Problem with Formula

Updated on February 24, 2008
L.W. asks from Saint Paul, MN
49 answers

I have a 6 week old baby boy. I have been pumping and bottle feeding him breastmilk so far, but I would like to start introducing formula slowly. Last night I gave him a bottle of Enfamil Lipil formula. He seemed to do alright, but then a couple hours after the bottle he started spitting/throwing up horribly. It was very scary! He turned very pale and was obviously not feeling well. Now I'm scared to try other formulas. Has anyone had this happen to them? Any suggestions on finding the right kind of formula?

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all the advice everyone! After speaking with our pediatrician we have started gradually mixing the Target brand gentlease formula into breastmilk. Things are going great so far!

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T.B.

answers from Milwaukee on

Starting with my daughter's fifth month I introduced her to formula by mixing it with the breastmilk. 1/2BM & 1/2Formula. I was told it will help with her acceptance of it especially if I needed to change over to formula if my breastmilk supply would ever be reduced.

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L.G.

answers from Iowa City on

I was a pumper, too, and needed to convert to formula. I began mixing 1/2 to 1 ounce of prepared soy-based formula into the breast milk bottle. It was a slow transition, and you'll notice change in bowel action and smell, too. That's normal. But the slow transition is what helped my little guy! Good luck!

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T.L.

answers from Milwaukee on

Hi L.,
I had the problem as well, what I did was start mixing the breast milk with formula gradually...and I also used soy formula....when I say gradually, I mean gradually...I started out doing one ounce of formula to every 3 ounces of breast milk for 3 to 4 days...then I went 1.5 to 3 ounces, then 2 to 3 and then 3 to 3, for a while to let the little ones stomach adjust, and then eventually 4 to 3, and 5 to 3 and so on....I hope this helps...

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S.S.

answers from Lincoln on

As a mom who breastfed both of her children for over a year, I just don't understand pumping and bottlefeeding of breastmilk only to switch to formula. My advice is to put your baby to your breast, both you and she will be happier, and breast is what's best. Formula is MANMADE in an attempt to mimick breastmilk, but nothing can because NO ONE really knows what's in it. In addition, the formula cans are lined with a chemical called Bisphenol A-a hormone and endocrine disruptor the FDA is now taking a more serious look at. Please consider breast-feeding your baby, it's just so much better.

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S.T.

answers from Appleton on

My advice would be to keep him on Breast milk as long as you can. Formula is nowhere near as good for your baby then Breast milk. This is the one time in his life that you can do this for him. Please, for his sake, stick with the breast milk.

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N.O.

answers from Janesville-Beloit on

It contains soy which is full of enzyme-inhibitors. This makes it very difficult for little bodies to digest. This might be your problem. You might want to read up on soy. It is not all it's cracked up to be.

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L.

answers from Minneapolis on

Stick with breastmilk only, it's the best thing for baby's digestive system.

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S.J.

answers from Minneapolis on

First of all, if at all possible, the best thing would be to wait longer before giving him anything other than breastmilk. His mother's milk is a complete and perfect food for him for his first 6 months (or until he shows interest in eating solids.)

That said, sometimes there is a problem or situation in which
a baby must be supplemented with formula. He can be or become sensitive to dairy or soy or wheat or several of the other ingredients in formulas, so watch how he reacts and try to find something that he can be comfortable with. I have heard Nutramagen is good. Make sure the formula you choose has omega-3 - for brain and eye development (very rapid in the first year or 2).

Good Luck!

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S.K.

answers from St. Cloud on

I suggest that you exclusively breast feed as long as possible. Take a look at the ingredients of formula and then decide on whether you still want it going into your baby. You won't wonder why it made your baby sick. I couldn't believe it when I saw on one brand that sugar was one of the first three ingredients and all of the icky chemicals in it. It makes me wonder how it's even legal to sell it. Also, if and before you look into soy formula check into how it effects boys.

I also think its important for us to support eachother as mothers not criticize. i did not find Sonoma's response to be offensive in any way. L. asked for advice and that was her advice. There are many times when I am informed about something that I did not know and when I am told I appreciate the feedback, especially when it comes to my childs safety.

