Formula Advice Needed

[wirewendy]

I am pregnant, and loosing my milk. I have a 9 month old and have had to start supplementing with formula. However, the formula seems to be giving her terrible terrible constipation. I tried powder, canned, already mixed, both milk and soy based.

Does anyone have experience with this? What should I do? I don't think her digestive system is ready to completely switch to solids. I don't know why she is constipated. Help!

[2 in August]

Have you tried Gentle Ease? It's the only kind my ds can handle and although he doesn't poop as much as he did on breast milk alone, he isn't constipated. He only gets about 4oz a day though to supplement our nursing.

[twinsarefun]

Your little one has not had solids yet? Babies usually start at 6 months old. Are you sure that your supply is low. Is baby seeming more hungry and that is what makes you think that? The issue may not be a supply issue, but an issue that baby is ready for solids. I would nurse first than feed baby some solids at least three times daily - morning, noon, and night. If baby hasn't had any solids, start out first with some baby cereal, fruits, and veggies. Go with a little at a time to make sure there are no allergies. See how this works and if baby seems more satisfied. Try this for a week or so. The solids will replace the formula. Formula will constipate baby. If baby still seems unsatisfied, I would nurse first then slip in a SNS - Madela Supplemental Nursing System at the end of the breastfeeding. Don't follow Madela's directions to use the tube throughout the feed. It will hurt your supply. You could also pump at the end of your nursing time to up your supply. It would be best if you could skip the SNS, but if you must supplement, it is better than bottles. Otherwise, baby will take less and less of you and then you will be left with no supply. I wish you well.

[mommy2abigail]

I agree that maybe you could start solids, if you haven't yet. I would NOT do any cereal, it's completely unnecessary, and will only make the constipation worse. I would nurse first, and then offer some pureed veggies and fruits. At 9 months, there is a long list of veggies and fruits that are ok (allergy wise) that they can try. The book Super Baby Food is great, and well well well worth the $20. I have made all of my dd's food, and now at 18 months, she eats veggies and fruits everyday no problem. I'd also look into an organic formula. I can't think of the name of it, but there are some available at health food stores. That would be my absolute last resort though. I would nurse more frequently, pump after nursing and wake her at night to nurse or pump at night if she is sleeping through. Hth

[BetsyNY]

She's probably constipated d/t the iron content of the formula. You could try prune juice, pear juice or pureed pears or prunes. Don't use solids instead of formula--formula has more calories per ounce than most foods.

[hipcoolmama]

Agree with the ladies above! Good suggestions. Also, can you consult with a lactation consultant at either your hospital, clinic, a breast feeding supply store, or La Leche League?

They can help you figure out your milk supply and give you other recommendations. There are many, many things you can do to increase your supply.

Best wishes to you!

[wirewendy]

Where do I get Gentle Ease?

She is eating lots of solids. I just need to supplement with formula. I don't know exactly how much she absolutely needs though. She is 10 months old. Does anyone know?

[BetsyNY]

You should be able to find Gentlease anywhere--Wal Mart carries it for sure. It's an Enfamil product. Your baby should probably still take 24-32 oz of formula per day, depending on how many solids she eats.

[darsmama]

I personally took my daughter off of formula at 10 months old. Granted, she was a good eater and very healthy. I substituted with soy and almond milk. At 14 months she is great, no problems.

[darsmama]

Also, I added flax oil to her milk.

[melbb]

Just wanted to add that if cost is a factor, I noticed that Target recently came out with a generic version of gentlease.