Neocate or Nutramigen?

Nutramigen was a lifesaver for us. My son had milk protein intolerance (mucus and blood in stool). I tried to limit diary in my diet - as I was breastfeeding, but it still persisted (and I was told it would take at least two weeks to eliminate dairy from my system). He was suffering too much so we went to Nutramigen. Within three days he was a different baby on Nutramigen. The smell and taste is awful - however, he did tolerate it much better when we mixed it w/ breastmilk for a few days and eventually was happy to get his 100% formula. Good luck!

M.,
It was determined that my 2 kids have sensativities to dairy. Because formula's are either super expensive or they just don't make what you are needing...I had my daughter on Goats Milk (powdered types can be purchased at your local health food store). It was nice because we used it like formula and I didn't have to worry about it going bad. Now that they are older 2.5 and 3.5 I purchase Rice Milk, also available at health food store it is a little more expensive but I can buy large quantities and it is not required to be refridgerated. It is also cheaper and saves time compared to going to the doctor every 3 weeks for ear infections. I expect they may grow out of it cause they can eat cheese and yogurt without reaction but due to the quantity of milk they drink their body couldn't process it. Best of luck.
N.

We used Nutramigen for our lactose intolerant daughter with great success. It sounds like you're dealing with allergies, though. You might just try whichever is cheaper and see if it works. We did ours at the recommendation of our doctor. She's gotten better as she's gotten older, so you may be able to switch in a few months. Congratulations on the new one!

Hi there!! I have a 20 month old son who also had a milk allergy/intolerance when he was born also. I breastfed for the first 8 weeks and then went to formula. Started with the soy and that was really bad for us, so we started trying the hypoallergenic. We tried them all. The Neocate was very hard for us to get as it had to be ordered by a pharmacist by the case (4 cans I think) and was like $145.00 a case!! The Nutramigen was a bit less expensive and easier to find, but my son did not like it. We ended up going with the Similac Alimentum. It worked great and my son loved it. He did very well on it. The can only comes in one size (the 16oz. size) but we could find it anywhere. My son still has an allergy/intolerance so he is on a lactose fee whole milk and does great! I hope that all works out for you, I know how frustrating it can be to find something that works! Good luck and I hope this was helpful for you.

J.

Hi there!
I don't have any advice on the formula, but wanted to suggest a product that can help you increase your milk supply, should you want to continue to nurse your little one. It is an herbal tincture made by Motherlove, More Milk Two, specially formulated for mother's who are nursing while pregnant. No alcohol and no fenugreek. I use many of their products and they are really effective and fast working. For more info on More More Two, go to http://www.naturalchoicesforliving.com/catalog.php?item=30

I would be happy to extend a discount to you (and anyone else here on MamaSource) if you wanted to try this or any other product from my store. Just use the discount code NCBC095 during the checkout.

I hope you find a solution that works best for you and your little girl! Congratulations on your pregnancy!

H. Gaitten
Owner, Natural Choices
www.naturalchoicesforliving.com

Good day M., I had a baby that was allergic to everything but mama milk. I fortunately had my tubes tied after his birth so I didn't have the other issue of preg. My son could not talorate ANY formulas. I nursed him till he was 2 1/2 years old. He was allergic to Soy, Wheat, milk, etc. etc. ... At the time the doctors were still fighting me about allergies. See my husband and myself also have life or death allergies. My husband was never tested, I was and tested possitive to 90 percent of what I was tested to at the time. I grew into my allergies about 20. My son is now 15 and is able to eat meat. He carries an epi pen everywhere. Good Bless you and Best of wishes.
L.

Wife of 23 years, stepmother to 3, mother of 2, and grandmother to 6

Have you considered increasing her solids for the day and perhaps adding a meal later in the day. At 6-8 months is very normal to require more nutrients from solids. Also you can increase your milk supply by pumping after and between feedings for a couple days and making sure you are eating a healthy diet with lots of water. It will trick your body into thinking your baby is having a growth spurt. Breast milk is wonderful in that it is a true supply and demand system. Finally, have confidence in yourself and your ability to provide for both your babies will help to increase your milk supply. There are many great books you can get about co nursing and nursing during pregnancy.

Best of Luck!

Hi M.--
A couple of suggestions. First, I breastfed through a second pregnancy. For the pregnancy you need to add caloric intake, and on top of that you need between 500 and 1000 extra calories a day for breast milk production. You also should be drinking at least your body weight in ounces to keep up with both the new baby and the breast feeding. Taking a lot of alfalfa also helped me.
Second, you could try making your own formula. I have a doctor who did so for his kids....I don't have the recipe but would be more than happy to get it for you if you are interested.
That way you wouldn't have to worry about allergies--I understand that only too well as both my boys have lots of food allergies.
Good luck!
J.