Did mom know the psychological impact of giving you enemas?

Back in the late 40's and 50's "pop psychology" didn't exist. No one thought about any psychological trauma to any kids. It wasn't done with any malice, it was considered good parenting. Our parents learned from their own and from neighbor mothers. EVERYBODY did it, as part of being a good mother to their kids. Peds almost always told moms to flush out their child; it was a physical action that the mom could do that MIGHT have a positive impact on their child. It made the mom feel that she was doing something to help her kid get better.

My mom HATED enemas and was a laxative addict. I only saw her once prep. an enema for herself, after Ex-Lax, Sal-Hepatica and Epsom Salts had all failed. Oh yeah, and carter's Little Liver Pills. She was not happy about having to resort to the bag.

I suspect that she had many enemas from her mom when she was little.

I'm not sure, but expect they knew of the affects on them and the one person receiving, will influence them the rest of the lives.

Hugs,

Janie

No way ,my mom gave me over 140 enemas from age 13 to 19(she kept diary),i pretended i hated the enemas so she wouldnt get wise.If she knew i liked the enemas sexaully shed have stopped them asap.

Time For history to Repeat itself......I do not think mothers had any idea how enemas received in childhood would affect us in our adult lives.

I believe they are good for every one, helping with good health and hygiene.

They surely do more good than a lot of drugs on the drug store shelves and even several prescription medications with all their side affects.

I wish in this day and age more studies and trials were done on the positive benefits enemas can do for everyone.

Janie

Time For history to Repeat itself......I do not think mothers had any idea how enemas received in childhood would affect us in our adult lives.

@janie I would agree that most mothers didn’t think about how enemas would affect us as adults other than we might continue to use them for constipation or other perceived health benefits. But I would think a lot of mothers enjoyed the sexual aspect of their own enemas and had to be aware their kids could learn to appreciate them the same way as they grew up.

As far as health benefits - some prefer them for constipation or other bowel issue relief over laxatives. There isn’t any science to support they are effective for other ailments. Maybe for a placebo affect. A lot of folks with an enema fetish use medical benefits to justify their fetish. I own up and admit I do them only for pleasure ?.

As others have indicated, it is doubtful that our mothers or grandmothers knew, or cared, about any psychological impact when it came to giving enemas. The same is true for spanking and other corporal type punishments.

For those whose parents were raising kids in the mid-1900's, spanking, whipping, caning, and certainly enemas, were pretty common and socially acceptable. I think that many believed such things were appropriate based on circumstances. How else would our paraphilias and fetishes have developed over time?

I'm sure that my mom and grandma believed enemas were a "healthy" way to address most maladies. Laxatives were practically non-existent around our house. Doctors, and our family pediatrician, were strong advocates of enema use. Most medical/nursing texts of the period also advocated enemas/bowel cleansing as a precursor to other therapies and drugs.

My pediatrician actually threatened to put me in the hospital on a Metamucil diet because of mom's frequent complaints about my food consumption and constipation issues. Undoubtedly, enemas were a vital aspect of any treatment regimen.

While I disliked the enemas I got from mom and grandma, it wasn't long before I began self-administering. This was likely a psychological/survival response. I also began to enjoy the process and became fixated on the equipment (paraphilia and fetish). When given rather enjoyable enemas by a nurse in the hospital, I was hooked for life. I'm sure mom and grandma never realized that I was sexually obsessed. This is especially true because things of a sexual nature were to be learned on my own. No SexEd or Birds and Bees discussed in my family.

As others have indicated, it is doubtful that our mothers or grandmothers knew, or cared, about any psychological impact when it came to giving enemas. The same is true for spanking and other corporal type punishments.

For those whose parents were raising kids in the mid-1900's, spanking, whipping, caning, and certainly enemas, were pretty common and socially acceptable. I think that many believed such things were appropriate based on circumstances. How else would our paraphilias and fetishes have developed over time?

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Were mothers and grandparents supposed to be so ignorant of the sexual aspects of enemas that they thought nothing of them? Surely they could see boy's erections when administering enemas. And how often have we read about boys afterwards being given some time alone to relieve the tensions or whatever the mothers liked to call it?

Surely that alone shows they knew the sexual effects of giving enemas.

This argument seems to be a variation on the saintly mother myth, of offspring not really being able to imagine their parents as being sexual and sexually in the know about things. I think it is quite naive, a bit charming in a good ol' innocent days of yore way, but still very naive and unbelievable.

