Need Help Finding Cheaper Formula

My son started on the Similac w/ iron in the hospital, but after three weeks became fussy and gassy. My dr suggested Enfamil's Gentlease. It worked very well even though it was expensive. I was hesitant to try anything else because it appeared we had solved his problem. However, the dr said that all formulas are standard to meet FDA approval so we tried Wal-mart's Parent's Choice Gentle. It worked just as well and is nearly half the price! For the Gentlease I paid $25 per can and PC costs only $15. This brand makes all of the different kinds, so you might find a version of the Alimentum too.

A.

Have you tried WIC, when my daughter was on a special formula, WIC covered it. I needed a note from her doctor stating she needed that specific formula. Good for you for trying to nurse!!

I was in the same boat with my boys, who were both on Nutramigen (Enfamil's version of Alimentum) for a while. Do you have a flex spending account for health care? If so, they might cover the cost (ours did, as long as we sent a note from the doc explaining that this formula had to be "prescribed." If you don't have a FSA, be sure to save your receipts, as those types of special formulas are deductible as health expenditures on your taxes.

As for a cheaper formula, I found that both my guys really did need the Nutramigen for a while. My older boy was weaned off of it (and onto Soy) around 6 months. My second son switched to Target's version on Gentlease at 4 months. That would actually be the first thing I try if you don't want to go with the Alimentum. (My ped. said formula is so heavily regulated by the FDA that the store brands are every bit as good as the name brands--it's just a matter of finding the right formulation. Unfortunately , Target does not make (unless that's changed), their own version of Alimentum or Nutramigen. Good luck...and congrats on your new baby!

Try ebay. People sell it and sell coupons.

Did you try milk works? They have great help for all nursing moms that doctors don't always take the time for.

but if you've already quit good luck.

If you have a sams club or costco membership you could try there. I use the sams club version of the envimil gentle ease. Not sure if they have the soy, but they might. You get about twice as much for the same price as the other stuff.

Hi, K.. I chose to use formula with both of my children and was really happy with the service and selection at 1800diapers.com. My sister recommended the site to me, and I used it to buy diapers and formula for nearly a year. With a minimum order (and how can you not reach it when buying both diapers and formula!), the products were delivered right to my door, free of shipping charges. The convenience alone was entirely worth it! I haven't bought formula for over two years, but I know they were always adding products. It's a great site--I'd highly recommend it!

Go to Sam's Club. You get more (double the amount) for the same price.

Have you tried looking on ebay? I have purchased a different brand on Ebay for MUCH cheaper than I pay in the store.

Have you tried applying for the WIC program...(Woman, Infant, and Children). You would be surpised at how much you can make and still qualify. They provide vouchers for formula on a monthly basis

Have you tried to get into the WIC program it does help alot and they furnish the formula various things for the child, up to 5 years old.

My daughter went through the same thing your son did. At first they thought her stomach and intestines were not fully developed so we had to go into the Children's hospital to get x-rays. Thankfully everything was ok there but then found out that she was allergic to milk. I tried to cut out all dairy just like you but it did not work, even with going to all the specialist. So my daughter was put on formula. It is a hard decision to switch but in the end the little one feels a lot better so it is a good decision.

My daughter hated the soy formula... so pretty much refused to drink any (could get about 1 oz in her but that was it). We ended up going with a lactose free formula from WalMart, Parent's Choice is the store brand name. They also have a Soy formula. The price is very reasonable compared to the cost of the other brands 'special' formula.

Hope you find something that works for you!

Have you spoke to a specialist? Or an allergist? Or a lactation consultant? My oldest had a severe milk protein allergy (which led to severe eczema) and I was able to nurse him successfully. Protein allergies shouldn't cause a proble mwhen nursing, because the proteins from dairy are so broken down, the nfurther broken down into your milk.

I knwo that formula is wicked expensive, a friend of mine used it. If youre milk hasn't dried up yet, Id seek further answers on continueing to nurse. As far as I know, htere are no generics of the hypoallergenic formula's. It is possible for you to be on a hypoallergenic diet though if thats what he requires, but honestly I would seek out more answers from a specialist and an IBCLC.

Hi K. - we went through the exact same situation with my oldest, who is now 7! Have you looked into asking your pediatrician to write a prescription for it? Ours did - and we picked up our Alimentum monthly at our local pharmacy for our $20 copay. It was GREAT!!! Let me know how it goes!