Enema Information

An enema is the introduction of fluid into the rectum. Enemas are given to clean feces or waste material
from the lower bowel or for medical reasons.
(It is usually best to give the Enema at the same time every day.)

Recommended amounts of enema solution:
Infants:
0-6 mos.
120-150ml (4-6 ounces)
6 mos-18mos.
150-250ml (6 ounces-10 ounces)
Toddlers-preschool age:
18 mos-5 yrs.
300ml (16 ounces)
School age-adolescent:
5 yrs-13 yrs
480-1000 ml (16-32 ounces)

Hypnotic saline solution is recommended for infants and young children:
Mix one level teaspoon of salt with 4 cups (32 ounces)
of warm tap water (100 degrees F, 37 degrees C)
Milk of Molasses: 6 months
by direction of physician 6-12 months
1 oz. milk/1 oz. molasses 12-24 months
1.5 - 2 oz. milk/1.5 oz. - 2 oz molasses over 2 years
3 oz. milk/3 oz. molasses
Fleet enema: 4 ounces Directions: Follow directions on box.

1.Explain to your child why you are giving the enema. You may tell an older child he may feel like he has to go to the bathroom while the solution is flowing in.
If this happens, have the child take deep breathes and breathe out through his mouth to help relieve this feeling also stop the flow until the feeling eases, then resume the enema.
2.Place a towel on the bed or floor under your child's hips. If possible, do the enema on a tiled floor rather than a carpeted floor.
3.Have the child lie on his left side with right leg flexed toward his chest. Your child may also lie flat for 1/3 of the solution, left side for 1/3 of the solution and right side for 1/3 of solution, or as indicated by your doctor or nurse.

1.2 qt. enema bag Clamp the tubing.
2.Lubricate the rectal tube. Super Salve is our recommended lubricant for taking enemas.
Especially for those with hemorrhoids, itching or fissures.
It nourishes and heals the tissues of the anus and works as an anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and fights free radicals
3.Pour the amount of solution as ordered by your health-care provider or nurse into the bag.
4.Unclamp the tubing and allow a small amount of the solution to run into a container to remove any air from the tubing.
5.Test the solution by dripping a few drops on your wrist. It should feel warm, not hot. 103° Fahrenheit is good.
6.Clamp the tubing and gently insert the open end of the rectal tube into the recipients anus/rectum. (infants = 1 inch - 1.5 inch; an older child about 2 - 3") no more than 4", at an angle pointing towards the navel. (If there is any resistance when inserting the tip or the solution, carefully withdraw the tip and try a different angle; if you continue to have difficulty, discontinue the procedure and call your health-care provider.)
7.Hold the enema bag about 12-18 inches above the recipients hips. Allow solution to
run into rectum slowly (about 100 ml/min). If the solution starts to run out of the rectum, briefly squeeze the recipients buttocks firmly together around the tube.
8.If cramping occurs, the recipient may tell you it hurts or may draw the into the fetal position.
To stop the cramping, shut off the flow of solution for a few seconds by pinching the tubing together.
9.When all the solution has run in, clamp the tubing and remove the rectal tube from the rectum.
10.Ask the recipient to remain in the same position until the urge to release the solution is very strong. (Usually within 5 to15 minutes)
11. If your recipient has a hard time retaining the solution you can fold a paper towel and place it on his or her anus and hold it there until they are ready to release. You might want to try a Enema Retention Plug.