I am certain the majority of mothers knew all too well about the sexual effects of enemas, the effects for now and in the long term.

Pretending they didn't know, sells mother short.

[...] I am certain the majority of mothers knew all too well about the sexual effects of enemas, the effects for now and in the long term.

Pretending they didn't know, sells mother short.

Interesting, agracier. You may be very right! But I'm not an enema person myself. Although our mum had the equipment for giving enemas stored away on the top shelf of the linen cupboard in the bathroom, she never used it on either my sister (so far as I know) or myself.

That was a long time ago. Maybe modern parents are more enlightened about the psychology of childhood experiences. As I've indicated, I don't know. Maybe Mum (an intelligent lady who had worked in a hospital) really did tell herself, 'I don't want little Kenneth and his sister growing up enema fetishists!'

But here's my (possibly) related thought. On Zity I have met a couple of people whose medfet, like mine, goes back to when they had their tonsils out. The operation was almost mandatory for kids back then! I do wonder if the possible psychological effects were known. Well, Anna Freud did do a study of the effects on a particular child of having its tonsils out in hospital. But the study, as I recall, was only short-term.

And as I've reported here before, some surgeons were grossly insensitive to patients, especially young ones, entrusted to their tender mercies! My source: Dr Karl Menninger, 'Man Against Himself'.

I do like to think that we've come some way in our understanding of childhood psychology - even a mother's understanding - in recent times.

- Ken

I have wondered about the unintended psychological consequences of moms/dads giving their kids enemas most likely during the 1940s-1970s or there abouts also often referred to as the Golden Age here on Zity. A practice that was a very common home remedy did have its affects as some kids receiving the enemas developed a liking for them as they matured and developed a sexual connection to enemas that carried on throughout their adult life.

The OP posed the question- did Mom know the psychological impact of giving enemas to their kids? That is a very good question. The only way to know would be to ask the kids now adults did they ever have a conversation with their moms about enemas and how they led to their continued use into adulthood as a very pleasurable sexual turn-on. This would be an extremely awkward conversation but would provide huge insights as to what moms were thinking when they were aware of their children's pleasurable physical reactions to the enemas given. I started a thread asking the question did any of the Golden Age kids ever have this frank conversation later in life with their moms.

https://en.zity.biz/index.php?mx=forum;ox=display;topic=105573;firstnew

For me this is the key question, what were moms thinking when they gave their kids enemas seeing how their kids were reacting physically. And as the kids grew to become adults did they ever reveal to their mothers how those enemas as children led to enemas as being sexually pleasurable later in life.

But here's my (possibly) related thought. On Zity I have met a couple of people whose medfet, like mine, goes back to when they had their tonsils out. The operation was almost mandatory for kids back then! I do wonder if the possible psychological effects were known. Well, Anna Freud did do a study of the effects on a particular child of having its tonsils out in hospital. But the study, as I recall, was only short-term.

The above comment was from kenneth17's post on the impact of tonsil removal which spurred me to respond to this topic. I'm not sure if my mom knew the impact of giving me an enema since she was not inclined to ever give me one herself, but she did have a nurse friend give them to me which is how I got hooked on them. This nurse I think trying to reassure me the first time she gave me one said that almost all kids that came into the local hospital for tonsillectomies were given enemas and most of the younger set was given an enema every day or two while they were in the hospital. Because of that an enema was no big deal. After her death and talking with her daughter, also a nurse, responded to her mother's comment that enemas in at least the local small town hospital was something that was done, 'just to keep the nurses busy' since they often didn't have a lot to do and the attitude was that getting an enema couldn't hurt the person. Makes me wonder how many kids got hooked by that treatment? I grew up in the golden age of enemas and most of my friends' bathrooms had a bag hanging when I used their bathrooms. Makes me wonder more and more how many of them got enemas often... I never had the nerve to ask.

I have wondered about the unintended psychological consequences of moms/dads giving their kids enemas most likely during the 1940s-1970s or there abouts also often referred to as the Golden Age here on Zity. A practice that was a very common home remedy did have its affects as some kids receiving the enemas developed a liking for them as they matured and developed a sexual connection to enemas that carried on throughout their adult life.

