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

At last we have a book which focuses exclusively on stool withholding in children and how to overcome it. Inspired by the author's experience of this issue with her own son, this easy-to-understand guide gives detailed advice on every aspect of stool withholding including soiling (encopresis), toilet training, laxative medication and constipation.

Stool withholding is most common in two to four year olds but it can also affect school-age children. It is often triggered by an episode of painful constipation. The child then becomes so terrified of experiencing this pain again that they hold on to their poop for days, even weeks, at a time. Just to add to the misery, stool withholding often causes children to soil their underwear. This bewildering problem can sometimes feel like a form of daily torture, not just for the child but for the whole family. Unless you've experienced this with your own child, it's difficult to imagine just how distressing it can be.

After reading this, parents will have a straightforward plan of action, with lots of tips and strategies to try at home. The book also contains useful information about the laxative MiraLAX, with guidance on appropriate doses. The advice given is backed up by research, as well as the experiences of the author and other parents who have had to deal with this issue.

Aimed primarily at parents, this guide should also be essential reading for healthcare professionals, teachers and anyone else who works with, or cares for children. Stool withholding is still a widely misunderstood issue. If awareness and understanding of this subject is increased, many families could be spared this distressing problem.

About the Author

Sophia Ferguson has a degree in Psychology, a Masters in Applied Social Research and a great interest in all things medical and psychological.

You can contact her at: www.stoolwithholding.com

Reviews from the UK Edition "Stool Withholding: What To Do When Your Child Won't Poo!":

"Having consulted 5 different medical practitioners about my child's issues reading this book was like a breath of fresh air and a ray of hope. It has helped me understand my child's issues differently and, after 18 months of shared anxiety, supported us in making some important positive steps with our GP in helping solve the problem in the medium to long term." S

"Our three and a half year old Daughter had been stool withholding for over a year and it had a terrible affect on all of us. We thought she would eventually outgrow the problem but after a year it was obvious this wasn't going to happen. We had tried all sorts to encourage her but nothing worked. This book has saved us! I cannot recommend it enough. We followed the advice and now our Daughter is sitting on the toilet every night and pooing!" ND

"Fantastically helpful. Best advice we have come across on the subject - and we have seen health 'professionals'! Highly recommend this book." KC

"Brilliant! Wow. This book is fantastic. Cannot fault it in any way. I was starting to lose hope that my 3 year old would get over her issue with this but this book made me realise we're not alone & gave me a plan to follow that even the GP couldn't help with. If you have a child with this problem, please please please buy this book!" JH

"Such a relief to know I'm not the only one trying to figure this out. Thank you so very much for writing this in a clear and concise way, not too much jargon which meant that despite being stressed about it all I still took in all the advice and support being offered. Highly recommended." GDM