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Hi all, I hope someone can advice me what to do. My 4 month oldbaby has been on nutramigen and then puramino formula as they suspected cows milk allergy (crazy rash/spots on her face, bloody stools with mucus) and puramino helped all of that. After a month of using it my health visitor told me to go back on aptamil slowly so they can check if she really was intolerant to that, adding a scoop first and then swapping out the other formula completely. Now I was sceptical, I mean if puramino works, why distress her? But to be honest she was doing great, no rash, no mucus, had regular poop and everything was fine. Now for over a week the poor baba is constipated to bits, having to strain hard and going red, crying and hard poop comes out. Health visitor told me to try aptamil comfort but it's still not helping. She has a poop every two days and she casually strains for over 24 hours until that hard poop comes out. I've tried all the tricks, bycicle, massages, warm bath. Before I go to GP and he will obviously prescribe some laxatives as she is not showing any other symptoms, is feeding and sleeping well, perhaps someone had experienced this? Maybe I should swap aptamil? Health visitor and GP both said there's no difference between different brands formulas but I feel like there is as I've heard people swapping formulas and their problems resolve?

Thank you ✨

Hi all, FTM here with a one week old. Babe eats pretty regularly, about 70ml of formula every 3 hours, but the last few nights between midnight and 3am she’s up constantly and has gone through about 190 ml in that time, starting with her regular 70 ml and then we top up by 30ml bottles at a time. Is this normal cluster feeding at night? Should we try to give her more in her top up bottles? It seems crazy she’s taking in a third of her daily feedings in that 3 hour period with basically no sleep in between. Any similar experience or advice would be greatly appreciated!

My wife has been trying to induce lactation, but after months of hormones followed by 5 weeks of pumping (under the guidance of a lactation consultant), she's still only making 5-10ml per round of pumping, and has been stuck there for a week. Our (surrogate-carried) baby is due in less than two weeks, and while we're hoping an actual baby trying to nurse from her will help increase her supply, we feel pretty sure at this point we'll at minimum have to heavily supplement.

I'm really worried about making sure the baby gets enough to eat, but I also want to give my wife a chance because this means a lot to her (not to mention all we've put into trying to make this happen).

So when and how did you come to realize your supply was too low for supplemental feeding to be worth it and decide to switch completely to formula? (I know there's lots of reasons people decide to use formula, but I'm most interested in hearing from people who made that choice due to supply issues)

TIA!

I'm a FTM and have a 4mo baby girl \ud83d\udc76 I'm EBF, however, I keep contemplating and dreaming of the day I can start weaning.

I would like to replace breastmilk with formula as I've been suffering from insomnia & body dysmorphic disorder and I'm wanting to get better so I can thrive for my family and myself - I want to get my sleep back on track and have my body be able to regulate the hormones so I can safely start to lose weight and feel better physically/mentally.\u00a0\u00a0

So Q time:\u00a0 1.) How can I safely start the weaning process and can I start now or should I wait until starting solids?\u00a0

2.) How long does it typically take to fully wean? I heard going too fast can cause issues and I am prone to clogs as I've already faced two incidents of mastitis \ud83d\ude24

3.) How can formula feeding be an easier process? My husband thinks that it would take longer because you've got to prepare the bottle, make sure it's the correct temp and amount ect. (We are both just uneducated about it being FTPs and also all we ever got told is how BF is best on our pregnancy journey). Are there any hacks/great devices that speed up the process etc.

4.) How to know what type of bottles you need? I heard there are so many types for different flow etc?

5.) Did weaning help anyone with fat loss? I'm so tired of my stubborn mid section \ud83d\ude12

Has anyone used Thick-it for thickening baby formula. It is corn starch based.

My LO does not tolerate any gum/bean thickener, so I wanted to try this.

Our pedia confirmed that our 3-week old has CMPA/CMPI. We switched her to Enfamil Nutragimen 5 days ago from Neuropro Gentleease. She spit up a lot prior to switching to Nutramigen and had green stools, but it was confirmed that her green stools had blood.

For a few days after switching, she was doing well. However, she is spitting up a lot again - at least 3x every feeding or more.

Is there something we could do? Are we expecting results too soon?

Really worried as she falls asleep while being fed and sleeps quite a lot.

