Should I Switch My 4 Month Old to Formula?

Hi K.A
I've had babies with milk protein allergy. My first, I decided to stop nursing and I used soy formula, which helped tremendously. My second, I decided to eliminate all dairy from my system and keep breastfeeding, which worked for her. (But it took about 2 weeks for all of the dairy to get out of HER system. Just fyi). But, if you have eliminated dairy and your son is still unhappy, I would consult with a Pediatric Gastroenterologist. You son might be having a unique problem which may or may not have to do with the type of formula (it may be a physiological issue. This is unlikely and rare, but you will have peace of mind if you talk to a specialist about it.) I have read a WONDERFUL book all about reflux and Milk Protein allergies, written by a Ped. Gastro. doctor. It is called "Colic Solved" by dr. Bryan Vartebedian. I am positive it is available at the library. Check it out and read it! I think it will help you be more specific when you talk to a doctor about your son's symptoms. Hope that helps!

1 mom found this helpful

Before you make the switch, I would highly consider going to the La Leche League's forum http://forums.llli.org/. There are a lot of moms there who have been through exactly what you are going through. There is even a whole section dedicated to breast feeding a baby with allergies. Good luck!

First let me tell you that I was very dedicated to breastfeeding and totally believed that if someone advised you stop nursing you should run! I nursed my first baby without any problems but my second baby was a nightmare. He cried 20 out of 24 hours, had reflux problems and would not sleep more than 30 minutes at a time.

My baby had milk/soy protien intolerance as well. He was 4 months when we finally saw the gastro specialist and got a diagnosis. They advised me to give him the hydrolized formula for 48 hours and continue to pump. I didn't believe that it could be related to breastfeeding but I pumped and gave him the formula. He was like a different baby! Within days, he was sleeping for 8 hours a night and he was so content! I opted to stop breastfeeding, even though I loved it! We started on Nutramigen but we had to switch to elecare (which has 100% protien broken down) as he still had some symptoms on Nutramigen (which has 80% of the protien broken down). I think you should do whatever you feel comfortable with! Don't let people make you feel bad if you choose to stop nursing! People just don't understand if they have not been through a similar situation! You need to do what is best for you and your baby! I know in my case, my baby was so much better once we made the switch! I would do it again without looking back! The gastro doctor told me that it would take at lease 3 weeks on a completely eliminated diet (basically I could eat vegetables and lean meat only) to see if it made a difference for my baby and even then, there was a chance it would not help. After the immediate improvement, I decided to just go with the formula! The huge downside to to elecare is the ridiculous cost! You also have to purchase it online and I agree ebay is the best place to get it! BTW, I also have a 4 yr old who I breastfed without complicaiton! Good Luck!
I forgot to mention that allergy testing is not accurate until they are at least 12 months. We had blood testing done fist (RAST Test) and then had skin testing done at 12 months before we switiched him to whole milk! my little guy grew out of the condition which 95% of kiddos do!
I am expecting my third child and hope to breastfeed, but if he has the same issues as my second, I will switch to the formula and save my baby and my family the agony!

K A,

My question is why would you want to stop breastfeeding especially since he's so fussy? Breastmilk is the best food for your son for his first six months of life. Formula is primarily oils and either soy (terrible for anyone's endocrine system, especially baby's) or cow's milk which has been linked to diabetes. Yes, it does mean that you need to cut out dairy while breastfeeding, but that's a small price to pay for the lifetime benefits of breastfeeding your child. But, if you really crave dairy, try goat milk and cheese. They are less allergenic and should help him quite a bit. At Whole Foods they have goats milk either fresh or powdered and a great goat's milk cheddar that tastes just like your cow's cheddar. If you feel like you need to supplement using a goat milk formula recommended by Dr. Sears is an excellent way to go as it is the closest in composition to mom's milk, except you need to add more carbohydrates while he's still an infant (before other foods are introduced at 6 months). Here's the link to read more and the recipe:

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/3/t032401.asp
MEYENBERG POWDERED GOAT MILK BEGINNING FORMULA
(12 oz container) Powdered Goat Milk 6 Scoops (84 g)
Water 36 oz.
Brown Rice Syrup 6 ½ Tbsp.
Calories (per oz.)20
As baby matures during its first year, gradually increase ratio of powder to water until whole milk level is reached (see below). Discontinue adding rice syrup (carbohydrates).

To reconstitute to Whole Milk
Powdered Goat Milk 8 scoops (112 g)
Water 32 oz.
Calories (per oz.)19

Also, very important is to get your baby boy checked by a chiropractor with experience with infants and children. I have seen many baby's come through my office with symptoms exactly or even worse than your son. After a very specific, gentle adjustment they are like new babies. If you need a referral or I could help answer any questions you may have, just email me directly at ____@____.com care and God Bless!

