The first 4 or 5 years of me being a mother resulted in me being covered in poop.  Then once resolved at home, I started living and breathing poop again starting in 2016 while specializing in pediatric gut health and more so in 2020 when I started the CRaP4Kids progam.  Poop issues (which are always tied to gut health issues) have become my primary focus because there is a global constipation epidemic and that shouldn't be the case!

I've spent hours and hours researching (and still do) to create this constipation relief program and have tested it thousands of times over and over and over with kids and adults around the world!  My passion is helping parents get the help for their kids that was so difficult to find when my kids were young.  

I've been a functionally-trained clinical (holistic) nutritionist specializing in pediatric gut health since 2014 and have worked with neurotypical children as well as those with special and complex needs, genetic disorders, ADHD, and autism. (Prior to that, believe it or not, I was a manager and director with our Canadian federal government).  I developed a love for holistic nutrition when I was 18 and met (and developed a crush on ... [blush]) a school mate who had Crohn's disease and the only way he felt better was changing his diet and focusing on good gut health. (Before that I had never heard of anyone not wanting to eat french fries!)

In 2012 our government downsized and I had the opportunity to leave and return to school to study nutrition.  My training was rigorous and similar to doing a Masters degree except focused on holistic health principles NOT influenced by pharmaceutical companies or the FDA / Health Canada.     I am not a dietitian (who are regulated and must follow what regs are established by that location's health bodies) nor naturopath (a profession that seems to becoming more and more influenced by governmental bodies of health) nor a health coach (with limited training and experience).   Unlikely many practitioners, I keep current on research, policies, supplements, and testing.   When working with clients, my goal is to figure out what is happening and why and I use gut testing to try to figure out the underlying cause(s) and use good quality kid-friendly supplements and kid-friendly diet recommendations to help restore gut function.  

My beliefs are that nothing is impossible.  Mindset is a huge component of improving one's health - and you will hear me talk about mindset a lot in the program.  The body, if given the nutrients it needs, has the power and ability to heal and do whatever if can to bring itself into balance.  

The first person I applied my experience and training to was my own daughter.  It took me 4 years to figure out how to help her.  Thank goodness I've been able to shorten the time for those I work with!   I only recommend practices and supplements that I'd recommend for my own kids.  Many practitioners believe they can take adult protocols and supplements and apply them to kids.  Most of the time that doesn't work.  

I know you are tired of the all-consuming nature of the crap ;),  and so I'm here to help your family put it behind you. xo

Although textbooks state constipation is less than 3 bowel movements every week, I was taught as a nutritionist that less than 1 bowel movement a day actually means you are constipated.  

Normal transit time for food to be eaten to pooped out is between 17 and 24 hours.  Longer than 24 hours and it means the body is storing and possibly circulating toxins throughout the body.

Signs of constipation include:

- bowel movements less than every 24 hours

- straining when trying to poop

- the time between bowel movements is more than 24 hours

- tummy aches

- large hard stools

- streaking of poop in the underwear (withholding / encopresis)

- fear of pooping / fear of toilets

- stools that contain "poop balls" even if  stuck together

- periods of diarrhea interspersed with hard stools or no stools for days

Basically, if a bowel movement isn't happening at least once every 24 hours then it is likely that you are constipated. 

Constipation occurs when the colon absorbs too much water or if the colon's muscle contractions (peristalsis) are sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly. This causes stools to become hard and dry ... and leaves the child bloated, straining, and often in pain with the sensation of a full bowel. 

There are many different reasons for why this is happening:

1. Diet (e.g. high sugar diet, especially combined with lack of fluids and lack of fiber, cause the peristaltic muscles to become sluggish and the stool becomes hard with rough edges, which can cause a rectal fissure, a painful microscopic tear in the rectum

2. Medications or certain supplements (e.g., iron, antacids, diuretics, pain killers, antidepressants)

3. Not enough fluid

4. Too much or too little fiber

5. Nutrient deficiencies (e.g. magnesium deficiency, folic acid deficiency)

6. Hypothyroid issues

6. Autoimmune diseases

7. Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)

8. Imbalance of the microbiome 

9. Lack of physical activity 

9. Celiac disease

10. Diabetes

11. Intestinal obstructions

12. Anatomical problems with digestive tract (e.g. short bowel syndrome, chronic idiopathic constipation), problems with the colon or rectum

13. Spinal cord or brain injuries 

14. Disorders affecting the spinal cord or brain (e.g. Parkinson's Disease)

15. Fructan intolerance (e.g. oligofructose or inulin)

16. Food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances (e.g. cow's milk)

17. Laxative abuse

18. Holding back on the urge to poop

19. Parasites (e.g. Giardia lambia)

20. Changes in life or routine, such as starting school, travel

21. High stress levels and anxiety

22. Stroke

23. Liver problems

Regardless of the cause, constipation does not go away on its own.   Actually, it tends to get worse over time and the older the child usually the harder it is to relieve the constipation.    Don't think that if you wait it will just disappear - it won't.  Get started today to get out of the muck! 

CRaP4Kids provides parents a one-stop shop to child-focused options that parents can choose.  The Basic and Intensive programs offer direct guidance and 6 months of support from a functionally-trained clinical (holistic) nutritionist that will help you help your child.   