I have said this many times and there are those that disagree with me but in my opinion this site is littered with people that received as little as one enema and it affected them for life. Those like me that received many at a very young age were particularly susceptible to being fixated for life. My opinion is that there is s certain age when anal stimulation affects you developmentally, and it doesn't happen in every case. I'm a bit different in that I still hate getting one, but there is nothing more erotic to me than getting a nozzle in a willing bottom.

Agree Moppy.....Mom drilled it into me at an early age that enemas were good for me, that it feels so good to be cleaned out, that everyone needs an enema once in awhile, etc. Frequent ritual enemas from early childhood on, hearing mom use the word "enema" frequently during our sessions, the anal stimulation, and wanting to please her by submitting without complaint probably had something to do with it.......

I doubt my mom was aware of any psychological impact of giving me enemas as a kid. As a baby-boomer, enemas were an accepted cure for simple constipation in those days, and I venture to say many, if not most, kids in those days got them. However, I seem to be in the minority of those who got enemas who actually liked them. I suppose some of those who said they hated them were just not willing to admit it, like I did. The enemas I got were infrequent, maybe a few of times per year, and always necessary. I never got one as punishment or other reason that I thought was unnecessary.

I know my grandma took and gave enemas as I was occasionally on the receiving end so I can only assume my mom got them as a child too. However, I never saw any evidence that she or my dad took them frequently as an adult during the time period she was giving them to me. If she did, she hid it well. So, this fetish I have was not inherited. So where did it come from?

I doubt my mom was aware of any psychological impact of giving me enemas as a kid. As a baby-boomer, enemas were an accepted cure for simple constipation in those days, and I venture to say many, if not most, kids in those days got them.

. So, this fetish I have was not inherited. So where did it come from?

I agree that they were an accepted practice back in the day and also that mom had no idea they would affect you for life. My opinion is that your brain got stimulated some way during your very early developing years and it doesn't happen to everyone. Welcome to the club.

RedBulb99 said it well. I doubt my mom was aware of what was happening and if she did, it was already too late. The big question is why some of us like enemas when most people will avoid them at all cost.

So, this fetish I have was not inherited. So where did it come from?

That is a question I have pondered about too. None from my parents or relatives this predilection for enemas and clysters. I discovered them on my own, by reading in an old medical self-help book.

Agracier: Didn't you receive suppositories from a maid?

Agracier: Didn't you receive suppositories from a maid?

Yes, from aunt, grandmother and the aunt's household help (not really a maid, she would have bristled at the mere mention ... ha ha).

So, yes an anal insertion, but never any kind of enema or clyster or injection of water. That I found out about myself by reading.

My mother had only completed 9th grade. Though, 9th grade in 1940 was quite the chore back then. She had enema prowess she was very proud of.

In her final years, as she regressed, her past was more present than the world she had to live in. During those years, her care became my living, as I quit work to care for her full time. On multiple levels this worked best for all of us. She thought my wife was that other woman, from next door. And that was gut wrenching, to say the least. I found it necessary to pet and dote on her for her peace of mind. In these times she revealed her past with nothing held back. Part of that was a medication she was taking, I believe. Sometimes she thought I was dad, and other times her little brother. Releasing the visions traveling across her mind, allowed her to feel normal. Trying to live in the present was a terror for her.

I learned to place her into a comfort zone that allowed her refreshment. My wife was gracious and pretended to be one of Mom's sisters. Mom knew better and would shake her head like Girtie was silly or daffy. In these times mom poured out. I was caught in the middle of this confusion and even struggled for my own sanity.

Please excuse that catharsis. Mom and her little brother comforted each other with fondling enema games and cuddling. From an analytical view, maybe the year before I started school, or at least on summers when chores were lighter, she taught us to appreciate a loving enema day and hope for them.

When I was in high school, mom started evening GED classes toward a diploma. Psychology was the subject she began to talk about to everyone.

Point being: No, mom had no psychological reasoning, she just lived and worked and loved us with all that she had.

There is always a start thru real events to all fetishes and fantasy's.

That is the basic effects on the mind resulting in expanding to more fantasies and roles.

Enemas have always been done for various benefits.

1) Cleanliness

2) Rid the lower digestive tract of all types of problems and diseases.

3) Prep for surgery

4) Cleanse for sexual activity

5) Last but not least for relaxing and pleasure.

Please you can add any other benefits I have not listed. ( Smiling )

Janie

You can not really guess the psychological impact as everyone psychology is different. You can have an assumption but that will based on the impact it had on you.