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T.J.

answers from Milwaukee on

I would definitely check with the pediatrician and tell them about the reaction. It did not sound from your description like just simply spitting up but included lethargy, paleness, and vomiting. The doctor might have more recommendations about what to try and how much to try or other advice. In the meantime, I too would stick with breastfeeding.

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K.H.

answers from Des Moines on

Hi L. - I cannot tell you how many moms I've talked to that had probs with Enfamil Lipil. I am absolutely not trying to badmouth the company - I just haven't talked to a mom yet whom the Lipil worked for. Most people had success switching to Similac and for tough cases I've hear Carnation Good Start works well. We had a toughie who had colic and milk protein intolerance so we had to go with Nutramagin (made by Enfamil actually) and no problems since. We did try to switch her back to Lipil once when she was about 6 m/o and it was a nightmare. Screaming, pain, and dark forest-green poops. We're sticking with what works!

OH - And to JULIE C and SONOMA - how dare you lecture and judge ANY other mother. This job is hard enough without a complete stranger chiding you for something that is of NO HARM to the child. The day you can say that you are the perfect mother then you can lecture us (and the rest of the world). Until then, keep a lid on your negative nonsense.

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J.R.

answers from Minneapolis on

Wow, good job pumping for six weeks! That's a lot of work- - but so good for your baby. Consider continuing with exclusive breast milk. If you are tired of pumping and not opposed to feeding at the breast (but are not because baby doesn't take the breast)it's not too late. Talk to a good lactation consultant (check with your hospital/clinic system, or look on line or in the yellow pages) There are many things that will help a resistant baby breast feed.

Your baby's system is trying to tell you "My body is not designed to digest cow milk" and you are sensitive enough to observe the correlation. You give him formula, he gets sick. All infant formulas are basically made of the same ingredients if you check out the labels - - with a basis of either cow milk protein or soy proteins. It doesn't matter what you pay or the brand you choose. Be careful, formula is nothing like breast milk (do some research about problems with formula)and some babies simply cannot tolerate it. This is one of many reasons the American Academy of Pediatrics, The World Health Organization and just about every other credible health organization recommends exclusive breast milk for six months and up to and beyond one year combined with first foods.

Good luck.

Good luck

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T.A.

answers from Bismarck on

L.,

I am a former daycare provider and have had this problem with a child in my daycare, and also my son when he had the Enfamil Lipil. With my son we ended up using the Parents Choice (walmart brand) Gentle. He did fine with it and rarely spit up. The little girl in my daycare would spit up pure water when she spit up and it would be almost the entire ounceage that she ate! She ended up being on a special formula called Nutramagen made be Enfamil. It is expensive, but she did stop spitting up all the water. I would suggest trying a small can of the gentle formula first and consulting your pediatitian if your little boy does not improve with that. He/She may have other reccomendations.

I too am offended by what Julie C responded. Not every woman can nurse. My son was not able to latch on properly, although I had an abundance of milk, so I choose to pump and feed him from a bottle so he could get that nutrition until i was mentally and physically not able to do so anymore. Do what works best for you, and don't let people like Julie C discourage you from what you are doing. YOU do what YOU need to do for YOU and Your baby!!

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A.H.

answers from Waterloo on

Is there a reason that you need to give him formula? Breastmilk exclusively is best for the 1st 2 years at a minimum. I have heard nothing but negative results from people who formula feed. There are very few things in life that you can do for your child that will guarantee him a positive future, and breastfeeding is one of them! Please consider it.

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L.J.

answers from Davenport on

Yes this happened with me, My baby is 3 1/2 months old so I'm right here with ya. You have to understand that 1 you must give her tummy time to ajust to new food so it can take a wile give her more time with it don't give up on it pluss may be it is the type of formula try the sensitive stomic kind but first keep trying for at least a couple more days, trust me even though it look like she is spittin up a lot or all it may just be acouple of tea spoons, plus when you take her for her check up and her weight is normal youll see she is doing fine.

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B.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

We started formula about 6 weeks also. Our Dr, told us to do like 75% breastmilk and 25% formula and gradually add more formula, less breastmilk. We did this for a couple of weeks and our son did well. We also used the same formula as you. Good luck!