Hey!

My dd sounds just like you lo! I stopped BFing at 5 months, and it was the worst decision i made! It didnt make any difference at all! Well it did 4 month later, but who knows if that was from the formula or just her body.

I would highly suggest you take you LO in to a homeopathic Dr or chiropractor and you need to start taking high quality dairy/soy free probiotics asap!

The Dr sears elimination diet is also a great way to be sure to get everything out of your system. http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/T041200.asp

It can take 3 weeks for all of the milk protein to get out of your system, and even longer for it to get out of your los.

Make sure you are checking EVERYTHING you are eating. Look at all of the ingredient for everything you eat! Look for Casein (milk protein) Whey, Lactose (some are find with lactose but at this point i would check for it) Any form of milk (powdered, buttermilk, butter, sourcream etc). Also i would highly suggest you cut out your soy aswell, if you haven't done so already.

Oh and just FWIW the first ingredient in all of those formulas is CORN syrup, so if its a corn allergy (which my dd turned out to have) and you stop BFing you are screwed. All formulas have corn syrup.

I had a similar situation with my daughter. She was a preemie (34 weeks), and though she was healthy and never went to NICU, she was small enough that the peri told me to supplement with formula. We gave her formula every other feeding until she gained a few pounds. When she was 3 months old, she and I both got a very nasty stomach bug. Vomiting and diarrhea. I spent a few days in the hospital, still pumping, and my parents and husband took care of my sick baby. Something about the vomiting and diarrhea left my daughter unable to tolerate dairy. I took it out of my diet, but she would get bad diarrhea when I nursed her. The pedi encouraged me to keep trying, but after a few weeks of this, I was worried for my baby's health. Remember, she was a preemie. I switched to soy formula and never looked back. She thrived, stayed healthier than most of her friends (my guess is that taking the strain off of her digestive system allowed her immune system to protect the rest of her!), and it was the right choice for us. Absolutely. It was easier to make that choice since we had used formula at the very beginning, but I still wanted to stick with breastmilk. It just was not the best option for my baby. I definitely missed the intimacy of nursing, but I knew it was selfish to put my wants before what was best for my child.

Good luck to you with your decision.

I think your son and mine might be twins separated at birth! We tried reflux meds, but it didn't help. He won't take a bottle at all, whether it is pumped breastmilk or Alimentum (Similac's version of Nutramigen). The thing that has helped him the most is just getting a little older and wearing him in a sling. He loves my Baby K'Tan so much that I bought 2. The Dr Sears website has a good section on Fussy/high need babies, and I think he recommends breastfeeding over hypoallergenic formulas. I will be interested to see the suggestions you grt; maybe they will help me too! I completely understand how you feel...

My son was allergic to milk from birth. I tried to nurse but he kept throwing it up, had terrible reflux, and was obviously uncomfortable. We switched to nutramigen and he was a much happier baby. Sometimes the best thing for baby is to NOT nurse...sorry, those of you who believe nursing is the only way. It's not best for everyone.

My son also had an egg intolerance we didn't know about. My girlfriend's son was allergic to dairy but also bananas, of all things. It's possible that your little guy is allergic to some other inoculous thing that is keeping him uncomfortable. Many children these days have multiple allergies. If this is the case you would not know what to eliminate from your diet to ease his discomfort.

Personally, I would (and did) stop nursing...it was best for my son. However, if you want to continue nursing I would try supplementing with nutramgen and see how it goes. If his symptoms ease after nutramigen you will know that it's something he's eating.

Also...have you tried putting him on reflux medication? That might ease some of his discomfort and pain as well.

Honestly, go with what feels right and don't let anyone tell you that one way is better then the other. You are his mother and I'm sure you will make the best decision for you and your family.

Good luck!

Also...to the person who advised goat milk. Goats milk is NOT recommended for children with milk protein allergy. And to everyone who tried to make you feel bad for thinking of stopping nursing...ENOUGH already! My son is a healthy, bright little boy and he was formula fed. Every Mom must make choices that SHE feels are best. No one should make you feel guilty for doing exactly that!

I had a child allergic to the milk proteins as well. In fact, she is still lactose intolerant.
Nutramigen is the most expensive formula out there, but it's worth it. It gives your baby what he needs without the cranky/crying nights from the baby's intolerance to foods you ate. Keep using the Nutramigen so you can get the rest and nutrition you need to be a healthy, happy mom.