If you are the sort to think getting spanked had a positive impact on how you turned out a sibling how felt negative about it given in the same way less likely to use it as a parent themselves.

I learnt to like them as a girl but I would have discovered a passion for all things anal on my own at some point.

No I doubt it or she would never have given me so many enemas.

Wow just read the part about mom possibly enjoying giving me the enemas.

My mom got enemas as teen from her grandpa.

I doubt it but then I don't think she was psychologically oriented

I don’t think mom gave a thought about psychology. She realised I enjoyed enemas and I eventually came to understand that she enjoyed them too. It was okay that we enjoyed them. No stigma. No psychology.

I don't think my Mother ever thought of how an enema might effect me psychologically while I was under 10. I had been born a month and a half early and Mom and Dad were told that I had an underdeveloped colon and that I would probably need help going to the bathroom for life. So, according to what Mom told me, I began having enemas given to me shortly after birth. Anyway, as I grew into a young child, I actually got where I not only enjoyed taking them, but also looked forward to the next one being given. However, as I aged, I began to be able to actually go to the bathroom without the help of an enema. Mother knew this, but I would often ask her for one every now and then. But, after I turned 10 I actually started requesting enemas even more often (about once every week and maybe in the summertime more than once a week). I remember her asking me one day why I liked taking those things so often saying that she just could not for the life of herself understand why! She then went on to explain that she had had only one enema in her lifetime and that was right before she had me and that if she was ever to have another, that somebody would have to be very fast because they would have to catch her first and then hold her down. After Mom finished speaking, I remember saying to Mom "Mom, I am not you, Mom! I just like the way that enemas make me feel inside!" Mom just looked at me strangely and then shook her head in disbelief. It was then or shortly thereafter that Mom must have begun to worry a little. For a month or so later Mom took me to our family doctor, who sat down with both Mom and I and began to inform me why I should not be wanting to take enemas. Of course, I didn't want to appear rude so I listened. Did it do any good? Well, that talk not only did not stop me from wanting Mom to give me enemas, but also did not stop me from taking them.

If we think moms in the 50's were aware of how enemas might effect their kids then my mom, who started administering to me near the year 2000, was probably well aware of the possibility it would do something to me psychologically.

In the first few years I absolutely hated them and did everything I could to avoid getting one, so I think mom probably took that to mean I'd be ok with little effect on my later life. A majority of mine were for constipation treatment, but she starting giving some as punishment too because I detested them so much. I can recall a handful of times as a kid I was over her lap receiving with my erection evidently between her legs.

Gradually as I approached puberty the erections became more consistent. She ceased giving them as punishment but my medical need continued. At this point I protested less and started to like them as puberty progressed. If that wasn't clue enough the jig was up when she left me alone for a bit as I was filling up and returned just in time to see my first orgasm. My one hand in front and the other pushing and pulling on my nozzle. That earned me a good spanking and hefty retention time as she explained why that wasn't ok, but the damage was done.

The original question was about the psychological impact of moms giving enemas to boys, but I think it also applies to girls but in a lesser degree.

Did she think I would grow to like them to the extent I do? Not likely. She tried to minimize the discomfort and embarrassment of them as she gave them to me, but I think at the time she looked at enemas as a simple way of dealing with everyday situations like constipation. Did she realize that I really liked them? Not at first, but then it was too late.

Did she get any sexual satisfaction or excitement giving me an enema? Not likely, or they would have continued. Once she realized I knew how to give myself an enema, she stopped offering to give me one. I am just guessing that if giving me enemas provided some thrill to her, she would have found some excuse to give me one in my teens or later.

In the days when I grew up an enema was a pretty common tool for home health. Over the years it has sure changed. The long string of articles and books proclaiming enemas to be unnecessary at best or harmful at worst were part of the change. These days it seems enemas are at the extreme ends, and no longer used by "ordinary people". Most people think if you take enemas you are part of the minority (including some well-known names) that believes regular enemas or colonics promote good health, or, when seeing an enema bag your first thought is kinky sex.

I don't think my mom had any thought toward psychological impact of enemas on me. It was just part of health in the 50's and 60's. She was matter of fact while giving to me so I don't think she got any satisfaction out of it except to clean me out.

I would say yes my mother did know ,she was a fairly famous and gifted child psychologist and never gave me one!