When we took Addy for constipation -which I was told isn't constipation by constipation's definition- our pediatrician told us to just try to find the formula that fits her best and helps ease the poop issue. I thought soy was a dead ringer but when the pedi pointed out that you can tell when there are food sensitivities by the redness around their anus not associated with diaper rash (which she doesn't have) I noticed her little bottom is red, red, red after having soy formula.
So now the quest is on to find a formula again. But we don't know what to use. I want so badly to just BF her and let that be that b/c I know then that I can control what I eat and she'll be fine but b/c DH and I decided that it was best to just stop while on the Lisinopril to listen to the docs and err on the side of caution I can't do that (and it makes me a little depressed and feeling like a failure)
So, what are our choices? Where do we go from here for a baby who can't tolerate soy or milk-based or gentle? She's so gassy, fussy, and spits up after eating all.the.time. And our pedi actually listens and believes I'm right. But I don't know what formula to go to next.
Please, please, please no flames. I just want to know what I can do for Addy so that she can eat and poop w/o any problems. I came here because there are so many BTDTs that can point me in the right direction. If I could BF I would but both my doctors felt it was for the best to not do it while on Lisinopril and they won't switch b/c they know it works the best (think 166/120 to 130/88 while on Lisinopril)
-- Edited by Jennie on Thursday 15th of October 2009 08:51:06 PM
Jennie, I can't imagine anyone that would flame you here.
The red bum to me means steer clear of soy. And soy can make the consitpation worse which we learned with Tristen.
We used Similac Advance with Koda, BUT, we had to use Mylecon drops everytime for the gas. Also, I recommend the playtex bottles with the collpsible liners (i've also heard good things about Dr. Browns, just no personal experience). We would shake up the bottle, then add the drops to break up all the air bubbles, then feed the bottle.
After feeding (stopping lots and lots to burp), Koda spent A LOT of time in the vibrating bouncy. Being somewhat upright and bounced with our foot also helped the gas. When none of the helped, being held in the football position by Travis also helped.
I can't remember why, but our ped also had us put him on his side instead of back. We propped him with the positioner. I'm assuming it was part of the gas isseus, but honestly,. I'm not 100% on that one.
I know coffequeen went to heck and back dealing with gas and collick. She owuld be a good resource too.
I think the hypoallergenic formulas (formulae? LOL) are Nutramigen and Alimentum but I believe (not totally sure here) they contain hydrolized milk or soy proteins, which means they are broken up so are easier to digest, but if she's really allergic, you may need an elemental formula.
Did she just start spitting up when you gave the formula?
Sometimes making a switch from BM to formula without a transition can cause the gas, constipation issues. Their body is not use to it. Could that be it?
The formula that Alison listed is usually very good and easy on the stomach. It is very expensive though.
The only one that worked for us is the Good Start one with the comfort proteins.
Have you tried to stimulate her rectum with a a thermometer or something? Sometimes that alone will help with the constipation.
Did she just start spitting up when you gave the formula?
Sometimes making a switch from BM to formula without a transition can cause the gas, constipation issues. Their body is not use to it. Could that be it?
The formula that Alison listed is usually very good and easy on the stomach. It is very expensive though.
The only one that worked for us is the Good Start one with the comfort proteins.
Have you tried to stimulate her rectum with a a thermometer or something? Sometimes that alone will help with the constipation.
Both of my kids could handle Good Start even when other cows milk formulas didn't work. Stephen was a changed baby when I switched him to Good Start. Neither one of my kids are allergic to cows milk just sensitive to it.
Did she just start spitting up when you gave the formula?
Sometimes making a switch from BM to formula without a transition can cause the gas, constipation issues. Their body is not use to it. Could that be it?
The formula that Alison listed is usually very good and easy on the stomach. It is very expensive though.
The only one that worked for us is the Good Start one with the comfort proteins.
Have you tried to stimulate her rectum with a a thermometer or something? Sometimes that alone will help with the constipation.
The pedi said its not really constipation by constipation's definition since she still as a bowel movement every 1-2 days but its very hard for her to go. We have to hold her upright and walk with her and massage her belly. I'd like to think that part of the problem is the iron too. But you're hard pressed to find a formula that doesn't contain extra iron.