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S.O.

answers from Minneapolis on

My son did not do well with the iron content of Enfamil (and had the same reaction as your baby did from the way it looks). We switched him to Similac Isomil Advanced Soy (he was also a gassy little being so the soy was good for ending that!) The problem was over with the first bottle and we never went back. Check with your ped. about her/his suggestions, too.

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A.M.

answers from Eau Claire on

We had the same problem with our first son. We tried Soy based formula and he was fine. Give that a try! Our son is now 9 and he is fine. Just remember to do what you feel is best for you and your baby. I struggled with some issues myself and my husband encouraged me to not be stressed about breastfeeding. After all, if I wasn't happy, then my baby wouldn't be happy and I wanted to enjoy my time, not be stressed. I just had my third child and I found the Dr. Brown bottles also made a difference.

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L.G.

answers from Minneapolis on

I would suggest checkng with your son's pediatrician. He may have an allergy that may be causing this.
Good luck!

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K.D.

answers from Waterloo on

L.,
I had the same problem many years ago, Try Good Start or Parents Choice baby formula its in all stages of infant ages. Everyone whom I have suggested has been real satified and Try little amounts at a time. usually when a baby spits up or vomits its because the baby has eaten too much. Continue to breast feed and then suppliment with formulas of 1-2 oz at atime. Burp in between to let the air pockets out. That's must! Remember your infants stomach is only a size of a large walnut and cannot hold much, that is why a baby is up feeding 6-8 times a day. Good Luck KM

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L.M.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi, L.!

I am a SAHM of Three, 10, almost 4, and 2 1/2 year olds. I breastfed all of them, but when I had my first after 4 months it was very hard as I worked full time and was spending way too much time at work pumping. My supervisor was understanding, but I still felt like I was being paid to pump my breast milk all day. My pediatrician said that at that point my son had a great start and not to feel bad about switching to formula. With him and with all my kids (my 2nd I fed for 7 months, my third for 9months), when we switched to formula I used a generic brand. My pediatrician said they were all good and that just because it was more expensive it did not mean it was better for them. We saved hundreds of dollars using the generic brands as they were half the price and were just as good as the "name brand" formulas. Iron is important in their diet and does cause some problems like gas, constipation, but you should make sure they are also drinking enough water to help with the bowel movements. I agree with one of your other responces that sometimes they will get sick if they eat too much, too fast. They are used to how the flow comes from your breast and how hard they sucked to get the milk from there. Try different bottles or tops to see if this helps. I liked the angled bottles myself, and also like the bags versus the regular bottles as you can squeeze out the extra air. Before you make a decision though, talk to your dr. That's what they are there for. It's great to hear what worked for your friends, but be sure to ask those questions of your dr before making the changes. Best wishes for you and your family!

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T.S.

answers from Fargo on

I would check with your pediatrician before changing any formulas, etc. I would also consider gradually weaning your baby to formula from breast milk (whether you choose to breast feed or give your baby formula - that is a very personal decision and I respect that). My oldest daughter had issues with gassy, etc from formula. I spoke at length with my pediatrician and she really cautioned me on switching formulas around - that can cause tummy issues too. I would speak with your doctor, try to gradually wean your baby to formula when you are ready and try to stick to the formula for a couple of days to give it a fair chance rather than go from one formula to the next and to the next. Your baby just might need some time to get used to it. Good luck!

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C.B.

answers from Cedar Rapids on

My oldest had this same problem when he was around three months old. We tried both Similac and Enfamil with no luck. Nestle Good Start finally worked. There were some store brands that worked well too. But we stuck exclusively with the Good Start for a while, because I didn't want to risk it. The Similac and Enfamil made him gassy and constipated. His little tummy just couldn't digest it yet. Hope Good Start works for you!

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N.W.

answers from Davenport on

I had a breastfeeding problem with my first one, tried the whole pump and feed, the whole works. It strongly contributed to my post partum depression....next time around, so NOT worth it! We went formula from the get go. And regardless of what others say... breast is NOT always best, if it is not working, is uncomfortable or just not a mother's choice, formula is fine. Frankly, my children have been healthier than ANY strictly breastfed baby I know! Whatever YOU choose is fine for your baby!

