From Worry to Relief: A Mom’s Story of Battling Toddler Constipation

From Worry to Relief: A Mom’s Story of Battling Toddler Constipation

Dealing with a toddler’s constipation turned me into an overnight expert, which is something I never saw coming. Our family trip got complicated when my 2-year-old started having severe constipation issues. The change in diet and water didn’t sit well with her, which threw us into an unexpected adventure.

Seeing her struggle and in pain was super scary. It got to the point where we had to test her stool, and it turned out she was fighting some bacteria. This led us to visit doctors more times than I can count, each time coming back with new meds. But, honestly, none of it seemed to help. Seeing her like that was so sad; I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

Out of desperation, I hit the internet for answers and learned something important: if constipation in toddlers lasts more than two weeks, you need to see a doctor. It’s already challenging for adults, so imagine how hard it is for little ones.

Once we got home, we didn’t waste any time getting to our pediatrician, who sent us to a pediatric gastroenterologist. This doctor was thorough, asking about everything – what she eats, what we’ve tried, and how long it’s been happening. After a good check-up, he suggested Miralax, assuring us it was safe. As a parent, you’re always worried but trust the doctors.

But reading the Miralax box gave me a shock – it’s for people 17 and up, and here I was with a prescription for my toddler. The plan was to gradually decrease the dose over five months, hoping each step down would bring us closer to not needing it. Even though it felt weird to give her something meant for adults, seeing her pain ease made it seem worth it. Despite the worries and warnings about not using Miralax for long, we had to try. For a while, it seemed like we’d found the solution, but as soon as we stopped, the problem came right back. Then, we chatted with the doctor again, thinking there might be some new plan or trick to try. But nope, he threw us a curveball by suggesting we repeat the same five-month Miralax plan. I returned to our pediatrician, dreading telling her this plan and expecting some adjustments or advice. Instead, she flat-out says, “Stop. Don’t give her Miralax anymore.” Just like that. No beating around the bush, no maybe this or that. Just stop.

Then, our pediatrician suggested looking at her diet – more fiber, less dairy, and lots of greens-kale, broccoli, spinach, high-fiber pasta smothered in a veggie-rich green sauce, soups brimming with all sorts of greens, and swap in plant-based milk. The goal? Getting that fiber in without making it a big deal. I turned our kitchen into a fiber-rich zone, sneaking healthy stuff into foods she already liked. It wasn’t easy, especially with a kid who’s not a fan of greens. But you do what you must, and we slowly started seeing improvements. We went from tears every four days to regular, less painful bathroom trips. We’re not entirely there yet – she’s still a bit nervous, probably afraid of the pain returning, but things are better.

This whole ordeal taught me a lot about toddler constipation, more than I ever wanted to know. But if sharing our story can help even one family, it’s all been worth it. The biggest takeaway? Don’t wait to get help. Sometimes, a diet change is all it takes instead of endless medication cycles.

My Decision to Stop Giving Miralax to My Toddler

When our pediatric gastroenterologist thought we should give Miralax another go for my toddler’s stubborn constipation, my mom’s instincts weren’t happy. Honestly, adding medicine to my little one’s drink didn’t feel right, even though I trusted our doctor. We tried it out, just like we were told to. But, when we stopped, all those tummy troubles returned like they never left. Hearing “Let’s try it again” from the doctor made me wish we’d looked into more natural fixes right from the start.

It wasn’t like I thought the doctor didn’t know best. It was more about that mom feeling, you know? I wanted my kid to be happy and healthy without relying too much on medicine, so I looked for other solutions that felt right for us.

Why did I stop giving Miralax to my toddler?