I had to switch my youngest boy to soy formula around 2 months of age because I couldn't keep up with milk production and also because it was really hard to keep up MY energy on a really restricted diet. Once you make the decision don't worry about son not taking a bottle - he will when he gets hungry! Do what you know is best for you. Breastfeeding is awesome, but if you have to supplement with a formula or switch to formula-only he will be fine! Really. I promise.

Hi friend!

I just wanted to let you know that you shouldn't let anyone make you feel bad or guilty for considering formula instead of breastmilk for your baby! While breastmilk IS the best for your baby until they are at least 6-months-old, there is nothing wrong with formula... babies do JUST FINE on formula, especially if it's the right one for their little tummies. Your son will be better off and more happy if his tummy is not hurting him, whether that's on breastmilk with a restricted diet or formula that his tummy can digest better.

If you're able to find out what is irritating his little system, it sounds like you personally would be more happy with that option... to keep nursing as long as possible. BUT, if he continues to be uncomfortable after nursing, then there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with switching to, or at least supplementing with some formula!

I actually went through the same exact thing with my little one. Emma is now 2-and-a-half, and she is so super smart! :) The formula did not hurt her one bit! :)

We used Similac Alimentum (http://similac.com/baby-formula/similac-alimentum-hypoall...) and it worked wonders for her little tummy. While breastmilk is the easiest for normal tummies to digest, if there is a protein in the breastmilk that is causing an allergic reaction, it means that the baby's tummy cannot digest that specific protein... which causes the pain and gas. So, the formulas that are created for protein allergies have the proteins already broken down, so that their little tummies don't have to do the work. :) And then everyone is happy. Another brand, but the same thing, is Engamil Nutramigen (http://www.enfamil.com/app/iwp/enfamil/productDetail.do?d....

You might be able to get samples of either or both from your pediatrician... ours just supplied us with free samples, because it was so expensive. My mother-in-law also was able to find a supplier through ebay, believe it or not. She was able to get cases of it (all wrapped and closed and everything... brand new cases) for several dollars less per can. That helped a lot too!

Anyway, I hope some of this helps. I know how you're feeling. Emma was 4-months-old when we had to switch her to formula. I still nursed in the morning and when I got home from work, but the formula really helped her get what she needed, and calmed her tummy down so it was able to handle my milk the few times I got to nurse. I struggled with some guilt because I wanted to nurse until she was a year old, but honestly, it was better for both of us, because it was worse when Emma would scream and push away from me everytime I tried to nurse!

AND... her milk protein allergy went away by the time she was a year old, so she can drink cow's milk without a problem. :)

I know you've gotten a lot of advice. I just wanted to offer some support, and hopefully let you know that other moms have been there and its ok. Formula does not make you a "bad" mom. :) And, while breastmilk is ultimately the best for babies, sometimes they need something different, and formulas really are made very well now, and can be just what a baby needs.

Good luck! I'll be praying for you and your little guy!

Blessings,
S.

Oh, how I feel for you... I am in the exact same boat as you. I stopped nursing my 10 week old after cutting out dairy (including hidden) and soy for 2 months and still having a fussy, upset baby. He is now on prescription formula (Elecare)and has been for about a week. To be completely honest, he still isn't the happiest baby in the world, but he is a little happier and so am I. I no longer beat myself up over "what did I eat to do that to my child." This is my second baby to go through this with (my first was on Neocate formula). It is a VERY exhausting situation. If you go w/ prescription formula and your insurance doesn't cover it (my 1st son's did, this son's doesn't) ebay is the best place to buy the ridiculously expensive formula. I know it is not a easy decision, do what's in your heart. For me, it was stopping breastfeeding (an regaining my sanity), but for you it might be something else. You're in my prayers!

I have a friend who had a similar problem with one of her sons. She stopped breastfeeding and they put him on a prescription formula and he improved immediately. He was older when they made the switch, but I'm sure if they had known earlier that the breastmilk was the problem, they would have changed immediately. He's now 3 and is doing great!

You may want to call a La Leche League leader www.llli.org or lactation consultant to make sure there isn't any other part of breastfeeding management that could be affecting his reactions. For example, how often or how much he takes in, does he sputter and choke during a feeding. Sometimes you can change HOW you breastfeed to minimize reflux and tummy troubles. How are his poops when he's only breastfeeding? That can be a clue also.

Also, nightwakings where baby wakes up, nurses and falls back asleep are not a sign of a problem, but fussy, screaming baby is a different story.