That said, you didn't mention if you were using powder or ready to feed or liquid concentrate, but sometimes that can make a difference. My son ended up on soy out of frustration (for awhile then we switched to regular), but many people I know including myself & most of may daycare babies have used (or substituted) with Carnation Good Start. I swear by that formula! Sometimes Liquid concentrate is easier on the tummy than powder. Also, one daycare baby had this problem any time we had to give breastmilk and formula in the same feeding. We had to do all breastmilk for a feeding, then we could use only formula for another feeding. Any time he had them both at one feeding he would vomit all he had drank!

Hope you can figure it out, I know how frustrating it can be with feedings and spittting and all that comes with it!

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S.C.

answers from Milwaukee on

My son had a similar situation to Good Start. I just switched to Smiliac Advance.
However, before making the big switch the best thing to do for your son is to transition him into formula. My dr. said to do half and half for a couple of days then to go all formula. this will help him get use to the taste as well as help his stomach. keep in mind that formula tends to be thicker then breastmilk so he may have just over ate.
We are transitioning our daughter now(6 months). We did the pump and bottle feed for 4 months, but i had pumped enough to make it to 6 months exclusively.

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J.S.

answers from Dubuque on

I would call your doctor and tell them what happened and see what they think. I breast fed my son for six weeks then turned to formula b/c I just couldn't do it anymore. He would scream and cry exactly an hour after he ate. We tried several different formulas before we found the right one that worked for him. He ended up having a milk protein alergy. I would also ask your doctor for different samples because we went out and bought a ton of different formulas and ended throwing most of them away. But seriously call your doctor first before you give your baby anymore formula

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J.R.

answers from Minneapolis on

Scary! We use the "gentle" formula. Enfamil Gentlease is the brand name. They also make different formulas that help with colic, reflux, fussiness and spitting up.
Don't give up, our doctor warned us something like that could happen. Just watch him, and it may take a couple days for that little system to adjust!

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J.M.

answers from Davenport on

He may be reacting to the Iron in the formula. You may want to try another brand. Good start is very gentle on tummies. If that doesn't work then go to soy. If you haven't already, talk to your Dr./Nurse about which way to go. Another option may be mixing 1/2 and 1/2.

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K.S.

answers from Rochester on

I'd like to first say that I know how hard pumping and bottle feeding breastmilk is- I did for 7mths before my supply got to low to continue (I spent 6 hours a day pumping and got only 2 bottles worth!). We had the same problem with my son and decided to try Enfamil Gentlease. It stopped the vomitting and gas. We switch between it and Similac Sensitive. Both have been great for him. Good luck with everything. Feel good about making it this far, as any breastmilk is better than none.

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L.R.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi L.
Boy does that sound like what happened to my daughter when she was teeny. Enfamil anything made her vomit a lot. Then I tried Good Start, and she was still gassy but not throwing up. Finally my doctor suggested Similac Isomil Advance which is a soy formula and she took to that really well. I think it's just a matter of finding the right formula for your baby's tummy. I would ask the doctor what they recommend for your son. And good luck, I know it can be scary!

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C.C.

answers from Des Moines on

I have triplets that are 4 1/2 months old. They were in the hospital for the first three months of their lives. I was only ever able to pump one oz of breast milk every three hours, so my little ones were fed in the hospital with a combination of breast milk and formula. After our little ones got home, they were strictly on formula (Similac Neosure). Shortly after being home, each of the three started spitting up and projectile vomiting. After several trips to the doctor and trying multiple kinds of formula ranging from the standard priced formula's to the more expensive kinds and both Enfamil and Similac, it has been determined that our little ones have acid reflux that they are on medication for, a sensative stomach to some formulas, and problems with the valve in their stomach closing to keep the formula down. We are back to the Neosure and are putting a tablespoon per every two ounces of formula of cereal in the bottles to help thicken the formula which does help keep it down a little more. We even tried the Soy formula and the formula's specially made for those babies with lactose issues. Our little ones all three still spit up or vomited on those. It may just take talking to your doctor and trying some different formulas. You will want to give a new formula about a week or so to really see if it will work. I made the mistake of switching too much too fast and worsened our problem.

