By Breanne Fariss, written for the benefit of the H.E.A.L. members. Cautions added by H.E.A.L. are marked.
Why Do an Enema?
An enema is a washing of the colon by way of the rectum. Digestive illness and the general American diet can cause partial blockage in the colon, which backs up toxins that are meant to leave the body. Signs of a colon that is not properly cleaned out are a build-up of gas causing pain or bloating, mucus building up in other places because it can’t exit through the colon, and poor digestion. Diet change is important, but in the meantime enemas help get the waste out of the body.
All of this is true for children as well. Even a child who seems to go regularly can benefit from an enema when sick or uncomfortable, from the simplest cold or fever to childhood illnesses. Some feel it is extreme to wash the colon, but others feel it is a better choice than putting medicines into their little bodies when it can be avoided. It should, of course, go along with a pure diet and plenty of water.
Cautions First (added by H.E.A.L.)
Get medical help right away for a baby under 3 months with any fever (100.4°F or higher); a child who is hard to wake, limp, or unusually fussy and can’t be comforted; a stiff neck, a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed, or trouble breathing; signs of dehydration (no wet diaper in 6 to 8 hours, no tears, a dry mouth, a sunken soft spot); vomiting that won’t stop; a swollen, hard or very tender belly; or blood in the stool. An enema is not a substitute for care in these cases.
Use only a small amount. An infant can hold about a cup of water; a younger baby needs less. Stop when the child shows they are full.
Don’t keep repeating. If the water does not come back out, don’t give enema after enema. Water that stays in is being absorbed, and too much plain water in a small child can upset the body’s salt balance. One more try is plenty; if nothing comes, or the child is not taking fluids by mouth, call your doctor.
Never use the solution from a store-bought enema on a child. If you use a disposable enema bottle, empty it completely and rinse it out well before filling it with water.
Use distilled water, warm to the inside of your wrist.
What You Need
- An adult-size Fleet or generic enema bottle, emptied and rinsed well. You can clean it and reuse it as many times as you like.
- Olive oil or a water-based lubricant.
- Warm distilled water.
How to Give It
Truth be told, the best way to relate to your child is to do a series of enemas yourself, so you know what it’s like and can prepare your child better. (Not to mention, it could be good for you too!)
- Get ready. Lay your child on a towel on the bathroom floor. For an infant, put a fresh diaper underneath, ready to quickly fasten in case they go on you!
- Keep it calm. Talk or sing gently. If they are old enough, explain why it will help, what they will feel, and encourage them to relax and let the water go in easy. If they don’t fight it, it goes much quicker and is more comfortable. Keep it light-hearted. Some children cry at the small discomfort; some never flinch. Read your child and keep it comfortable and quick.
- Fill the bottle with warm distilled water.
- Insert gently. Lubricate the nozzle and the child’s bottom. Lift their feet and bend their knees to their chest, as when changing a diaper. Find the opening with the nozzle tip, then gently and slowly twist slightly and slide it straight in, about an inch.
- Squeeze in the water slowly and steadily until the bottle is empty, or until they let you know they have to go.
- Let it come out. Help them onto the toilet, or fasten the diaper, and give them time. Sometimes it comes right away; sometimes it takes a few minutes, or comes in two or three rounds as gas and waste work their way out. The first time or two, only water may come out; after that you should see waste as things loosen.
- Ease cramps. If they cramp, especially from gas, help them relax: massage the tummy in a clockwise circle, bend over, walk around, or lie back down on the towel until they are ready to go. If there’s an accident on the floor, encourage them that it can be cleaned up, and it’s better out than in!
Fever, Mucus and Long-Term Use
- Fever. An enema can help bring a high fever down by a degree or so, and works even better followed by a cool bath. It can be repeated if the fever spikes again later. Watch for the warning signs in the caution box.
- Mucus. A child dealing with mucus is often more constipated than you realize, which backs up even more mucus. An enema can be very helpful then.
- Good bacteria. If you are giving enemas often over a long time, give a multi-strain probiotic in their juice each day, or empty a capsule or two into the enema water.
Growing Up
When children are old enough to do it themselves, move them up to an enema bag (see the How to Do a High Enema sheet). It’s easier than squeezing a little bottle and holds more water for a bigger child. The best way to teach is to do it yourself and then explain. Let them know the benefits outweigh the weirdness of it, and it’s just water! Have everything set up for them: the bag filled with warm water, the nozzle washed, the air cleared from the hose, a towel on the floor, and a favorite book or music. When they feel better afterward, they’ll be grateful and more willing next time.
After your first time or two, it will feel much smoother and simpler. Just relax about it, and your child will too. Happy cleansing!
Instructions by Breanne Fariss, written for the benefit of the H.E.A.L. members. Cautions added by H.E.A.L.