Good luck!

this may not work but help with my kids (not as bad allergy but not gaining weight and thought it was my falt ) try a bottle of formula when you want him to take a good nap or sleep at night see if it helps you and him

I wholeheartedly agree with Jean, Formula is only going to make it worse. Just keep doing what youre doing. I know its frustrating and a pain sometimes, but in the long run, its the best thing you can do for your baby. It will be trial and error as far as figuring out what you can and can't eat, but you will figure it out. Don't switch to the formula, you will have more trouble.

I'm glad you decided to continue breastfeeding. Human milk is absolutely the best food for human babies! I would suggest consulting with a lactation specialist and/or nutritionist on ways to adjust your diet to accomodate your son's needs. The bottle of formula may well have been the culprit. Maybe you can buy or rent a good quality breast pump so that any bottle feedings your son may need can still be breast milk, rather than anything else.

BTW, one other thing you may be interested in is a product I market that puts fruits and veggies into capsules leaving the nutrition intact. It's a great way for nursing moms and all moms to get the fruits and veggies they need and may not always get to eat on a daily basis. It also comes in a gummie treat form for the kiddos. Let me know if you'd like some info.

Good luck to you! You are doing the very best thing you can for your precious baby!

M.

P.S. I am building a team of 5 financially free champions
over the next 2-5 years. Want to be one of them?
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Oh dear. You are getting so much advice, and I'm sure you are overwhelmed as it is. You poor thing. You must be exhausted! Hang in there and get all the help you can. Let the house go and sleep at every opportunity.

I have no quick fix for you, but next time you go to the pediatrician ask him/her about prebiotics and probiotics. Shaklee just came out with a vitamin powder for infants with prebiotics. My gut says this could be a good thing for you, but it is not recommended until age 6 months.....so you really would need to talk to your doctor about it. Here is link for more information.

http://www.shaklee.net/healinghappens/product/20057

I can relate to what you are going through. We went through the same situation. My daughter started having trouble doing #2 and would scream for hours. This went on for awhile because we were not sure what was happening, and her peditrician said that she was just going through a stage. We finally took her to Cook Children's. They found blood in her stool. They also but her on Nutramigen. She started to improve right away. I kept trying to breastfeed still, but it started to be a pain since, like you, I really had to watch what I ate. I finally decided it wasn't worth the stress anymore, and we totally went just with the Nutramigen. At nine months of age, they told us to wean her off of that, and now she is doing great.

KA,

Good Golly! If he is reacting to breastmilk, you sure won't improve things by going to formula, which is even harder to digest! Keep breastfeeding.

There are foods other than dairy that could cause reactions. Make sure you are not eating ANY of the gassy veggies: broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collards, cabbage. These were a MAJOR issue for my now 6 month old. Totally different baby without them. I also notice for me that beans/legumes are also not best for baby.

Another biggie is gluten. Other potential irritants are soy, eggs, nuts. You can have even a baby's stool tested through www.enterolab.com, which might be a way for you to go to investigate the matter. No doctor referral needed. Could be hard to collect 1/2 cup stool though, since most of the watery stool is absorbed into the diaper.

By six months or so, the digestive system matures and you may be able to reintroduce the gassy veggies ( which are very healthy)! If gluten or soy, etc is a problem, you many have to eliminate these permanently.

Also, consider a smarter pediatrician. One who actually KNOWS something about food is Dr. Deborah Bain in Frisco. www.healthykidspediatrics.com She could have other ideas.

Good luck.

My son had issues, so it was recommended to me to switch to nutramigen. His problems more than doubled, and my milk had dried up, so I couldn't go back. It was the worst decision I could make. I still feel horribly guilty because he became absolutely miserable.

My suggestion, based on my own experience with my kids, is to continue nursing and realize that it probably isn't your milk causing problems.

One thing to consider: Is there a ton of milk coming out when he is nursing? Is he gulping it? My daughter did this, and it caused gas, etc. I ended up nursing on only one side per feeding and it resolved the issues completely.

As far as fussiness and sleeping goes, I would look at every possibility. A four month old should not be sleeping through the night. They need calories, etc in your milk as often as they will take them in. If he is crying and tossing and turning all night, you might look into reflux. Reflux is very painful for them, and lying flat makes it hurt more. Your breastmilk is soothing for reflux, so it should help. At the same time, if he has reflux, you will want him on an antacid. I would ask your pediatrician about it. If he is crying during the day, it's even more possible. Once you have him on the antacid (they give a prescription), you see a HUGE difference. If he does have reflux, nursing is absolutely the best thing for him. I would nurse as long as possible, as formula is very harsh on reflux.

I wish you much luck! It's very hard to take care of an infant, but you will get through this!

Teri