I also take offense to Julie C's comment. God didn't allow my body to make enough breast milk to feed my little ones even from day one and even after taking several rounds of medications and trying natural remedies to increase my supply. Not everyone can do it, and there is nothing wrong with that. Sometimes not breast feeding will make you a better mother than continuing to breast feed only because of pressure from others. You have to do what is right for you. God really didn't make it so we could all successfully breast feed our babies whether we want to or not. Good luck to you.

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C.C.

answers from Madison on

We had a problem with our last baby not handling certain formulas well. He was doing fine on Similac until about 5-6 weeks of age. Then he seemed to spit up more and was constantly cranky because he was so gassy. Called the Dr. and she said to use the Neslte Goood Start I think it was supreme formula. She said it was easier on babies stomaches because it was closer to breast milk. After a few days of the new formula it was night and day difference. Hopefully this will help.

-Amanda

Mom of 3.

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R.V.

answers from Minneapolis on

L.,
I understand how you feel. My son had problems with latching on so we had to swith to pumping and bottle feeding and then to formula after about 3 months. THe one thing that popped into my head was that you said you gave him a bottle of formula. Did you mix it with breast milk or give it staight? You need to give his system time to adjust to the formula. You should gradually "wean" him off breast milk and onto formula by mixing them together. For example, 1/4 formula and 3/4 breast milk for a couple weeks, then 1/2 and 1/2 for a couple weeks, the 1/4 breast milk and 3/4 formula for a couple weeks, then all formula. You should be able to tell if you are switching too fast because he will get an upset tummy and will spit up, possible vomit and possible get diarhea. It took us about 2 months to get our son onto 100%formula. Also, like one of the other Moms said, the store brands are just as good as the name brand formulas. We had the best luck with the Target brand. My son had a problem with gas and the Target brand seemed to be the best for his tummy. It also takes severla weeks to know if a specific formula is going to work for your son so don't switch brands too fast.
DO NOT let those other Moms berate you for doing what you need to do. You are the only one that decide what is best for you and your child. SHAME ON THEM for treating you that way!
I hope that helps!

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S.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

L.,
My son was/is allergic to dairy and had horrible reactions (including projectile "spit-up") to dairy-based formulas. We didn't realize it at the time, but he also had been reacting to the diary and peanuts he received from my breast milk, but since I was convinced that breast milk was "perfect", we attributed his rashes, cradle cap, etc... to soap, detergents, etc... and his "spit-up" to the rationale that "some babies spit up more than others," which is what my doctor told me when I expressed concern. Later we discovered that it was his food allergies, so don't let anyone convince you that breast feeding is the ONLY way to go. Do what is best for you and your family.

I breastfed for seven months with both of my children until I had to return to work. I tried pumping and breastfeeding morning and evenings, but my body eventually stopped making enough milk, and since I didn't want my kids to starve, I gradually switched to formula. Our daughter, now two, did well on Gentlease (actually the Target brand of it because it's half the price). She does not show any signs of allergies. However, our son ended up in the hospital after a severe reacion to dairy, and that's how we found out about his allergies.

Since so many allergic babies also react negatively to soy, we were told to put him on Similac's Alementum or Enfamil's Nutramigin (spelling may not be exactly correct). They are very expensive, but they worked. As many have advised, I mixed about 75% breast milk with 25% formula at first and transitioned from there. Later we switched him to soy, and he drinks soy milk to this day. He is now 4 years old.

Being a mom is the most wonderful thing and the hardest thing I've ever done. All the advice can be overwhelming. Be sure to consult your child's doctor. Trust your instincts and listen to those who offer advice without judgement :)

Good luck to you!

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C.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

Once I switched to formula for my daughter I started by mixing the formula with the breast milk. We started with a little at a time and then increased the amount of formula over time. My daughter also had a horrible time with the formula. We discovered by the time she was three that she is alergic to dairy products. I'm sure this is why she had such a hard time with it. Which ever formula you do go with do it gradually so that it isn't such a shock to his system.

B.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

I know how hard it is to pump. My oldest was tongue tied, and not knowing at the time we were told he'd get the hang of it or we'd just have to switch to formula. I've alwyas wanted to breastfeed, formula waS NOT an option for my kids. I pumped for 7 wks with my oldest before we went ahead with the frenlectomy (cutting the frenelum, tongue tie) and it took us another 3-4wks to get him back on the breast full time. It waS HARD work, but so worth it in the end. I found a great IBCLC (lactation consultant) who worked with me for days to get him back on the breast.

