What if enemas had been considered an open topic for discussion ?

I have often wondered what if - - -

Back in the "Golden Years" what if-

Enemas had been considered an open topic for discussion. Parents freely advising that they used them when needed.

Enemas had been fully eplained to children as to what they were and how they worked before the need arose. Encouraged to ask for one when feeling bad rather than being forced.

All of the things about enemas that made children hate them like bag too high, higher volume than needed, etc. Things that caused discomfort or just plain hurt were not done.

A childs enema was never discussed with other people or relatives that would be embarrassing to the child.

All childhood enemas were given in a gental loving way. Letting it be known that if some enjoyment was had that it was OK.

Self admistration was allowed and encouraged when an enema was needed. Responsible use was explained and the need to "sneak enemas" was stopped

What would be the public attitude toward enemas be today. Would there be a lot more of us ennema lovvers now.

Then there would probably have been a lot fewer of them.

Actually, my mom did admit that she did take an enema when she thought she needed one. When I got a little older she did explain how they worked, but by that time I really knew and also knew that I did not like getting one. While my mom told me that I could ask her for one if I wasn't feeling good, I was in my mid teens before that ever happened. But one thing that is very true and that is that mom's enemas were always in a loving and gentle way meaning that my mom never gave an enema as punishment so I never had that as a negative connotation. But despite all this I plainly did not like getting an enema and if self administration had been offered I would have ignored it because I tried to stay as far away from the enema bag as I could get.

In our home, the subject of enemas was rarely discussed except in the bedroom or bathroom when Mom decided that a cleaning-out was needed because of illness or problem constipation .Unfortunately, the emphasis was on the enemas being given like it or not rather than an adequate explanation and a kinder and gentler approach to administration. This made at least the earliest enemas more traumatic than necessary, but I at least grew to accept them., bittersweet or not.

In our house enemas were not part of casual conversation with friends and neighbors. Just sort of matter of fact if it came up. Most times if it became known between siblings, cousins, or friends that someone got an enema, it was usually, "Ewwww. Poor thing". Nobody would admit liking them even if they did, like me.

Enemas were always in private, just mom and the receiver. No spectators, not even siblings.

When I was old enough to understand the process mom explained how the warm water would soften the poop and make it easier to pass. I quickly recognized that I usually felt much better after an enema. An enema was not something to be feared. My mom never forced me to take more water than I felt comfortable with, although it was understood that if I told her I had enough but it was not effective, it would be repeated. I don't remember ever getting more than two. Regardless of how much water I took I was encouraged to hold it a few minutes so it would work better.

When I was about twelve or so I was "sneaking" enemas when I really didn't need one just because there was something about them that I liked. Mom sort of caught me at it one day and from then on it was understood that I could do it myself when needed. The "sneaking" part from then on was that I gave myself enemas way more often than mom would have considered necessary.

Don't think it would have changed my dislike as a child. No one was ever mean; just the humiliation from everyone else knowing I was sick, and the certainty of their knowledge of what was going to happen. I had to endure them hearing the closet door opening, then the bathroom door opening and the water running, with accompanying noises, and then the call for me to come to the bathroom. And, the house was so small that they could hear her me protesting, and her firm instruction for me to climb on her lap, and then the "click" as the enema started flowing, with me complaining all thru the session.

They were often discussed in the days when every home had an enema bag or syringe!!!

Well I could not rightly say what would have transpired through that era as it would only be supposition...Some mothers of the day probably were quite forward & others much more reserved when it came to administering an Enema...with those that I knew of mostly having the procedure carried out in privacy....any onlookers making that brief ordeal embarrassing to a small child, because of the potential for any snide remarks....And many would know what a young child can be like if they know no better....a parents attitude making all the difference.

As a general discussion topic mostly within immediate family ,grandparents & an aunt...however because of my own particular growing interest & over a number of years it became evident that both neighbourhood kids plus those that I attended school with had been given Enemas...As that was considered the normal recommended course of action.

Genuinely considerate / attentive /caring mothers as far as I know shielded their children from any indignities....after all it does deal with exposure along with having ones bowels emptied by fluid injection....An Enema by its very nature can conjure up mixed feelings whether explained properly beforehand or otherwise.....It's purpose clearly designed to make one crap....Simplicity of process that it is for one can be an entirely different matter to another....even instill a degree of resentment as some mention,garnering all sorts of mixed emotions within a young childs mind....Long before Enemas per se took on sexual connotations at a latter time.

The humble ole Enema in the modern era while seeing substantial changes (irrespective of the influence it once represented) I hardly think that entering into general everyday conversation about Enemas would be any more socially acceptable now...than how an Enema was once viewed back at its peak of popularity....As much as those would like to think otherwise & I'd like to imagine the enema fairy !!

