homemade pediasure alternative?

[bflydoula]

DD was born with gastroschisis, ended up with short bowel syndrome and TPN Liver Disease, got on Omegaven, and now is better and 100% orally fed (still has her g-tube though). Her Intestinal Rehab team wants her to start drinking Pediasure, now that she is taking her nutrition orally. But, our insurance won't pay for it! They will pay for formula through her tube, but not by mouth...
Has anyone found a good homemade alternative? It needs to have at least 30 calories/oz, and be lactose free and no nuts (DH has anaphylaxis w/ nuts). TIA!

[Kathy2579]

I am not sure if you can do this or not but what about carnation breakfast with her formula or drink of choice. ... My ins will not cover pediasure and this has he same calorie value.

Also ask for medical assitance with your state they cover children when Gtubes in most states.

[Lindsay1234]

Someone sent me this link for making your own formula and other info.

Warning though, its a site of a child who lost his battle with cancer.
http://samuelbackus.com/SamuelsDiet.html

What about PediaSmart? Looks like its lactose free and they have a page of Medicare info. They had this at my local co-op and it was $10 for a can that makes 56oz.
http://www.naturesone.com/pediasmart/nutrition-facts/

[2boyzmama]

Originally Posted by bflydoula

DD was born with gastroschisis, ended up with short bowel syndrome and TPN Liver Disease, got on Omegaven, and now is better and 100% orally fed (still has her g-tube though).

No advice on formula...but WOW!!!!!!!

SO NICE to hear good stories like this!!! Did you blog her journey? Would you mind sharing? How old is she?

What a great post to start my dreary Sunday morning!

[sncmom]

When my baby needed high calorie liquid, I mixed whole milk w/ half-and-half and added organic formula powder. My combo was about 40 cal/oz total. And I make a pudding that is crazy high calorie (but not a liquid)-- 6 oz heavy cream, 1 package Benecalorie and 1 carnation instant bkfst. 1000 calories in 8 oz. DD2 doesn't eat the whole thing in a day, but usually would over 3-4 days, except not lately .

[34me]

Have you looked into WIC?

[mountainsunshine]

If you qualify for WIC you can have a DR fill out the form and get it for free.

Sarah

[Lindsay1234]

Originally Posted by s+cmom

When my baby needed high calorie liquid, I mixed whole milk w/ half-and-half and added organic formula powder. My combo was about 40 cal/oz total. And I make a pudding that is crazy high calorie (but not a liquid)-- 6 oz heavy cream, 1 package Benecalorie and 1 carnation instant bkfst. 1000 calories in 8 oz. DD2 doesn't eat the whole thing in a day, but usually would over 3-4 days, except not lately .

Whoa, these are great ideas!

[MindfulBirth]

The book "Nourishing Traditions" has a recipe for homemade infant formula that is based on a lot of health research. I'm not sure I'm allowed to post the recipe, as it is copywrited, but the book is a wonderful addition to any library/kitchen.

[bflydoula]

Originally Posted by s+cmom

When my baby needed high calorie liquid, I mixed whole milk w/ half-and-half and added organic formula powder. My combo was about 40 cal/oz total. And I make a pudding that is crazy high calorie (but not a liquid)-- 6 oz heavy cream, 1 package Benecalorie and 1 carnation instant bkfst. 1000 calories in 8 oz. DD2 doesn't eat the whole thing in a day, but usually would over 3-4 days, except not lately .

This is a great idea, but the only milk product she can tolerate is yogurt Everything else makes her throw up!

I called our WIC office to ask, but haven't heard back yet. Hopefully they will come through for us.

@2boyzmama: she is 19 months now. www.faiths-place-08.blogspot.com

[anj_rn]

Congrats!!!!

I use a homemade blenderized diet for my DDs tube feedings. Is the purpose of the pediasure just the calories? If so, I suggest smoothies. You can do a soy ice cream or yogurt base. Lots of fruit, the calories can add up quickly. You can also add some oil (flax seed is our fave) which will amp up the calories. You could also try some high calorie snacks and additives (like avocado) if the idea is just to increase the calorie count.

[fruitfulmomma]

The book "Nourishing Traditions" has a recipe for homemade infant formula that is based on a lot of health research. I'm not sure I'm allowed to post the recipe, as it is copywrited, but the book is a wonderful addition to any library/kitchen.

They are online here...

http://www.realmilk.com/formularecipes.html

Not sure if they'd work as-is for the OP since they both contain lactose but might give some ideas to get started with.