What is Bedwetting?
Bedwetting (also known as enuresis) in children who are recently toilet-trained is common and generally nothing to worry about. However, there are certain times when it could be a cause of concern, for example, if your child has been toilet-trained for some time but reverts to wetting the bed when they are older.
What are the Causes of Bedwetting?
Bedwetting in older children can be a sign of stress. It is important that you handle the situation delicately to avoid embarrassment to your child. Try not to make a big issue of it, be reassuring and don’t discuss the bedwetting with other family members. Sometimes, if there has been some disruption to your child’s regular routine, such as starting school or the birth of a sibling, it could be a cause of stress which could trigger the bedwetting.
Traditional Treatments for Bedwetting
If our child starts to become incontinent during the day you should make an appointment with your doctor as it could be a sign of urinary tract problems or even diabetes. If your child is stressed it is important to help your child to deal with their anxieties. One of the most effective bedwetting solutions is a urinary bed alarm which will detect moisture and warn the child to go to the bathroom. Another good idea is to reward your child for dry nights.
Complementary/Alternative Treatments for Bedwetting
Chiropractic care is one of the most well-known alternative treatments for bedwetting. It works by manipulating the lower spine and pelvis. By aligning the spine it is believed you can correct signals between the brain and the bladder. Studies have been conducted that suggest chiropractic treatment is successful in many cases. Hypnosis has also been found to be somewhat effective. Studies suggest that after 4-6 hypnosis sessions children can start to show an improvement. However it is important to remember that research in this area is limited so it is not a guaranteed treatment method. If you want to try some herbal remedies for bed wetting, choose an infusion of horsetail, St. John’s Wort or American cranesbill sweetened with honey. Cinnamon is a popular home remedy for bedwetting. Have your child chew on a cinnamon stick once a day. Or why not mix sugar and cinnamon powder and sprinkle it on your child’s toast or porridge in the mornings? Indian gooseberries are another home remedy which are known to be effective. Crush some gooseberries and pour some honey over them and give them to your child.