How many of you Moms (or Dads) have heard "Mommy, I have a tummy ache" or belly ache? When I was raising my children, my son was the one with all the tummy trouble.
When a child says "Tummy", they can be referring to something happening in any number of places inside their abdomen, but it's usually caused by upset in their stomach, or their intestinal system, so we'll take a look at both, and hopefully what I share will be helpful to your child.
When a child says "Tummy", they can be referring to something happening in any number of places inside their abdomen, but it's usually caused by upset in their stomach, or their intestinal system, so we'll take a look at both, and hopefully what I share will be helpful to your child.
Growing List of "Mommy I Have" Lenses
Tummy Aches from the Intestines
When your child has a stomach ache, have them hold their hand over the area that hurts. If it's above the belly button, it very well could be their stomach, if it's below the belly button, it's likely to be the large intestine. The most common cause of this kind of discomfort is the need to have a bowel movement (constipation), or diarrhea. Discuss this with your child if he/she is old enough.
One thing that we have used in our house is a natural herbal remedy that acts like a laxative, or another that helps ease diarrhea (please email me at nutritionist[at]happynutritionist.com for a fact sheet), only when needed. It is a great addition to the natural medicine cabinet.
Your child should be having a bowel movement at least once a day. If this isn't happening, it is better to give them something to help them "go", than to wait. The longer that waste is in the colon, the harder it becomes, as one of the functions of the colon is to remove all the liquid from our waste.
While adults will immediately think of Prunes as a laxative type food, raisins are great for children. You may want to avoid bananas at this time, as they are binding. So is cheese. Getting enough fiber in the form of fruits and vegetables is important for many reasons, including keeping things "moving along".
CAUTION: IF THE PAIN IS IN THE LOWER RIGHT, OR STARTS AROUND THE NAVAL AND MOVES TO THE LOWER RIGHT, IT MAY BE APPENDICITIS, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY SEVERE PAIN.
One thing that we have used in our house is a natural herbal remedy that acts like a laxative, or another that helps ease diarrhea (please email me at nutritionist[at]happynutritionist.com for a fact sheet), only when needed. It is a great addition to the natural medicine cabinet.
Your child should be having a bowel movement at least once a day. If this isn't happening, it is better to give them something to help them "go", than to wait. The longer that waste is in the colon, the harder it becomes, as one of the functions of the colon is to remove all the liquid from our waste.
While adults will immediately think of Prunes as a laxative type food, raisins are great for children. You may want to avoid bananas at this time, as they are binding. So is cheese. Getting enough fiber in the form of fruits and vegetables is important for many reasons, including keeping things "moving along".
CAUTION: IF THE PAIN IS IN THE LOWER RIGHT, OR STARTS AROUND THE NAVAL AND MOVES TO THE LOWER RIGHT, IT MAY BE APPENDICITIS, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY SEVERE PAIN.
Educate Yourself - Natural Remedies for Children
I can provide only so much information here, it is important to educate yourself. I hope you find something helpful here...these are excellent books sharing how to care for your children naturally...I have a cousin who is using Homeopathy successfully with her family, I am not as well trained in that as I am in herbs and nutrition.
Gentle Healing for Baby and Child: A Parent's Guide to Child-Friendly Herbs and Other Natural Remedies for Common Ailments and Injuries
Amazon Price: $17.95 (as of 12/23/2009) 
Kids, Herbs, & Health: A Parent's Guide to Natural Remedies
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
The Healthy Child Through Homeopathy: A Practical Guide to Natural Remedies
Amazon Price: $13.25 (as of 12/23/2009)
Chamomile Tea
Traditionally, Chamomile is the herb of choice to soothe the stomach. If you like the tea, buying it in quantity may be a way to save a little money.
Traditional Medicinals Organic Fair Trade Certified Chamomile with Lavender Herbal Tea, 16-Count Wrapped Tea Bags (Pack of 6)
Amazon Price: $25.38 (as of 12/23/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
A Common Excuse for Skipping School
A tummy ache is probably the number one excuse used by children to get out of going to school. A wise mom or dad knows when their child is pulling one over on them, but just for fun, here's a song by a master at using the "tummy ache" excuse:
Using a Hot Water Bottle
Warmth relaxes muscles. When the intestines or stomach are tightened up, whether it be due to nerves, gas, or other irritation, a warm hot water bottle is a great way to relax those muscles and bring some relief. Make sure there is something between the hot water bottle and the skin by wrapping in a towel layer, or using something like the cute item suggested below. Check the temperature to make sure your child doesn't suffer burns OR to make sure there is enough heat getting through.
10''x7'' RUBBER HOT WATER BOTTLE (Colors may vary)
Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 12/23/2009)
Yellow Ducky Hot Water Bottle and Cover
Adorable cover with hot water bottle for your little one who needs some warmth on their tummy, will protect them from possible burns just in case the water bottle is just a little bit too hot.
Soft Yellow Ducky ~ Hot (or Cold) Water Bottle with Cover
Amazon Price: $17.95 (as of 12/23/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
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Say hello, and if you want, tell us about your tummy ache blues.
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- Pukeko Pukeko Nov 27, 2009 @ 9:06 pm
- Good information, and I love the video poem.
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- homecarediva homecarediva May 26, 2009 @ 9:11 pm
- Nice lens! Keep creating, I will watch your projects. By the way - I follow you on Twitter.
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- HenryE HenryE May 26, 2009 @ 8:15 pm
- Great thoughts! Let's hope it helps :)
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- monarch13 monarch13 Sep 2, 2008 @ 12:00 am
- Thanks for joining The Healthy, Wealthy and Wise Group. 5 stars
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DISCLAIMER
Please know that I am not a doctor and cannot prescribe or diagnose. I can suggest, and share what we have done. You are responsible for what you decide to do with this information, and the outcome.
by happynutritionist
Thanks for stopping by. Here's a little bit about me: I'm a Christian, a Wife, and a Nature + Animal Loving Baby Boomer. I'm a Gardener, Herbalist, M... (more) 
