Podcast: Poo withholding – part 1

This is a 40 minute listen.

In the first of a two-part series, Sarah, Head of Family Services, and Helpline Advisor Louise, answer your questions and offer information on how to support children who are withholding their poo and encourage them to poo on the potty or toilet.

Poo withholding is common

Stool withholding (sometimes also called poo holding) is when children avoid passing a poo. They use their bottom muscles to stop themselves from having a bowel movement when they feel the urge to go.

It is particularly common when children are potty training. It can also affect children who have an additional need such as autism. It's an issue which can cause a huge amount of stress and confusion to parents.