The very word Enema whenever I heard it mentioned usually meant one of us kids were about to meet their waterloo....the hardest part being in trying to conceal a raging stiffy.

A darned good Enema is not only one of the most effective means in alleviating discomfort efficiently...but also beneficial in other areas & a plus that just enhances. 😶

Enemas seemed to be a rather common topic of discussion when I was growing up. Our extended family members usually got together at grandma's every Sunday for dinner. We kids usually found out who had to have an enema during the prior week. Our moms weren't very secretive in their discussions and grandma often chimed in as necessary. All we had to do was eavesdrop a bit, and secrecy was practically nil. Not all of us keyed in on the word "enema", but a few of us did and we had our own discussions afterward.

On one occasion, I heard my grandpa tell my uncle that he had to have an enema at the hospital. They were chuckling and my grandpa said it made his penis hard. My uncle asked what he did about it and he said the nurse flicked it and it immediately subsided. They continued talking about other embarrassing situations at the hospital or doctor.

I told of my mom sneaking brownies for a late dessert one Sunday evening. She wasn't supposed to eat after 6:00pm due to a BE the next morning. Dinner had been a bit late. My grandma and aunt scolded her. She said she would just take a couple more enemas later. Some of us giggled and some cringed. We knew who hated getting enemas and often teased each other about their impending plight. Needless to say, my sister and I stayed awake and listened to the preparation and familiar sounds of mom's extra enemas.

It wasn't unusual for my mom and aunt to give each of us kids an enema when one of us needed one. If they thought we were teasing each other, the loudmouth was most likely to be subjected to a rather intense soapy enema with that nasty green Palmolive soap. This was the same soap that caused me to gag and puke when getting my mouth washed out for being vulgar. I learned to love the enemas, I hated the Palmolive!

I'm just amazed to hear of parents giving enemas for punishment. I remember reading Dr. Spocks guide to parents. He said that he recommended not giving enemas at all to children because they would cause the child to think he was exploding.

Growing up in the 50's. Enema discussion was alway a daily topic especially every Sunday dinner. Mother always was the giver to just about everyone in the family. Sometimes neigbors and close friends.

As far as I was concerned it was an open topic my aunt had no problem discussing with family or neighbors or other moms , nurse friends, certain teachers.

The people on this forum have all overcome the rasons that they first hated enemas, my post was directed to the question of if the things that made you not like them had not existed, would they be more popular now. I feel that the "turnoff" that was never later a "turnon", which does not include us, is the sole reasons enemas have become out of favor. Just read the comments to the various topics on this forum concerning getting someone else interested. This what I was asking about.

We all see many TV adds advertising various pills to take to releave constipation and bloating. Promised relief is maybe in the morning, a simple slow given enema would solve the problem now without disturbing the entire digestive system.Butt, few people now know about them, much less how to administer one.

My primary question was more in "how to get your wife/husban interested". Would it be a lot simpler if the things I mentioned during the "Golden Years" had not happened. Is there any way to change the generral thinking on this subject?

Given that the pace was slower, and Ex-lax still contained Phenopthelene, which was faster than anything except Magnesium Citrate today and easier to take, I really don't think enemas would have been used as much.

View6 --The thing is that while advancing from a supposed "golden age" to present day has seen substantial changes globally...Enemas per se,whether perceived as acceptable then or now, for the majority they will never become part of everyday social interaction !!..Namely because primarily it deals with that area of the human body for eliminating ones waste....Educated,civilised society's are not to keen on openly discussing another's bowel habits (medical personnel aside)...let alone any sexual connotations associated with such proclivities.

It was just a question of no real importance since it concerned a long past time in history. Pure curious thought like does ayone else have the same feelings about the era. It was just to get other opinions and I thank you for giving them.

Let the good times flow

This is really an easy question to answer. Its just like people discussing showering, brushing teeth, or, using deodorant. Although obviously more people would be involved, and hopefully more people would understand the benefits.

Like e mom my mother often took enemas both when she needed them, and for routine cleansing about every two weeks. When I was older she had me help her administer one to her with the open top enema bag with the black enema nozzle that we both used.

Like e mom because I hated enemas, I stayed as far away from the enema bag as I could, even if I were not feeling well and my mom offered to clean me out.

Unfortunately my mom believed in periodic enemas and douches to keep our insides clean, so the bag was often used, and soapy water was delivered to my backside at least every two weeks even if I were well, and I would have to douche with the douche nozzle almost as often when I was older.

