Thread: Question about laxatives

Yes, she has issues with constipation. I am her guardian, although mom lives here as well and we do most things in agreement. There is no divorce, they just met my gd in Jan of this year. She was 8 y/o at the time. I have her on Benefiber and a probiotic, but the issue is still there. Her mother has the same problem and so did I. She is an extremely picky eater so the diet is a concern. She is doing a bit better about drinking water since she...

Does your granddaughter have problems with constipation or is Other Grandmother (OG) just obsessed with "regularity"? Sheesh, some people need to get a life. If your granddaughter has chronic constipation, her parents ought to discuss it with her pediatrician and everyone ought to follow what the pediatrician recommends. If she's NOT constipated, they should also ask the pediatrician about OG's insistence on...

It is not a good idea to ever use a laxative on a continuing basis. IT Will become Habit forming. As has been stated --I also think BM problems should be solved with Fiber foods as well as fiber supplements like Benefiber or other fiber therapy like psyllium husk powder!!. Harry

IMHO, and just to be clear I am not a medical professional, but unless there is a medical condition AND the recommendation of a physician, there is NO reason to be giving an 8 year old laxatives (and a stimulant, habit-forming laxative at that - which senna is). If there is a constipation issue, the place to start would be food - increasing fiber - or even a fiber supplement.