She was started off on formula, switched to BM, supplemented with formula when I couldn't keep up with her, and then switched to formula 100%. We started with Enfamil, moved to Similac b/c it sat with her better but then the poop issues. Switched to the WM brand Gentle but that didn't do the trick. Currently use the Good Start Soy. I LOVE Good Start but we have to go through heck and two counties just to find it. Sheesh. I've never knew formula could be so hard to track down. Sometimes our BRU carries it. WM carries the little cans. Our grocery store chain does not. And Target is hit or miss.
I have not tried to stimulate her rectum. I'm such a prude that I don't think I could w/o feeling really weird. I know the pedi said that we could give her the Mylecon when she's trying to go.
I'm going to do that with the bottles though! I don't know why I didn't think about it before. And I'll look into the Dr. Brown's bottles. She had BAD gas last night. She's not collicky but colic's definition- But she does have episodes at night after her bedtime feeding where she cries for up to 30 minutes with a break in between. Does that count? I thought colic was like constant crying for hours.. IDK- never had to deal with it.
I'll keep looking and looking. I don't know if I've seen the Nutrimigen and Alumentin. But then I've never really had to look for them either.
Goodstart was the only thing Austins tummy could handle. He was also super sensitive to the other formulas. Do you think you could order it online or something? I mean if its something that works for her, I would go for it. Good for you for being proactive about her gassiness and red bum. And don't feel bad for not being able to continue bf'ing. You need to worry about your own health as well so you can take care of her and Collin. Hang in there....
Did she just start spitting up when you gave the formula?
Sometimes making a switch from BM to formula without a transition can cause the gas, constipation issues. Their body is not use to it. Could that be it?
The formula that Alison listed is usually very good and easy on the stomach. It is very expensive though.
The only one that worked for us is the Good Start one with the comfort proteins.
Have you tried to stimulate her rectum with a a thermometer or something? Sometimes that alone will help with the constipation.
The pedi said its not really constipation by constipation's definition since she still as a bowel movement every 1-2 days but its very hard for her to go. We have to hold her upright and walk with her and massage her belly. I'd like to think that part of the problem is the iron too. But you're hard pressed to find a formula that doesn't contain extra iron.
She was started off on formula, switched to BM, supplemented with formula when I couldn't keep up with her, and then switched to formula 100%. We started with Enfamil, moved to Similac b/c it sat with her better but then the poop issues. Switched to the WM brand Gentle but that didn't do the trick. Currently use the Good Start Soy. I LOVE Good Start but we have to go through heck and two counties just to find it. Sheesh. I've never knew formula could be so hard to track down. Sometimes our BRU carries it. WM carries the little cans. Our grocery store chain does not. And Target is hit or miss.
I have not tried to stimulate her rectum. I'm such a prude that I don't think I could w/o feeling really weird. I know the pedi said that we could give her the Mylecon when she's trying to go.
I'm going to do that with the bottles though! I don't know why I didn't think about it before. And I'll look into the Dr. Brown's bottles. She had BAD gas last night. She's not collicky but colic's definition- But she does have episodes at night after her bedtime feeding where she cries for up to 30 minutes with a break in between. Does that count? I thought colic was like constant crying for hours.. IDK- never had to deal with it.
I'll keep looking and looking. I don't know if I've seen the Nutrimigen and Alumentin. But then I've never really had to look for them either.
do not let Kelly read this,lol. No, that is not colic. Sounds like just gas. Have you tried the mylicon drops or the gripe water? It could be from switching formulas too.
I used the playtex drop in bottles and they worked well.
Did she just start spitting up when you gave the formula?
Sometimes making a switch from BM to formula without a transition can cause the gas, constipation issues. Their body is not use to it. Could that be it?
The formula that Alison listed is usually very good and easy on the stomach. It is very expensive though.
The only one that worked for us is the Good Start one with the comfort proteins.
Have you tried to stimulate her rectum with a a thermometer or something? Sometimes that alone will help with the constipation.
The pedi said its not really constipation by constipation's definition since she still as a bowel movement every 1-2 days but its very hard for her to go. We have to hold her upright and walk with her and massage her belly. I'd like to think that part of the problem is the iron too. But you're hard pressed to find a formula that doesn't contain extra iron.
She was started off on formula, switched to BM, supplemented with formula when I couldn't keep up with her, and then switched to formula 100%. We started with Enfamil, moved to Similac b/c it sat with her better but then the poop issues. Switched to the WM brand Gentle but that didn't do the trick. Currently use the Good Start Soy. I LOVE Good Start but we have to go through heck and two counties just to find it. Sheesh. I've never knew formula could be so hard to track down. Sometimes our BRU carries it. WM carries the little cans. Our grocery store chain does not. And Target is hit or miss.
