[PinkPixie]

My 5.5 yo ds has been diagnosed with encopresis. The specialist said that this seems to happen to almost every child who has bfed for a long time. Ds self-weaned at 3 yo. He could not offer any explanation, only that, through his experience he has noticed this correlation. He also said I shouldn't blame myself.<br><br>
My dd is presenting the same symptoms of encopresis (she will be 3) and she is still nursing. I'm thinking I should wean her, but she doesn't want to stop nursing (she wants to nurse on 1 side, 3 times a day).<br><br>
I'm just confused since I have trouble believing that breastmilk could cause ANY harm, it's just good stuff for them. I thought breastmilk was a diuretic, not a constipating agent. Now I'm worried that my 4th child will also develop this if he nurses too long also.

 

[Klynne]

Could something else your dd is eating be the source? Maybe her digestive system doesn't tolerate some of the foods she's eating. leading to hard stools and leading to the encopresis?<br><br>
I find it hard to believe that bf leads to this condition as so few get it and sooo many bf extended. Maybe you could consult another doc?<br><br>
I wish you the best!

 

[Equuskia]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Klynne</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/8006090"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Could something else your dd is eating be the source? Maybe her digestive system doesn't tolerate some of the foods she's eating. leading to hard stools and leading to the encopresis?<br><br>
I find it hard to believe that bf leads to this condition as so few get it and sooo many bf extended. Maybe you could consult another doc?<br><br>
I wish you the best!</div>
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I agree 100%. Get a second opinion. I don't understand why the doctor is pointing the finger at bfing.