My son is about 5 weeks old and currently drinking about 2.5 - 3 ounces per feeding. He goes about 2.5-3 hours between feedings but he’s been downing each bottle fairly regularly the past week. The last couple of feedings he’s been acting like he’s still hungry after drinking 3 ounces. I’ve tried making 4 ounce bottles to give to him but he spits up if he drinks more than 3 ounces. Just frustrated because he will get hungry again and cries bloody murder after less than 2 hours sometimes despite drinking a whole 3 ounces.

Second baby, 11 weeks old. I pump 4-5x a day and otherwise use formula, so she ends up about 50/50 formula and breastmilk. I use Enfamil Gentlease.

What I’ve noticed recently is she spits up a lot more, like a larger quantity, after drinking breastmilk. And it’s like a thick, gooey consistency. When she spits up formula it just looks like formula.

She doesn’t seem to be in pain, she’s a happy little one, but I wonder if I should just switch to exclusively formula. (My main reason for pumping is to save money, but obviously it’s hard and a burden while staying home with two small kids. )

Does anyone have any experience with this?

Switched baby to lactaid after he was not doing well on whole milk. He seems to still be in distress up until he poops. He is colicky all day until he poops and finally wants to play. Are there any better options out there for milk? He drinks cheese and yogurt but the milk clearly isn’t sitting well. He was on gentlease up until we switched to milk.

FTM and Baby boy is 6 weeks tomorrow. We decided for my mental health to go EFF and we went from combo to full formula on Wednesday afternoon. We are using Similac 360 total since that's what he was given at the hospital and responds well to it. My lil guy had only pooped once on Friday and so far that has been it. How soon do your babies poop? He looks a little fussy about it but he's passing gas and burping like normal. He's also sleep regressing so not sure if that's the cause. Just want to know how long should I be concerned for his poops?

So this is my second kid that I've used formula with due to IGT and chronic low supply. I've tried to make nursing work both times. With the first I pumped like crazy and that made me really hate evertthing. When I finally stopped, I started enjoying my son more.

Maybe it's because there is so much more uncertainty with nursing in my case but when I give my son bottles of formula, I just feel more connected and that it's easier to bond. For one, I can actually look him in the face and talk and see him smile. I have more time to do other fun activities with him, etc.

I'm very attachment focused, which is why I wanted to give nursing a go this time knowing we still had to combo feed (vs the first time where it was all about the health benefits). But honestly I think I hate nursing. I still have to give a bottle after and usually then I'm able to look at him and interact vs just trying to get milk out of me and for him to take it.

I'm still trying to make combo feeding work but more and more I think formula is just better all around for us. Not sure what I'm trying to do with this post. Maybe get some encouragement and similar stories.

My first son was a CMPI baby with reflux. He reacted horribly to formula and his first few months of life traumatized me so much we hadnt sprung for baby #2 until now (#1 is almost 6 yrs old). Colic, bleeding from his bottom, eczema, you name it he had it. I didnt think I could have a baby again tbh

With #1 I did standard formula from day 2 and it was sooo harsh on his tummy.

We finally had baby #2 - Ive heard CMPA tends to affect multiple children if your first had it and was nervous.

With baby #2 as soon as we got home from the hospital I switched to a partially hydrolized formula (similar to gentleease I think? Im outside of the US. Its called Nan Comfort). I did feed baby my colostrum in the hospital.

Baby #2 is tolerating the formula very well, and doesnt appear to be developing any kind of CMPA - and I had no idea the newborn phase could be so fuzzy and magical. Its just baby cuddles and poopy diapers and lack of sleep and more snuzzles.

Just wanted to share for any CMPA parents considering baby #2. I had 2 pediatricians here recommend to start out on partially-hydrolized! Im very happy with how its working out!!

My lo is 4 months old and currently drinks 4 1/2 oz. Sometimes he drinks 4, sometimes he drink 3 1/2. He’s been eating a lot more frequently now (every 2 1/2 hours now instead of 3.) Should I increase an ounce more, or should I increase the flow level? I currently have a number 2 nipple for Dr.Browns, which will frequently collapse on itself from him sucking so hard.

So, in a thread where I was expressing some anxiety about baby’s upcoming 12 month birthday and weaning off formula, someone commented that the US is on the early side in terms of the recommendation to be completely off formula so soon after 12 months. Which makes me curious - what are your country’s weaning guidelines like? Interested in the formula to cow’s milk transition (or if toddler formula is more of a thing where you live as I’ve heard some say on here), the maximum volume to feed of any sort of milk, and also transitioning off of bottles.

