November 2023

Parents and Caregivers,

Constipation is a very common problem that I see often in my nursing practice as a school nurse.  Often disguised as a "stomach ache", constipation is behind many cases of bedwetting, leaking stool, and lower gastrointestinal discomfort.   Bedwetting and stool leakage are sources of embarrassment for many children especially as they get older.   While many pediatricians are able to successfully suggest over the counter remedies for mild constipation, if a child continues to have symptoms of constipation, they may need something more, a more thorough protocol, to get back to normal.

An uncomfortable topic of conversation for many, and an even more uncomfortable feeling, constipation can go undetected for a long time in children.  The medical terms for urine leakage and stool leakage are enuresis and encopresis. 

Did you know it is not normal to only move the bowels 2 or 3 times a week?  Or to sit and push hard for a long time to release stool?  Not normal.

Dr. Steve Hodges is a pediatric urologist that developed a specialty in the area of constipation and came up with a program; M.O.P. that has shown great success for parents and children across the USA.  

Dr. Hodges is the author of several books such as; It's No Accident: Breakthrough Solutions To Your Child's Wetting, Constipation, Utis, And Other Potty Problems;  Bedwetting and Accidents Aren't Your Fault: Why Potty Accidents Happen and How to Make Them Stop;  The Pre-M. O. P. Plan: How to Resolve Constipation in Babies and Toddlers and Overcome Potty-Training Struggles  and has co-authored books like; Jane and the Giant Poop; and Dr. Pooper's Activity Book and Poop Calendar for Kids: Mazes, Puzzles, Word Games, Drawing, Coloring, and More - All About Constipation  and others.  If you're chuckling to yourself, it's OK.  While nurses are used to talking about "poop" daily, it still brings giggles to people that aren't in the habit of discussing it much.  And, most likely, your child doesn't talk about it a lot either.  Let's face it, it's a private and personal kind of subject.  Unless there is a problem, and when there is a problem, you need valuable sources of information to help navigate gastrointestinal difficulties for your child.  Along with your pediatrician, you can research valuable information from Dr. Hodges and share what you learn with your child's physician.  Together you may be able to find the right solution for you and your child if they suffer from enuresis and encopresis as the result of constipation.

Below is the link to Dr. Hodges' website - there is a lot of good information to navigate through.

Dr. Hodges website: https://www.bedwettingandaccidents.com/

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Click this link to see a video with Dr. Hodges speaking with Mary Barbera, Ph.D., RN, BCBA-D

AUTISM AND CONSTIPATION 

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Download the M.O.P. Kickstart Guide