Let’s Talk About Poop
Poop issues – they get all of us at some point. And our CDHers seem to have a stronger tendency for it than most! This can be from any number of factors, such as medications, anatomical differences, a diet of fortified formulas or foods, and even just a change in routine or habit. And as any new parent will tell you, CDH or not, you’ll never spend as much time thinking about somebody else’s bowel movements as you do when you have a baby or toddler. Let’s take a look at the two most common poop problems and some tips from our community about how to help your kids get some relief.
Constipation:
It is so hard to watch our kiddos in pain, especially from something as simple as constipation. With some diet adjustments or a little medication, constipation can be treated at home most of the time.
Helpful Foods: Many parents suggest trying pears, plums, or prunes. A lot of kids struggle with the taste of prunes, but prune and apple combinations are easy to find in a well-stocked baby aisle at your local grocery. According to Tiny Hero mom Chacity, “pears and pear juice work like a charm every time!” Another mom, Emilia, likes to use avocado puree for milder cases. Becca likes to add MCT oil to the formula to help as well. A few parents recommended warmed-up apple juice.
Tools: The Windi and similar products advertise gas and constipation relief by inserting a small tube into the rectum to release what needs releasing. Oftentimes, a rectal thermometer with some petroleum jelly applied to the tip can do the trick as well. For the most challenging cases and with pediatrician recommendation, suppositories can also be a huge help.
Gentle Activities: A warm bath with a heated washcloth over the belly can do absolute wonders. CDH mom Amy uses the “I love you” massage on her baby when she’s constipated: trace each letter of the phrase with gentle pressure centered around the belly button. Bicycle kicks or pulling the knees towards the chest can really help get the gas moving, and sometimes that is all you need to get the bowel movements going. Some gentle twists can help as well - pulling the knees towards the side of the chest in each direction.
Over the Counter: When the homegrown tricks do not do the job, some parents recommend a gentle stool softener like Miralax or Senna. Others depend on simethicone, which is often marketed as gas drops but can help with constipation as well. For a more long-term solution to gut health issues, consider adding a probiotic to your child's routine. However, always check with your child’s doctor before beginning any medications.
If nothing works, or if your child experiences any of the symptoms below, consult your pediatrician, gastroenterologist, or CDH surgeon. It is so important to stay on top of GI appointments and keep track of your child’s symptoms to prevent any major issues. Due to the anatomical complications of CDH, bowel blockages, or intestinal obstructions, are unfortunately more common than anyone would like. If you think this is possible, do not hesitate to talk to your child’s doctor immediately. According to the Mayo Clinic, these are the signs and symptoms to look out for:
Crampy abdominal pain that comes and goes
Loss of appetite
Bloody stools
Vomiting
Constipation that lasts longer than two weeks
Swelling of the abdomen
Diarrhea:
But what do we do when it goes the other way? Diarrhea always likes to pop up at the worst possible time, and we all know how painful it can be. Like constipation, diarrhea can often be handled at home and allowed to run its course, with some measures to make things a lot more bearable.
Hydration is vital! Diarrhea dehydrates the body relatively quickly, and this is actually a leading cause of further symptoms. This is an excellent time for Pedialyte to come in handy. It may be a good idea to always keep a jug on hand, just in case. If your child has a feeding tube, you can administer hydration straight into their stomach, which may be extra helpful if they lose appetite.
Natural Pectin: Certain fruits with high amounts of natural pectin–the same stuff you would use in a recipe for jam to create that binding effect–can help solidify things from the inside out. High pectin fruits include apples, peaches, and citrus fruits, especially grapefruit, strawberries, apricots, and bananas. Pectin amounts decrease as fruits start to overripen, so try to give these fruits when they’re just barely ripe.
For toddlers and older kids, consider leaning into the BRAT diet while feeling sick–Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. Whole wheat bread options and brown rice contain higher fiber, so if your child tolerates those, they can be an extra helpful boost with this diet. A high-carb moment can be so beneficial in treating diarrhea at home, so consider adding some mashed potatoes to a meal or two each day while suffering from diarrhea. This can also help restore energy when not feeling so good.
Protect the bum: The acid in diarrhea, along with continuously soiled diapers and frequent wiping, can cause skin irritation and diaper rash. Be sure to change diapers frequently, not letting poop stay in there for very long, and use sensitive skin wipes. Set up a naked station for your baby to help keep everything dry–after a diaper change, lay down towels or even puppy pads and let your baby air out before applying another diaper. This can work wonders for preventing and helping diaper rash. And don’t forget to slather on the diaper cream!
Just like with constipation, there’s a point where you shouldn’t go it alone when treating diarrhea. You should call your pediatrician if your infant has any of the following symptoms:
Signs of dehydration (a sunken fontanel, few wet diapers, dry eyes when crying, dry mouth, sunken eyes, or lethargy)
A lack of urination or very dark urine
Blood in the stool
Severe diarrhea while taking antibiotics
Fever (above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit for babies younger than 3 months; above 102 degrees Fahrenheit for ages 3 months to 12 months)
Diarrhea that goes on for a while–the younger your child is, the less time you should allow it to continue without looping in your pediatrician.
Prevention: Frequent hand washing is your best defense because the microorganisms that cause diarrhea are quickly passed from hand to mouth. Handling a soiled diaper, for instance, can transfer these microorganisms to your hands before you wipe your baby’s mouth. Make sure to boil bottles and equipment for breastmilk or formula and throw away breastmilk or formula left in the bottle after each feeding. Your baby can also catch a diarrhea-causing infection from putting his fingers in his mouth after touching toys or other objects that have been contaminated with the stool of an infected child. Also, be sure to follow safe food preparation and cooking practices.
