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

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

- "streaking" of poop on underwear

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

Most of the time there is no easy way to resolve constipation. Constipation is a complex issue.  

This program is for moms and dads who 

- want a lot of support and "hand holding" in order to help their child of any age painlessly poop every day without relying on laxatives, medications, and eventually supplements

- believe their child's constipation is considerably complex enough to require more support than the CRaP4Kids Group Program offers OR their child has complex health issues along with the constipation and would be better served with one-to-one support

- want to get to the bottom of the matter and treat the underlying cause to hopefully put an end to their child's constipation

- understand that there are no quick fixes to constipation AND that relieving constipation takes time and effort

- will follow the guidance provided and take the necessary steps to implement what is being recommended

- want to create a holistic treatment plan without the use of medication and laxatives 

- are willing to make changes to their child's and family's eating habits if and when necessary

- are willing to use recommended supplements to help their child

This program is NOT for parents who

- refuse to stop the use of laxatives or medications

- are looking for a fast-track solution to resolve their child's constipation

- want to give up once their child is pooping every day without finding the underlying cause

- don't have the time or energy to making changes recommended to help their child. 

The program includes 8 or 16 weeks of one-to-one virtual coaching support, your own member site with notes and video recordings of meetings, handouts, recipes, supplement recommendations, help interpreting gut test results, mindset and parent support, and access to the CRaP (n'Stuff) Club Monthly Membership - all to help you help your child overcome constipation.  

What is NOT included in this program fee:

• Food
• Supplements
• the cost of any sort of gut testing 

It is highly recommended that some sort of gut testing be done as it helps to pinpoint what issues may be existing internally.  Depending on your child's symptoms it can be possible to make some supplement and dietary changes in the first 4-6 weeks to see if that will help your child.  If no change is seen within those first few weeks then we will have another conversation about some sort of gut testing.  Keep in mind, though, that test results can take anywhere from 5 days to 6 weeks, depending on the test and so waiting to do testing could affect your child's success by the end of this program.

Test results are like another piece of the constipation puzzle that we are trying to solve for your child.  Different tests check for different issues so it really depends on your child's symptoms. We will discuss fully during your first appointment.  

Usually the tests that help the most are the Organic Acids (urine) Test (OAT), a comprehensive stool test (there are a few to choose from), a food sensitivity test, and a hair mineral analysis.  Not all these tests need to be done but the more complex your child's case is the more helpful these tests are by providing us some information about what is going on internally.  

Prices for these tests range from about $200 - $700+ USD.

The total cost of the CRaP4Kids Intensive Program is 1 payment of $750 for 8 weeks or $1200 for 16 weeks.  The latter option can be paid in one instalment or 4 payments of $350 USD.  The fee includes either 2 or 4 months of unlimited support via coaching sessions and unlimited texting / emailing support, protocols, forms, recipes, templates etc. except for supplements and any testing done.   There is no program available anywhere in which the practitioner takes this journey with you, researches to find answers so that you can sleep at night, will do whatever it takes to help you help your child poop daily, provides parent coaching and mindset help for this sort of value.  

Supplements: I try to recommend as few supplements as possible to keep the cost as low as possible for you, but it will depend on how severe the constipation is and the underlying cause.  If you are just starting this program please hold off on purchasing supplements except what is recommended.   

If you are wondering how much to budget for supplements, I would estimate anywhere from $200 - $400 depending on the age of your child ... the younger the child usually the fewer the supplements needed.  Different supplements and brands will be offered so which ones you choose to purchase will be up to you.

Constipation is a complex issue.  And gut healing takes time - usually months.   AND it's hard work that you'll likely need to be focused on every single day during this program.  The first step is to help your child poop painlessly every day.  Then it's important to find the underlying cause and then determine what will help your child based on the results.  If you follow the recommendations and do work it's very likely your child will be pooping daily.  The protocol may not be entirely finished but you should be well on your way seeing some good results.  

Please remember that there is no magic wand, pill or potion that we can give you to stop constipation from occurring if you don't follow the instructions we provide and do the work. 

We will do what we can to help, encourage, motivate, and celebrate with you - but it is you who needs to do the work. If you aren't prepared to put the time and energy into following the recommendations then it's unlikely that this program is for you.

And what if you still need support after the program is done?  You can purchase Tag-On months, continue with the CRaP (n'Stuff) Club for Q&A support, or book 30- or 60- minute follow up appointments.  At no time will we desert you!  xo