I have not tried to stimulate her rectum. I'm such a prude that I don't think I could w/o feeling really weird. I know the pedi said that we could give her the Mylecon when she's trying to go.
I'm going to do that with the bottles though! I don't know why I didn't think about it before. And I'll look into the Dr. Brown's bottles. She had BAD gas last night. She's not collicky but colic's definition- But she does have episodes at night after her bedtime feeding where she cries for up to 30 minutes with a break in between. Does that count? I thought colic was like constant crying for hours.. IDK- never had to deal with it.
I'll keep looking and looking. I don't know if I've seen the Nutrimigen and Alumentin. But then I've never really had to look for them either.
do not let Kelly read this,lol. No, that is not colic. Sounds like just gas. Have you tried the mylicon drops or the gripe water? It could be from switching formulas too.
I used the playtex drop in bottles and they worked well.
Sounds like gas to me too Jennie, and although all my babies were breast babies, I do know from my cousin's recent experience that switching formulas aggravates it. I can't tell you how many different formulas she had to try before she finally found one that worked for him. There's been so many, I can't even remember what finally worked. I'll ask her though. Addie sounds a lot like Nolyn--he had trouble pooping too, but wasn't "constipated"
Did she just start spitting up when you gave the formula?
Sometimes making a switch from BM to formula without a transition can cause the gas, constipation issues. Their body is not use to it. Could that be it?
The formula that Alison listed is usually very good and easy on the stomach. It is very expensive though.
The only one that worked for us is the Good Start one with the comfort proteins.
Have you tried to stimulate her rectum with a a thermometer or something? Sometimes that alone will help with the constipation.
The pedi said its not really constipation by constipation's definition since she still as a bowel movement every 1-2 days but its very hard for her to go. We have to hold her upright and walk with her and massage her belly. I'd like to think that part of the problem is the iron too. But you're hard pressed to find a formula that doesn't contain extra iron.
She was started off on formula, switched to BM, supplemented with formula when I couldn't keep up with her, and then switched to formula 100%. We started with Enfamil, moved to Similac b/c it sat with her better but then the poop issues. Switched to the WM brand Gentle but that didn't do the trick. Currently use the Good Start Soy. I LOVE Good Start but we have to go through heck and two counties just to find it. Sheesh. I've never knew formula could be so hard to track down. Sometimes our BRU carries it. WM carries the little cans. Our grocery store chain does not. And Target is hit or miss.
I have not tried to stimulate her rectum. I'm such a prude that I don't think I could w/o feeling really weird. I know the pedi said that we could give her the Mylecon when she's trying to go.
I'm going to do that with the bottles though! I don't know why I didn't think about it before. And I'll look into the Dr. Brown's bottles. She had BAD gas last night. She's not collicky but colic's definition- But she does have episodes at night after her bedtime feeding where she cries for up to 30 minutes with a break in between. Does that count? I thought colic was like constant crying for hours.. IDK- never had to deal with it.
I'll keep looking and looking. I don't know if I've seen the Nutrimigen and Alumentin. But then I've never really had to look for them either.
do not let Kelly read this,lol. No, that is not colic. Sounds like just gas. Have you tried the mylicon drops or the gripe water? It could be from switching formulas too.
I used the playtex drop in bottles and they worked well.
Sounds like gas to me too Jennie, and although all my babies were breast babies, I do know from my cousin's recent experience that switching formulas aggravates it. I can't tell you how many different formulas she had to try before she finally found one that worked for him. There's been so many, I can't even remember what finally worked. I'll ask her though. Addie sounds a lot like Nolyn--he had trouble pooping too, but wasn't "constipated"
Is there something we can do to help make it easier for to go?
We've tried to find the right formula to help her. Good Start is better than the other brands I've found. And we live for Mylecon in this house. I did what you suggested, Melissa, and she was perfectly fine!
Honestly- aside from the lactose issue which I know she has. WTETFY said that congestion not related to a cold was a sign of an intolerance. She was super congested a month ago. No fever just congested. I had a can of soy on hand and we switched to it and it cleared up. The pedi didn't say I was wrong. She agreed.
