constipation.

My first thought for your son is to take him to your pediatrician. He is very young and maybe the diet has caused a problem. My concern for him is the pain he has before he goes. I am also wondering if you or your husband had a problem with your stomachs while there.

Hi T.,

Feed him lots of pureed veggies and fruits. You may have to give him a baby enema or try Glycerin Suppositories. The longer it takes the dryer the stools becomes. Gosh, the poor little thing. I inserted a Q-Tip with KY-Jelly for my baby son once because we had switched formulas and it had constipated him so. Help his by holding his feet so he can push to get his stool started. You don't want him to get to the point he needs an impaction done.

Good Luck ~ F.