I would suggest you try the same! I KNOW how hard it is to pump, its like feeding two babies.... yours and then teh pump! I agree with Jenny R, and Sonoma (sp?) that formula is man made, its very hard to digest, and babies are just not meant to digest it. Soy isn't all its cracked up to be, and heck even cows need 7 stomachs to digest thier own milk!

Good luck, and if you do go the formula route, take it slowly. But look into gettin a lactation consultant to help you get him on the breast. Best of luck!

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D.J.

answers from Des Moines on

I would suggest Prosobee. I breastfed my daughter until she was six months old and introduced Enfamil Lipil. She was a completely different baby. Before that, she slept really well and was a pretty calm, happy baby. After I started giving her formula once a day, she would scream and throw her head back for hours after that formula bottle. My doctor said that she was probably allergic to cow's milk. We tried Prosobee for three days and it stopped. She is 22 months old right now and just starting to be able to drink some cow's milk. It has been hard and soy based foods are a little more expensive, but she is back to her cheerful self now.

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S.C.

answers from Bismarck on

I didn't have a problem but my sister did with all of her kids when she switched to formula. She had to go to soy formula and it worked. I had no problem with formula I used the walmart brand on 2 of my kids because we were low on money and the last one would not take a bottle until 10 months old. I hope it works and good luck. Also don't feel bad about switching from breast to formula with my first one I did not breast feed and she is ok with my second one I could not get him to latch on properly and I quit when he was 6 weeks old and he is ok my last one would not take formula and when he started to take a bottle I used whole milk. and he is ok. I did enjoy breast feeding but if it were up to me I would breast feed at night and hold him for about a half hour afterwards just to make sure he is ok.

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D.N.

answers from Wausau on

Is there any reason why you want to spend the extra money on formula? If it were me, I'd just continue to nurse him. I would certainly consult his doctor regarding the vomiting and most importantly his pallor.

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K.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi L.,
I was reading the other's responses and was terribly offended by the response from Julie C. I just want to encourage you to feed your baby the way that you want and can feed her. I tried breastfeeding, but could not supply my son with enought breastmilk so I had to change to formula. He turned out just fine. He is 2 years old now and is developing normally. So please do not listen to others advice about how to feed your baby. You are the mother and you know what is best for you and your child!!!! That being said, our son would spit up after feeding him when we used Similac formula. We switched to Enfamil Lupil. We also started stirring his formula to mix it instead of shaking it as this caused it to have a ton of bubbles in it, which caused him to get more air in his stomach. We also used Dr. Brown's bottles. Once we did these things, he seemed to be a lot better. I have to say I feel like the bottles made a huge difference. Enjoy that little bundle of joy!!!!

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J.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

Before you take advice from anyone, check with your pediatrician. There could be other reasons for the upset. In the meantime, stick with breastmilk - there is nothing better.

SAHM of seven healthy, beautiful kids

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K.M.

answers from Omaha on

Don't fret this happened with my son also, sometimes it just takes trying a couple of different kinds to see which one works best. We always had the best luck with the powdered kind. It seemed like everytime we gave him a premixed one it wouldn't agree with his belly. It also seemed like we had to burp him a lot more when we fed him formula. Good luck. There's so many different formulas on the market now I am sure you'll find one that works for you both!

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K.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi L., Congratulations on your new little one!
I work very closley with Isj Peds/Nsry and as a mom of two little ones my self I too would recomend introducing slowly first doing 75% breasmilk 25% formula Do that for 4 days, then try 50/50 for another 4 days and then 27/75 etc...
I loved using Enfamil Products and was alway's told by Higher Authorities that they are top of the line, I did use Gentle Ease and I loved that! Good Luck!

