Stool Withholding: What To Do When Your Child Won't Poop! (USA Edition)

An absolute lifesaver, thank you for writing this book and not only making me realize that my child is not struggling to go several times a day but struggling to hold. I’m eternally grateful to have figured this out now at just past 2 years old but before we start potty training. I have spent so many days so frustrated at his constant poopy smell from just a small amount of poop passing. I also want to just say that you have also given me recognition and relief from the realization that I myself suffered for YEARS and even into adulthood with withholding. I just thought I had gastric issues and had tried everything in the book. It wasn’t until I was pregnant with my 2nd child and terrified of reliving a horrific constipation issue I had with my first that my dr assured me I could take up to 4 stool softener pills everyday of my pregnancy with no consequences. I did this and Now realize after reading your book that that’s how I finally trained my body to stop unconsciously holding. I’m so relieved to have found your book and be able to help stop this cycle with my son before it starts because it does cause psychological anxiety and distress in my experience. A billion thanks and I know how brave and dedicated one must be to put together their experience into something useful for others so I see you and commend you!

My child is struggling with early stages of withholding. This book has helped frame the issue and provide our family with suggestions on how to move forward out of this stage. We are currently administering magnesium daily as opposed to the laxities suggested. Magnesium’s benefits weren’t addressed in this book, but I am a fan of trying magnesium for constipation prior to laxities. We are currently increasing our child’s daily magnesium dose to get to a good therapeutic level. We are using the Calm brand which has no sugar. We’ve actually had successful poops in the toilet and our child is so excited about going! This will be a long process as the author suggests, so we are focusing on regular positive changes with consistency!

I like the info provided. There were good reference sections for laxative doses and good/bad foods to eat. We haven't implemented anything yet. Our issue didn't start as constipation, so it will be interesting if the physicians assessment includes these suggestions as well. Appointments have been made with child psychologist as well, hope the collection of information sends us on a treatment path. Good to know we are not alone!

This book was a quick and easy read, but it was packed with information that helped my wife and I feel much better that our son isn’t the only one going through this. Not only did it provide that comfort, but it also had a clear and simple “Magic Formula” to help your child overcome this problem involving a steady dose of laxatives, change of diet and daily potty sits. Anyone who feels helpless like my wife and I have recently will benefit from reading this book.

This book just works! After a year of poop accidents and not understanding what was going on or what exactly to do, my 3.5 year old went from poop accidents everyday, to none within 10 days of following this book. He's maybe had 2 incidents in the 2 months since starting the program. It's a miracle. There may be some other books that are more thorough out there, but this one is short and sweet and effective which worked for us, being a busy working mom with two little ones in preschool. It explains the mechanics of what's happening when a child is stool-withholding, just enough, so that you can fix it. A life-saver!

My 3 year old had been stool withholding for about a year and the intensity of her discomfort and anxiety was increasing. We tried every kind of pediatric laxative on the market and were starting to use enemas when she was in significant pain. The plan recommended in this book worked almost immediately and she’s a new child, happily using the potty to poop multiple times a day. I can’t thank the author enough!

Has lots of info to help with your child. Explains almost everything that a doctor would tell you, plus some

Basically all this very short book says is to do the daily Miralax treatment which I've seen described in other books and online. A much better use of your $ is the book by Duhamel, which goes into much greater detail than this book. I am suspect that the five star reviews are real.

I was afraid to use Miralax as there is a number of websites saying it is harmful for children; however , after reading this book, I am confident that PEG is the way to go.

Thank you, its a great book and it has given me hope that some day we will be able to have poo with out any movicol.

This book was excellent with it's explainations for withholding and guidelines for assisting long term recovery. Recommend to all parents of children with any sensory issues, food intolerances, developmental delays, and especially Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This book was just what I needed. Dealing with this exact situation it made me feel like my concerns for my child were justified and seen. Thank you!

I’ve been worried about my 5 year olds stool withholding for months. I came across this book today and I’ve got an appointment with our doctor today. I feel reassured about what plan of action may be most helpful and can discuss this with the doctor. Thank you