I hated the cramps that mom said were necessary for a good enema to be effective, and I hated the required explosive expulsion when the enema was completed. I, in my younger years spent a lot of time on the toilet as the result of the soapsuds enemas that mom required, because I had to take the whole bag because she said that it was required to clean me out. Her enemas were at least two quarts of liquid.

Another reason why I wanted to stay as far away from the enema bag was the black nozzle with the coating of vaseline that she pushed up my backside, because when I was a teenager it reminded me of a penis.

The douches and the douche nozzle and enema bag that she used for douching did not bother me as much because they did not cause cramps, and they were ok to clean my vagina especially after my periods.

Enemas and who was getting one and who had gotten one were hardly secrets in our house. The one person who did not make that information available was my father, but between mom, me, and my two sisters we all knew. The most vocal and open if I can call it that was my younger sister, Emily, who always seemed to be on the receiving end of the enema bag.

I believe had the topic been more open and not shielded from younger people or siblings the process would have been much more accepted in society than it is today. When enemas were administrated as some form of punishment in regards to parenting that would go a long way to discourage further use in the future!

Sis and I both hated our twice-weekly enemas as small children, but around puberty we both realized their "other" benefits. By the time we were mid-teens, we were sneaking them, and if we had hours of privacy we spent the time giving to each other. We still do.

My mom loved to talk about enema's. Who got them and how, what there reactions were, if it was for health reasons or punishment. She would talk to her mom {Gram ma} or her sister {my Aunt} who would always come over when I was about to get an enema and our next door neighbor just to name a few. I had two older brothers and we were all given enema's at least once a week. Other times more if we were constipated or were naughty. I was able to see my mom and step dad give each other enema's through the big key holes of our bed room doors. It was always embarrassing when mom talked about giving us our enema's. As time went on and we got older some of us didn't mind getting them in fact we enjoyed them.

Enemas were never talked about at my house growing up. My first and prior experience was in labor. That didn't leave a good lasting impression on me. 😉

Growing up in the 50's and 60's, Enemas as a topic weren't really talked about, except maybe within the family. Practical application is another matter all together. Doctors in those days prescribed them for all kinds of ailments, and from what I can tell, Mothers around the world happily administered them to their children. (Take that you little brat, that's for all the grief you have caused on the last 5-6 years) My brother was the trouble maker of the family, and he seemed to get the lions share of enemas. The one and only enema I received was done very gently and with love. But with firmness also. Now that I am a geezer, I wish enemas were more openly discussed; on the other hand, if they were, we wouldn't have this great site to go to.

In our home enemas were often considered an open topic for discussion, just as much as they are in the chat groups in Zity. Biz.

When I was a younger child below the age of six, I became familiar with the family red open top enema bag with its long red tube and black enema and douche nozzles and the metal clamp that would snap open and closed. At that time it was used only for when I had trouble going to the bathroom or other illnesses. I recall that I learned to stay as far away from the enema bag as possible, even though mom kept the bag and tube hanging on the back of the bathroom door so that every time I went to the bathroom, I was reminded that the enema bag might be soon used for me. If I were not feeling well mom said that she wanted to clean me out so that my tummy ache would go away. Mom made it clear that the enema was simply a shower or bath for my insides, and she was both gentle and sympathetic in explaining that she often took enemas herself when she thought she needed them. She told me that she used the same bag and black nozzle with the vaseline for herself that she was using for me, and that later she would explain how to use the big douche nozzle for me when I was older.

Unlike many that I chatted with in rooms my mom never used a bulb for enemas, so I am not familiar with their use as many have explained their over the lap use.

Eventually after I was six years old, she decided to clean me out on a regular schedule about every two weeks as she wanted to prevent the illnesses that I had previously had. Sometimes she would surprise me when I came home from school.

She would tell me as soon as I came in the door to go upstairs and take off my school clothes and meet her in the bathroom. This continued until I was about 17 years old and went off to college.

When I got to the bathroom, I would see the red enema bag hanging from a hook on the shower rod and it was bulging and full of soapy water that I knew was going to have to take up my behind. The nozzle had vaseline on it, and as soon as I got to the bathroom, mom told me to get on my knees and lean over the side of the tub so that she could insert the nozzle into my backside while she sat on the closed toilet seat. I protested every time that I was feeling well but she would not listen to me.

Soon I had fullness and cramps and tried to pull out the nozzle, but she was holding it inside my bottom.

When she decided that the bag was empty, and I was full enough, she removed the tip and told me to go to the toilet. She watched as the soapsuds gushed out of me and she inspected the results while she was cleaning the bag and nozzle. Needless to say I was embarrassed by what came out of me and of the odors that no one here mentions. She told me that the results proved to her that I really needed the good cleaning out that she said she gave me.

