Understanding Poop Leaks: Why They Happen and How to Help

Seeing “poop leaks” or smears in your child’s underwear can be confusing and even concerning. You’re not alone, and it’s actually more common than you might think. Today we will explain why these “poop leaks” happen, what it means, and how you can help support your child through it.

Why Does Poop Leak When a Child is Constipated?

It might seem odd, but constipation is one of the main reasons why children have poop in their underwear. Here’s why:

1. Backup of Stool in the Intestines: When stool gets backed up, it can harden and create a blockage in the intestines. The body continues to produce stool as your child eats, but it has to go somewhere. Often, softer or more liquid stool squeezes around the blockage and sneaks out as “leaks” into their underwear.
2. "Sneaky" Poop: These leaks often have a soft or peanut butter-like consistency, and your child may not even feel it happen. You might notice these as smears or larger streaks in their underwear.
3. Possible Diet Sensitivities: Sometimes, food sensitivities can also lead to leakage. Foods that don’t sit well with your child’s body can lead to diarrhea, and this faster-moving stool can escape without them realizing.

How to Address Constipation and Poop Leaks

Helping your child establish regular, comfortable bowel movements can greatly reduce leaks. Here are a few key areas to consider:

1. Understanding the Root Cause:
• Identify what might be contributing to your child’s constipation. Is it diet-related? Are there foods they’re sensitive to, or is their diet low in fiber? Do they feel when they need to poop? Are they holding it in for long periods of time or at certain places like school?
• Consider your child’s mechanics: Are they withholding stool due to discomfort or unfamiliarity with the process? Are there signs of difficulty with toileting? Like big emotions, avoidance, straining...
2. Daily Bathroom Habits: Encourage a routine for bathroom visits, especially after meals, to create consistency in bowel habits. They don’t need to sit for long periods of time, just a few minutes.
3. Seek Additional Support:
• Supplements and dietary changes can be helpful. For some children, fiber supplements or mild laxatives support easier bowel movements. Supplements are a great way to support your child while they learn and get the skills to help poop move through their colon as well as getting it out on the toilet.
• If your child has difficulty relaxing or coordinating their muscles, pelvic floor exercises or physical therapy could help. You might suspect this to be the case if it takes them more than 10 minutes to poop, they poop standing up or only in a pull-up, or they are holding their breath or having a difficult time getting the poop out.

Remember, You’re Not Alone

Poop leaks and constipation can be challenging for both kids and parents, but with time, patience, and the right support, this is something your child will overcome. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss options for helping your child establish healthy bowel habits.

Until next time,

Dr. Caitlin & Dr. Melissa

Founders of Little Learning Lav