# @pooandtheloo on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DO9FYL8jeuE
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/63355435-pooandtheloo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/5c47fd0131.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-09-23T18:15:47.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Poo and Toileting Expert - Ann Costigan (@pooandtheloo) — https://gondola.cc/pooandtheloo

## Caption

Poo withholding is hard going on everyone involved- child and parent. It may seem like they will never get there but they will- it takes time. I know you may have external pressure to get your little one out of nappies but this situation cannot be rushed- there is no quick fix.
Poo withholding generally starts due to the passage of a hard/ large poo that caused pain and discomfort- it only takes one occasion for it to cause withholding. You might see your little one stand rigid- go red in the face- tell you to go away or not look at them- they may hide- they may cry- while they try to hold onto that poo when the urge comes on them. 
It is impossible to communicate with them when they are in their moment - their concentration is solely on keeping in that poo. 
Remain relaxed and calm.
That poo needs to be soft and to be of normal size and any back log needs to be cleared.
The use of an osmotic laxative is the first line in the treatment and this will NOT make their bowel lazy or dependant on it. This medication needs to be prescribed by your GP and should be taken daily. 
Your child’s needs to experience the passage of soft/normal sized poo daily to help overcome this issue. During this time do not put pressure on them to use the potty or loo for poo. Allow them to poo where they need to and in time you will be able to gradually work towards to potty or loo for poo. Work on practising relaxation techniques when they need to poo- initially practise these when they don’t need to poo. 
Reward other things that they are able to do such as drinking water, taking medicine, washing hands, getting changed in the bathroom, putting the poo from nappy into the loo, flushing the loo etc Make rewards achievable to build their confidence.
I offer 1:1 consultations on this issue so do reach out if you need help with this or other toileting issues.
👋 Hello! My name is Ann Costigan and I am a qualified and registered Paediatric Nurse since 1998. Since 2010, I have been working exclusively with babies and children with bowel problems. I am also a Mum to 3 kiddos. 

#constipation #health #child #toilettraining #parents #pottytraining #toddler #parent #gp #poowithholding

## Stats

- **Views:** 1,135
- **Likes:** 38
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## Tags

toilettraining, constipation, parent, gp, child, pottytraining, parents, poowithholding, toddler, health

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