For my story - my pediatrician seems more chill about it than a lot of other Americans I’ve heard from on here? He told us that “the only thing it hurts to keep using formula is your wallet”. And that the main thing to focus on is just keeping under ~20oz or so, whether that’s formula or cow’s milk or a combination. He also didn’t particularly emphasize getting off of bottles as being urgent - said it’s fine to keep 2-3 bottles a day (morning/nap/bedtime) for the next 6 months at least, again as long as we aren’t going over that ounce total (and brush teeth after the night bottle).

I was a bit surprised, bc I’ve seen a lot of other Americans whose doctors really emphasized getting off formula and bottles ASAP after 12 months. My girl is super happy and healthy doing things the way we are (3 ~5-6oz bottles of formula a day, plus 3 meals and 1-2 snacks of solids), so we aren’t really in a rush to change anything.

Our 9 week old was constantly spitting up with similac 360 sensitive, so the doctor recommended a switch to enfamil ar. Since starting 3 days ago she is the fussiest she has ever been. Is this transition normal and how do we get through it?

Hi all! I’m hoping someone can help a mom out! My LO is 8 weeks and has what we suspect to be silent reflux. We tried Dr. Browns, Avent natural, and lansinoh before finally landing on evenflo balance+ nipples for him! They worked great but it is clear the slow flow is TOO slow for him. It takes him 45 mins to finish 4oz, and he was up screaming for more milk after an hour! We purchased the medium flow but I think (?) it’s too fast now - he has a lot of milk on his chin, and seems to be swallowing a lot more often. However - he burps easier and 4oz is taking 15-20 mins to finish. We do already pace feed him. It’s only been a day, but I’m concerned it may be too fast? Has anyone had this issue? What did you do? any other bottle nipple recommendations?

Thanks!!!

Hi all! I’m hoping someone can help a mom out! My LO is 8 weeks and has what we suspect to be silent reflux. We tried Dr. Browns, Avent natural, and lansinoh before finally landing on evenflo balance+ nipples for him! They worked great but it is clear the slow flow is TOO slow for him. It takes him 45 mins to finish 4oz, and he was up screaming for more milk after an hour! We purchased the medium flow but I think (?) it’s too fast now - he has a lot of milk on his chin, and seems to be swallowing a lot more often. However - he burps easier and 4oz is taking 15-20 mins to finish. We do already pace feed him. It’s only been a day, but I’m concerned it may be too fast? Has anyone had this issue? What did you do? any other bottle nipple recommendations?

Thanks!!!

Hello,

I think I should asked this earlier but just realized this could be a problem.

My baby is on powder formula since month 2. Our tap water in our building is not reliable (there is water shut down nearly every week and water turns brown for a while) We usually drink bottled water ( pure life purified water or Kirkland purified water)

So for our baby, I have been using the pure life baby purified water. Pure life also has distilled water but it says it is for appliances, which seems not for drinking to me.

However this water has added some minerals for taste. And just saw online we should not give mineral water to baby, as it may lead to mineral overdose.

Do I need to worry about the mineral enhanced for taste type water? I can barely sleep last night.

Hello everyone,

We hope you're all doing well. This is our weekly thread to focus on a topic that resonates with many parents in our community: the transition from breastfeeding to formula feeding. We know that this decision can be incredibly challenging, often filled with physical pain, mental stress, and feelings of guilt. We want to acknowledge these struggles and create a space for you to share and support each other.

Your Stories Matter

Many of you have bravely shared your experiences of dealing with breastfeeding difficulties and the tough choice to switch to formula feeding. Despite knowing that "fed is best," it's common to feel guilty about not continuing to breastfeed or pump. These feelings are valid, and you're not alone in this journey.

A New Support Thread

Based on your feedback, we've recognized that posts about this transition can be difficult for some members to read. To better support everyone, we've created this dedicated thread where parents can navigate this part of their feeding journey together. This thread is a place for sharing experiences, offering advice, and providing emotional support to those facing similar challenges.

Thank you for being part of our community and for your continued support of one another. Remember, you're doing an amazing job, and your well-being is important too.

Warm regards,

The Mod Team (Trish & Bryan)

Hi There. I am donating 6 boxes of Bobbie Regular formula. I am based outside NYC but ill pay for shipping to anyone as long as its reasonable. First inquiry takes them.