Deciding to pass on Miralax for my toddler was all about listening to that little voice inside that every mom has, plus doing a whole lot of reading up on it. Miralax is a go-to for helping out when little ones can’t go, but some stuff about it just gave me pause. My mom’s radar went off, telling me to slow down and consider our options. So, here’s the scoop on why I thought it was best to look for other solutions:

1. Safety First: Digging through all the articles about Miralax for the little ones got me thinking. It’s often the first thing suggested for constipation, but the stories about kids having mood changes put me on high alert. I couldn’t find any hard evidence that Miralax is terrible news, but just the whisper of side effects had me looking for different ways to help my child. Everyone brings up this one report, but it’s not exactly conclusive. It mentions kids experiencing things like anxiety, mood swings, and aggression while taking Miralax, which is worrying for any parent. We tried Miralax, keeping a close watch for any signs it wasn’t sitting well with my toddler. Luckily, we saw nothing scary that made us think it was the Miralax. Still, after thinking it all over and without seeing any adverse side effects firsthand, I’ve leaned towards not using Miralax again. It’s not that I noticed anything concerning; I feel more at ease steering clear of meds when we can and trying out other solutions. As a mom, making the safest choice for my child is what’s most important to me.

• Natural Over Chemical: Going the natural route has always felt right, especially when dealing with my toddler’s digestive issues. After trying Miralax without seeing the improvement we hoped for, my belief in natural remedies and dietary adjustments grew stronger. I’m on board with packing her diet full of what Mother Nature provides—plenty of fruits, vegetables, and grains, ensuring she’s well-hydrated and active. It seems like the best way to help her body adjust and find its balance naturally without resorting to medication. It’s about gently guiding her system back on track with the wholesome stuff the earth offers us.

• Fear of Dependency: The idea that my little one might need a laxative just for regular bowel movements doesn’t sit right with me. Even though they say Miralax doesn’t lead to dependency, our journey tells me something different. Following our pediatric gastroenterologist’s advice, we used Miralax for about five months. Yet, when we stopped, her constipation issues returned just like they were before, almost as if her body had forgotten how to function without the medication. This experience has strengthened my belief in encouraging her body to find its natural rhythm again. Opting for a more natural approach feels like the safer, healthier route in the long run, allowing her system to work things out independently, just as nature intended.

• Allergies and Sensitivities: Every child is unique, with their likes, dislikes, and how their body handles things. So, if there’s even a tiny chance my toddler might not take well to Miralax—maybe because of allergies or just a sensitive belly—I’m leaning towards being super careful. It turns out that while it’s pretty rare, there’s a chance someone could be allergic to Miralax. The symptoms of a big-time allergic reaction aren’t anything to shrug off: things like itching, breaking out in a rash, swelling up, dizziness, trouble breathing or swallowing, and even shock. And Yes, I noticed a little allergy alert on the Miralax site. It’s something to consider if you’re considering it for your munchkin. Safety first, always, right? Keeping an eye out for signs and being ready to act is part of the parenting gig. But, to put things in perspective, these severe reactions are rare. We’re talking about just a few cases reported in all these years since 1990.

• Gastrointestinal issues: When we turn to Miralax to help my toddler with constipation, we’re hoping for relief, not more worries. But, like any remedy, Miralax can have its side effects. Beyond the risk of diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and mess with their electrolyte levels, there are other concerns, too. Kids might experience bloating, feeling like their belly is a balloon ready to pop, or stomach pain that makes them miserable. Sometimes, they might feel nauseous or even throw up. And let’s remember the potential for feeling too full, like after a big holiday meal, but without any fun. We watch these signs closely because while we want to ease their discomfort, we also want to keep them safe and happy.

• Personal Beliefs and Experiences: Our walk with Miralax and my toddler has been eye-opening. Not every over-the-counter medication is the magic fix you hope it’ll be. Miralax was one of those for us—it just didn’t do the trick like we thought it would. This journey has taught me to tread more carefully and think twice about what we use regarding my little one’s health. 

Choosing to skip Miralax for my little one is a decision that comes straight from the heart, with a good dose of mom intuition and a careful look at all the options. I’ve got tons of respect for our healthcare providers—they know their stuff and are in it to help our kids. But as a mom, it’s just as important to weigh all the possibilities and go with what feels suitable for my child. It’s about finding that spot between professional medical advice and what my gut tells me is best.

I always chat with our doctor about any concerns and what alternatives might be out there, making sure we’re on the same page about what’s safe and sound for my toddler. This partnership with our healthcare team helps me feel confident in our choices, knowing they’re backed by expertise but also fit with my views on caring for my child.