Sandi

What a nice description of how you were introduced to enemas and how they became an ongoing part of your life

You should share more of your thoughts

Cheers,

Jag

In the 1950's in my household enemas were discussed frequently almost as much as they were taken or given. Whenever there was anything wrong with you, an enema was sure to help. It didn't matter if it was a headache, a stomach bug, trouble going, a cold, a fever, it really did not matter. a good clean out via the enema was always the answer. Mom frequently took an enema before bed. I remember her saying I am going into the bathroom for my enema, so if anyone has to go, go now (we only had one bathroom). I was often given an enema before bed, it would help me sleep without any nightmares. we had books about healthful diets and colonic irrigation and enemas. We discussed the need for regular good clean outs to maintain good health. Three or four times a year we had a good clean out with laxatives - also then called pugatives and enemas for three days. All of My Mothers sisters also discussed enemas regularly. I used to listen without being discovered after puberty and I discovered that enemas gave me an erection. I would listen to my aunts' discussing the recent good clean outs they had with enemas and how my one Aunt believed that three quarts was always required, while the others said that two was sufficient and that several were better than a three quarter. That of course made me try the three quarts which meant getting up after two and putting more water in the bag. That was fun.

I, too, grew up in the 50's. I recall several instances where enemas were discussed openly. One was at my aunt's house when I went for a visit with my grandma. Another instance occurred when my Mom and I were visiting a good friend who was home sick. His Mom told my Mom that she had given my friend a "tap water" enema earlier in the day to bring his temperature down. Other than that the only conversations where the word "enema" came out was when I asked Mom to give me one.

1. Enemas had been considered an open topic for discussion. Parents freely advising that they used them when needed.

My mom always considered enemas something to be openly discussed. While she had me on a routine of weekend enemas, if I needed one during the week, all I had to do was ask for one. But, I knew it would never be just one. Regardless, discussion of enemas was an open topic in our home. Mom usually took daily enemas and mentioned to Dad that she’s done her enemas. She gave him a lot of enemas too.

2. Enemas had been fully explained to children as to what they were and how they worked before the need arose. Encouraged to ask for one when feeling bad rather than being forced.

I got my first enemas one day when I had a tummy ache. Mom asked whether or not I wanted an enema? I had no idea what an enema was, but somehow I knew (I was only 5) that red thing hanging from the shower curtain rod was an enema bag. Mom’s cures (she was an RN) had always worked before, so of course, I agreed to an enema. She gave me a series of 3 SSEs and 2 rinses and explained the process to me.

Mom, being an RN, was often called upon to give enema training to other mothers and their children. I was usually used to show the child in question that enemas didn’t hurt. To me, it was no different than showing that taking Aspirin or cough syrup was easy to do.

3. All of the things about enemas that made children hate them like bag too high, higher volume than needed, etc. Things that caused discomfort or just plain hurt were not done.

Though she hung the bag from the shower curtain rod, she had me over her lap as she sat on the edge of the tub, so all things considered, the bag wasn’t hung too high. She also gave me a little bit for that first enema, took the nozzle out, had me stand up and checked my tummy before adding more soapy water to the bag to continue the enema, She worked up in volume slowly to find my limit.

4. A child’s enema was never discussed with other people or relatives that would be embarrassing to the child.

Quite the contrary! My enemas were openly discussed with her sisters and friends, as were their kids’ enemas.

5. All childhood enemas were given in a gentile loving way. Letting it be known that if some enjoyment was had that it was OK.

Mom’s enemas were always gentle and loving, until that day I pleaded for an alternative to a spanking and she suggested a punishment enema. That day, a whole other aspect of enemas was opened to me that enriched my life.

6. Self-administration was allowed and encouraged when an enema was needed. Responsible use was explained and the need to "sneak enemas" was stopped

I’d been sneaking enemas after school for a while. As an only child with both parents working. It was easy to do. I think Mom finally figured it out. Anyway, one day she gave me my own bag and told me to take some enemas whenever I wanted one, though I could always ask her to do them to me too.

7. What would be the public attitude toward enemas be today. Would there be a lot more of us enema lovers now.

Even during the so called Golden Age of enemas, enemas were something that were whispered about. I just don’t understand the “shame” of whatever about enemas.

As for Dr. Spock, not giving enemas to kids is just something else he was totally wrong about. Even for punishment!

The bottom line is that in many homes during the 50s, enemas were an open topic for discussion.

Sse4me, would you be kind enough to elaborate on the details of the punishment enema?