Nutramigen Formula

Hi R.,

My daughter was on Alimentum (the Similac version of Nutramigen) from 8 weeks old until 5 months for colic. At 5 months, she went back on Similac Advance and she was fine, and has been fine ever since (she's almost one). I'm sure it depends on why the special formula is needed, but in our case, we didn't have to use it that long.

I've heard that you can write to the formula companies and ask for samples. Depending on why it's needed, maybe you could check with your insurance company to see if they might cover it. Good luck!

~K.

1 mom found this helpful

My sister had twins and her daughter was on the Nutramigen for the whole twleve months, however I would ask your pedi and see what he says. As far as adding rice cereal to their formula - NO! If they are having digestive problems already, rice cereal will only make matters worse. Their little tummy's can't handle cereal at two months. Also introducing solids before 4 months might cause food allergies. Other problems can occur because their sucking and swallowing actions are not yet fully coordinated and they can inhale small amounts of the rice cereal into their lungs, which can lead to pulmonary problems. Adding cereal also forces them to take in deceptively large amounts of calories and teaches them to overeat. I am not sure where you are live, but I would highly recommend finding a Mother's of Multiples Group near you that can help support you. There are so many issues specific to multiples that you will find it a blessing to have their support! Good luck and if you need help finding a MOM's group, let me know and I will find one in your area - I am sure that you have your hands full! God bless!

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I would definitely consider checking WIC since you are a low income family with only one income w/twins you should qualify. I would NOT give any amount of cereal to your babies that could make matters worse and their tummies can not tolerate it at least until they reach 4-6 months. Pedi's now want to wait closer to 5-6 months before you start introducing cereal or other foods.

I would definitely try getting involved in a support group for mothers of multiples, It REALLY helped my brother's Best Friend of 25 yrs that has triplets and were living on only one income. It was a Real struggle with diapers, wipes, formula, medicine. You might try some Catholic Churches too. I know when I was struggling being a single mother of a newborn from pregnancy on I got some assistance through the churches with diapers, wipes, formula, clothing.

Good Luck and i hope this helps.
M.

1 mom found this helpful

Our son was on Nutramigen for 2 1/2 months. Here's why... apparently, since he was a little late, the good bacteria in his stomach had not been used, and therefore 'tossed away' in his tummy. The reason Nutramigen is so good (and sticky and stinky) is because it's 'partially' digested already. It REALLY helped ours. It was expensive, and it definately hit the pocketbook, but we didn't think we had other options.

We were also introduced to Gripe Water when he was about 3-4 months old, and it was WONDERFUL!!! He even loved the taste of it... used to suck it right out of the dropper.

The other thing I would suggest that helped us (mommy especially)... sit in the rocker with one of the boys back's up against you, and play soft music and sing... wheels on the bus... and move his legs in and out and up and down... we also took a minute here and there to just rub his belly... nice and calm... he loved that... and still does today at 19 mo.

Good luck...

My pedi AND OB told me to put my daughter on Gentlease. In my opinion, it worked just as well and didn't cost as much. Pick up some Mylicon, give it to the babies before you feed them and then, a bottle of gentlease. As far as the rice? I would probably wait till 3 months, but when I do use it, I would only put a tiny bit in the evening ONLY. Most mom's that have just one child will say don't do it, but ask a mom who has been there, done that and has 2 to 3 children. They will tell you that a little bit of rice never hurt anyone. My kids are all as skinny as rails, I am skinny and I was fed rice, as well as my husband. It is Okay. :)

My daughter (now 2) had to use Nutramigen after trying several formulas. She had to be on it the whole time she drank formula. She had reflux, though, so that might be a little different than your situation. As far as the rice goes, I wouldn't do that until the baby is at least four months old because from what I understand, a baby that young doesn't have a stomach capable of digesting the rice properly because it's not fully developed yet.

Hi R.,

Is looks like you've gotten some good advice. I had my second son on Gentlease for the first three months. Formulas can get so expensive, especially for two.

Good luck. C.

Mine was on nutramigen. I got it off ebay for cheaper, just cheak the dates. About the cereal in bottle thing. My mom said the same thing. I did it with both of mine around 2-3 months. My first is 9 and not an overeater, not heavy, totally fine. My second is fine also. I figured it didn't hurt me so why would it hurt my own. I think thats so overrated!! At least try it. If it works and he doesn't get constipated, go for it. Just start out with a little and do it for a month or so before you increase the amount. Good Luck!