My daughter turned 1 years old on november 20th. I barely have any formula similac advanced blue can left. The past 2 days I've cut her down to only doing 2 oz (1 scoop) of formula and the rest in whole milk. Mind you she drinks 8 oz bottles. She does good as far as drinking juice (diluted) juice in her pink small hubby sippy cups with the handle during the day. It's the nap time, the bedtime, and long car rides I'm having trouble with getting her to drink out her sippy cup and not a baby bottle. I don't know what to do. It took forever to get my now 2 year old son off bottles too. I think when he was like 17 months old is when thanks to my MIL and her help she helped me get him straight off the bottles. She was living with me at the time job searching so now she moved and is in her own place. I'm a full time mom to my 2 babies while my husband works full time. Also my 2 year old son is not wanting to drink out his silicone sippy cups as much, and he doesn't understand how to drink out of straw cups, and refuses the hard tipped sippy cups. So the last 2 days here and there i been giving him just a little juice hear and there put of a little toddler cup. My daughter doesn't like to be rocked FYI so that's seriously not an option. Also I'm worried about consuming too much milk laying her down or on long days of handing business or doctor appointments drinking milk from her bottle in her car seat. Any advice?????

Just saw a post where OP was ranting about how much formula their baby wastes because of inconsistent intake. Second top comment was “use pitcher method”! OP literally said, baby will not take more once the first bottle nipple comes out of their mouth. Do people not read. Literally every other post on here is like “praise be the pitcher method!!!!” no matter what the situation is. Sure it would cause the least amount of wastage. But actually it only works well if 1, your baby takes fridge cold milk and 2, baby takes top up bottles. Which I don’t know that many in real life. Lots of babies won’t take fridge cold milk, mine never would from birth. It takes way longer to warm up a bottle than making a fresh one, if your baby is like mine who goes from 0-100 when hungry. It would drive me and baby crazy waiting for the first bottle, and THEN a top off bottle to warm up. Also if he just needed that 1 more oz, he’s more likely to finish it in the first bottle than take a top up, and I know many babies just like him.

I’ve recently transitioned to formula feeding so this is still new to me, but on the tin of formula that I buy, it says to do 4-5 feedings per day, 180ml each. My baby eats every 3-4 hours, and wakes up for a feed 2-3 times per night, so he’s averaging around 7 bottles per 24 hours. I try to swap out 1-2 of his feedings with leftover breastmilk from my freezer because I’m not sure if 7 bottles of formula is okay compared to the information on the formula tin?

Typo in title: I mean powder formula

Hi

I know this may be a silly question. But what does this sentence mean?

Specially made to mix with formula and cereal, dilute juices and hydrate toddlers and babies older than 6 months.

1. It is ok to mix with formula to feed baby under 6 month. Just you should not give pure water to babies under 6 months.

2. Even to be mixed with formula, it cannot be used to feed baby under 6 months.

1 or 2?

I thought it was 1. However just noticed a bunch of bad reviews saying about 2: even mix with formula, it cannot be used for babies under 6 months.

Here is link to the water I am talking about.

https://www.target.com/p/nursery-water-128-fl-oz/-/A-47025781#lnk=sametab

My LO is 3 months old as of today, and so far we have tried Similac Advanced (only for the first week), Similac 360 Total Care, and now for the past month Similac Pro-Total Comfort. Similac Advanced made her sooo gassy and spit up constantly, this got a bit better with the 360 total care, but not great. Pro total comfort has been our best option so far and mostly eliminated the spit up issue, but she is still very gassy! To the point where we are using Mylicon drops several times a day with almost every other feed. I’ve heard good things about Enfamil Gentlease. I’m just curious what experiences you all have had with this and their babies???

I know CA is not one of the states with laws requiring they cover elemental formula and my pediatrician said no insurance provider in CA will ever cover it. But my baby needs Neocate and I won’t be able to afford it out of pocket. We don’t qualify for WIC. We have an HMO through BCBS Anthemn.

Anyone ever have success getting insurance in CA to cover elemental amino acid based formula like Neocate or Elecare? We lived in NH when my son was young and the Neocate was very easy to get through insurance - only paid $22 a month for like 18 cans or something.

My baby has been dealing with terrible constipation for months now and she’s only 4.5 months old. She’s currently on ByHeart, but we’ve also tried Bubs Goat and Similac 360…. We’ve been having to give her prune juice. We’ve taken her to a GI doc and they prescribed her MiraLAX, which I’m not fond of because she’s so little… anyone have any luck with Reguline or Gerber gentle pro for constipation? Both are supposed to help with softer stools. We’ve started giving her a bottle a day of Reguline and haven’t noticed a change.