I choose to work with clients who are focused and committed to following the program and doing the work to help their child(ren).  If you are interested in working with me, please sign up for a free 20-minute consult so I am able to provide you with some immediate support and explore further the possibility of working together. 

Testing is not absolutely necessary but highly recommended.  Sometimes through food, supplements and some procedures we are able to make progress.  However if none of the above is not enough to start resolving the constipation, gut testing (e.g., comprehensive stool tests, Organic Acids urine test, food sensitivity blood tests) can provide clues on what is happening internally.  These clues help to direct how we should proceed and shorten the time to get some relief. 

This ultimately depends on the child and the symptoms being experienced.  Some of the tests that may be recommended include comprehensive stool tests, Organic Acids Test, Food Sensitivity Tests, hormone testing, and tests which help check for candida, molds, yeasts, and parasites.   The price of each test is usually between $200-$700+ USD. Testing is not included in the price of any program.   For more information and pricing of the gut tests I recommend, please see "Gut Testing" top right on the website. 

The cost of the Constipation Relief Program depends on the option(s) chosen.  Please click on each program link to see the current cost of each program.  

Prices do not include the cost of supplements or any recommended testing.  

Supplements: We try to recommend as few supplements as possible to keep the cost as low as possible, but it will depend on how severe the constipation is and the underlying cause. Usually supplements are needed to help bring nutrient levels to therapeutic levels.  We have had plenty of experience recommending supplements for children based on their tastes and preferences and try to match the supplement recommendations to the child.   If you are going to do the Intensive or Group program then please hold off on purchasing supplements till you find out what is recommended.   

If you are wondering how much to budget for supplements, I would estimate anywhere from $200 - $500.

Testing:  Again, testing is only recommended if absolutely necessary.  The costs of tests are established by the laboratories that offer them.  Test costs usually range from $200-$700.   Depending on your insurance some tests make partially be covered by your insurance if your doctor is willing to order the test and share the results.  Please budget to do at least a comprehensive stool test ($220 USD if in Canada / USA).

If you are in the UK or another country we do our best to find supplements and tests available in your country.  

The best answer to this is "as long as it takes".  Our goal is to help you help your child poop every day without the use of laxatives or supplements and we work with you to achieve this.

However, constipation (along with diarrhea or other poop issues) is a sign of gut health issues and the overarching focus of this program is to improve your child's gut health so that they no longer have poop problems.   This can take only a few months or up to a few years.  

There is no magic wand to wave, not magic pill to swallow or potion to take to stop constipation from occurring if you don't follow the instructions we provide and do the work. 

And it's hard work!  No two children are the same!  And this is NOT a "one size fits all" program. 

If there is no diet change or supplements swallowed, and work done on the underlying cause, it's very unlikely the constipation (or any poop issue) will end. So new eating and lifestyle habits have to be learned, practiced and adopted - possibly for months, years, or life.  Yes, kids can be really picky but they can still learn and grow and thrive.  We start where your child is at and work with you to help them gain confidence and new habits.

As the gut heals usually the constipation (and poop issues) resolves too.  Testing helps us pinpoint where to focus treatment.  Even though you can have your child pooping every day (with the help of supplements and some diet change) very quickly, it takes time to fix the issues and heal the gut.   I would put aside at least 6-12 months to work on this.   

Both the Basic and Intensive programs are 6 months long.  Additional time can be purchased if needed or clients completing a program can continue with the CRaP (n'Stuff) Club for additional virtual support.  

If you do the work you will see progress - that I can promise you.  We are here to help you  every step of the way. We will do what we can to provide tools, encourage, resolve issues, and celebrate with you - as long as you are prepared to take positive action forward. If you aren't prepared to put the time and energy into following our recommendations then it's unlikely that this program is for you. xo

This is the only completely holistic program available for parents to learn how to help their children overcome constipation without the use of medications, drugs, surgery, and laxatives.

All treatment recommendations are child-focused, age-appropriate, and simple to follow.  Parents can watch the videos at their own pace, ask an unlimited number of questions live or in a community group platform, and implement the recommendations. 

Lisa, your "Poop Whisperer", has been trained as a clinicial nutritionist and has spent the last 10+ years focused on pediatric gut health for neurotypical children and those with special needs.  She has become one of the world's leading experts on constipation relief in children by helping hundreds of children around the world poop painlessly and improve their gut health, which is crucial to ensure all body systems are functioning optimally.  

Unfortunately most governments and insurance companies don't support unregulated practitioners.  Unregulated practitioners are those who are not "regulated" (a.k.a. "told" like doctors and dieticians and naturopaths) to follow government regulations on food guides and what people should eat.  So the good thing is I don't need to follow "the rules" of the Canada Food Guide or FDA regulations, but the "cost" of this benefit is that health insurance won't usually cover the cost of my services.

Some insurance companies will cover "Nutrition" services so it may be worth checking and not just assuming that your insurance won't cover this.

What is important 

for the Therefore likely these programs and servicees are not convered under most insurance programs.  In Canada, some insurance companies will cover nutrition services so it may be worth checking.

That being said

However, Registered Holistic Nutritionists are covered under several insurance companies so the portion of the program that involves nutritional consults may be covered. Although there are no guarantees, some parents are able to submit the receipts because they receive funding from the government for a child with an official diagnosis.