Children and family lives
Helping you get ready for irrigation
We realise when families are introduced to bowel irrigation, there are many questions, and sometimes it is better to hear from those with helpful experiences.
We’ve worked with Gail Fitzpatrick, Lead Nurse Colorectal Service and Emily Hooker, Senior Colorectal Nurse Specialist at Birmingham Children’s Hospital to help share the stories of four families that have used bowel irrigation, to share their experiences and in doing so, help answer those questions to ease and normalise the treatment for those that are new to the treatment.
I feel much more confident than before because I don’t have to worry about my bowels because I used the irrigation bag, so it does make a big difference.
Active toileting tips
This active toileting video is a supportive resource developed in collaboration with Andrea Jordan, Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, and featuring Hannah, a young Qufora user who shares her experience. The video offers simple, engaging techniques – like blowing bubbles, moo-ing, and playing a mouth organ – to help children take an active role in bowel emptying. It also highlights the importance of hydration, movement, and a positive mindset to make the process more effective.
Hannah’s book club
We first met Hannah when her mum, Rachael, was looking for help on social media to print her daughter Hannah’s (6) book – to thank those involved in Hannah’s care. We just loved the title ‘Getting the Poo Out’ – we couldn’t have put it better ourselves, so we helped get the book printed. The book is illustrated and includes her top tips for hospital stays and how she ‘gets her poo out’.
Bowel Buddies
Bowel Buddies is a game designed to help when your child starts bowel irrigation. Whether it’s helping your child get used to bowel irrigation through play, as a distraction during the process itself, or as a reward afterwards. Bowel Buddies offers playful support for your family.
One of the other things I’ve learned in my journey, is talking about it, and making it normalised. I think sometimes people think there is a big taboo, the reality of the situation is, it changes peoples lives.
Qufora MiniGo Flex for children
Qufora has launched MiniGo Flex – Small to prioritise the needs of children and their parents.
Read the personal stories
Shared experiences from children, parents, and families of managing bowels and toilet routines as part of everyday life.
