Re: Chronic Constipation In Toddler.to Valerie

You said:

"As I said, it is not to be used as a retention enema and should NOT be used at all because it contains a petroleum product. Would you drink this ?"

While I have never personally used mineral oil either orally or rectally, the fact is that millions of people have used it both ways, and the record demonstrates that it is not at all harmful for occasional use. Petroleum is a natural product that has been used by indigenous peoples in many countries going back thousands of years. If you have never visited the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles off Wilshire Blvd, let me suggest it as a worthwhile visit the next time you are there, and you will see for yourself that petroleum is indeed a natural product of the earth.

I do believe that pure olive oil is a superior alternative for a rectal oil retention enema, but many families do not have a rectal bulb syringe and have difficulty locating one at their pharmacy. In these cases where immediate relief is needed, I still recommend a Fleet mineral Oil Enema as the next best alternative.

However, I should have added that following the elimination of the mineral oil (usually for a toddler it just drips or seeps out gradually), a small soapsuds cleansing enema using either castile soap or a bar of Ivory soap stirred in pure filtered or warmed bottled water be given to evacuate any of the now softened stool and remaining oil. It's also a good idea to follow the soapsuds enema with a saline rinse prepared at a concentration of one teaspoon of plain table salt in a pint of pure warm water. One ounce of enema solution for every 2-3 lbs of the child's body weight is a safe amount.

Valerie