I had to put one twin on Nutramigen and it worked like a miracle in one week. The dr told us she would probably grow out of her problem; which was that she just could not digest the other formula well and it gave her horrible stomach problems. We kept her on it the whole 12 months, but mostly because my husband was nervous about ever trying to take her off of it. We never tried any other brands; our nanny had recommended Nu and we were so happy with it. But it was expensive. I don't think it was covered by insurance at the time I had that set of twins, but last time I checked the enfamil web site, it appeared that insurance coverage might be available for Nutramigen. So you should check with your insurance. If you don't have insurance through his job, you should check with the state to see if you qualify for low-cost insurance for the baby, and as another poster said, see if WIC can provide it. Also, keep your baby's head elevated about 20 to 30 minutes after each meal; that will help a lot; we used a bouncy chair to hold her in after eating.

It will get easier, but having twins is a challenge. I have two sets of twins near in age - ages 1 and 4. Consider joining a support group for mothers of multiples; such as in Plano it's www.pamom.org. good luck and god bless.

R.,

Hello! I used Nutramigen for 5 months, and I really don't think it helped all that much! My daughter had such a sensitive belly, and my dr thought she was colic, as well, so we used it, but I didn't notice a difference. Usually once they get a little bigger (unless they are allergic to milk) they can switch to a different formula. I had heard really great things about Nestle Good Start so I switched and it was WONDERFUL! I have had several friends tell me that Nestle (used to be Carnation Good Start) was the only formula that worked for them...just ask your dr about any other formula you could try, but consistency is also a factor w/your baby....switching formulas all the time w/a sensitive belly is not good....also, if your dr really thinks it's best for the baby to stay on nutramigen ask him/her for any samples they might have in their office. Most ped. have formula samples....my husband is a teacher/coach so I totally felt the pain w/the $$ situation....hope this helps...

The formula issue should be mostly your pediatrician's decision. They usually know what formula is best, based on your baby's individual symptoms/needs.
As for the cereal, I have heard many times not to put cereal in the bottle. It could trigger food allergies and cause other problems. And I can tell you, it doesn't make them sleep longer or stay full longer. I did this with my 12-year old son when he was an infant and all it did was make him constipated and very fussy. I do not recommend it! :)
Hope this helps...

I've been a child care provider for over 22 years and in my experience....

The amount of time an infant has to use Nutramigen depends on each individual situation. I'd listen to everything Suzanne C. says, though, if you want to try the Gentlease, and/or rice cereal.

Rice powder is used in the thickening agent that some doctors prescribe/recommend for some infants having severe problems with reflux. Check the labels. It does not harm the babies' systems. It *does* thicken the liquid and settle the stomach. In many cases, this rice thickening will stop or aid in stopping the spitting up. Rice cereal will do the same thing and is so much cheaper. It doesn't hurt to try it. You can always stop it. You'll have to use anywhere from 3 teaspoonsful to 3 tablespoonsful with the formula or breast milk...depending on the amount of formula/breast milk you mix it in. Mix it just less than the thickness of a milkshake and open the nipple wider. After three or four days, you'll know whether or not it works. I'd much rather try this than start the infants on so many chemicals to begin with. This is a tried and true method....not just by me and the parents I've worked with.

Also, it's been just in the more recent years that most formula is automatically fortified with iron. In the earlier years, an infant was only put on an iron fortified formula if they were anemic....low on iron. Iron can be hard on the stomach, even for adults. That's when the tummy and gas problems became so prominent. Hence, the gas drops and reflux medications. Constipation, *if* it happens, can be solved with four ounces of warm water. You can add a little white karo syrup. It cleans out their systems. Extra water is a plus for an infant. Helps adults with constipation, too. Still no chemicals. Infant pears will do the same thing.

Never, in all these years, have I seen so many infants diagnosed with reflux and so much fussiness, as in the past three or four years. Babies aren't meant to be so unhappy and unsatisfied.

Your babies, you do what you think is best.

Sincerely,
Ms B.

http://www.missbrenda.com

My son was on Nutramigen until he was one. What helped us out with the cost of the Nutramigen was the pediatrician. Every check up and sick visit we went in for we asked for a sample can. If he had one, he would give us one. Ask your pediatrician, they may do the same for you.

Hello R.,
My daughter is 3 now, but we had the same problem and I had her on Enfamil A.R. It has rice flour in it so it is thicker than the regular formulas, but not as thick as using rice cereal. Contact the makers of enfamil, their customer service number is located on their website or you can get if off a can of formula. They gave me a case of free samples before I purchased any on my own to make sure she tolerated it and to make sure it actually help relieve her from being fussy and gassy. My pediatrician also provided me with samples. Once I know it worked on her, Enfamil was great about sending me more samples and checks to go towards future purchase. The cost is a couple dollars more than the regular formulas, but a ton cheaper than Nutramigen. Should you decide to use this formula, you will probably need to change the nipples you use to compensate for the thicker formula. Please feel free to email me with any questions.

We tried it for a very short while to see if it would help with her GERD - she hated it and I don't blame her...it smells awful! I think we tried every formula out there. She ended up doing well on Good Start - I think because it has very little bubbles. Perhaps you can try that if you haven't?