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C.W.

answers from Milwaukee on

L., I am a mom of three breastfed babies(switched to formula around eight months) and I also work in childcare. Your sons spitting/throwing up may have been caused by the specific formula that you tried, or maybe the abrupt change from breast milk to formula. My experience and all of the info about introducing formula that I've read suggests mixing the breastmilk with formula so that it isn't such a shock to your babies system. If you mix 3/4's breastmilk with 1/4 formula for a few days, then 1/2 and 1/2, then 1/4 to 3/4's then full formula it is a gradual change and gives your baby's digestive system a chance to get used to the formula. You will notice a change in bowel movements(consistency and odor).

You may also want to try a formula that is more gentle on the system,(like Nestle' Good Start)it contains (hydrolized) protein that has been broken up into its component parts making it easier to digest. Info at www.verybestbaby.com. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests only using a soy formula when medically necessary. Cow's milk is a better source of protein, and some minerals such as calcium are not as efficiently absorbed from soy formulas. I found the powdered formula more palatable, convenient for mixing and storage, and my kids stools smelled better than with ready to serve formulas. Another suggestion is to either use nursery water, (if you are unsure about your tap water), or to boil tap water for 2-3 minutes and let it cool before using it to mix formula.

It's up to you how quickly you want to change over to formula. If you want to keep breastfeeding, but just cut down on the amount you could keep the mix 1/2 and 1/2 for a while, then continue the change in ratios when you are ready to completely switch. At about one year of age you can transition the same way to whole milk.

I hope this information is helpful to you. Whatever you choose, I hope all goes well. Best of luck!
C. W.

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L.M.

answers from Minneapolis on

The exact same thing happened to me a couple of weeks ago with my 4 month old. She had been getting breastmilk exclusively and we gave her about 4 ounces of Enfamil lipil. She took it great and then 2+ hours later was violently ill for hours. It was awful.

We waited another week and then gave her Nestle Goodstart in the purple can - the gentle kind with the comfort proteins. We mixed one ounce of formula with 3 ounces of breastmilk and had no problems. We're currently up to a 50/50 ratio and so far, so good. By next week we should be on full bottles of formula.

I don't know for sure that the formula made a difference - the enfamil may have been fine if we had introduced it a little at a time like we're doing with the good start. But I will stick with what's working!

Good Luck!!

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R.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

L.,
My son had the same problem with all iron fortified formulas. When he was born you didn't have as many options - even though it was only 7 years ago. I was scared to put my daughter on any formula that had iron because I didn't want her to throw up and be miserable like my son was. You should try the Enfamil Gentlease formula (in the purple can). It still has iron, but seemed to be a lot easier on my daughter's system. I hope you find something that sits better with your little boy.

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A.V.

answers from Minneapolis on

Didi you give him straight formula if so he could be having digestive problems you are supposed to slowly add the formula to BM and every couple days make the formula ration mor and BM less. or it could also be the formula isn't the right kind or brand my 7 1/2 month old is very picky about formula it has to be target brand soy or she gets and upset tummy diareah etc.. you should also contact you ped. and ask what they think. Also don't let anyone make you feel bad about wanting to formula feed they have done so much research on both and it comes out to be a tie on which one is better just depends on the study i tryed to breast feed both my children and they were both allergic to my milk even thru changing diet, soap, pills, lactation consultants etc.. we did everything imaginable DO NOT let anyone make you feel bad i read some responses and OMG be nice people it is her choice not yours

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M.L.

answers from Green Bay on

I started formula with my baby girl at about the same age you are with your baby boy. My daughter had a similar reaction to milk based formula. She would spit up, throw up and get really bad stomach aches. After speaking with my girlfriend, who's a Doctor, I put her on "Soy Formula". It worked, she hasn't had a problem since. She's 16 months old and just as healthy as can be. She now drinks Soy Milk instead of regular milk for the same reason.

And I agree w/ a lot of the other Mom's who are saying that Nestle Good Starts gentle formula is a good choice...

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A.S.

answers from Iowa City on

L.,

My kids never have done well with Enfamil. They have done better with Similac. If you have a small can from hospital I would just try some to see what the reaction is. If all else fails and you really want formula. I would consult your peditrican. He should have a check up soon so, just ask when there maybe s/he will have some advice for you.

I agree with the other moms as well to slowly transition him. I have tried to avoid the whole formula thing with my kids recently but, I am not one who feels you must and only breastfeed. Best wishes!

Congrats on being a first time mom!!! I remember the days.

A.

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