My daughter will be 7 months old tomorrow, and I'm having the HARDEST time getting her to drink formula. She's my second baby, so I know the benefits of breastfeeding her up to the first year, but I had my babies back to back, and would really love to stop breastfeeding. My son (first child) was the easiest baby in the world, I almost cried when I gave him formula because he didn't even put up a fight. Guess I got what I asked for here! My poor girl...she has a milk-allergy so I can only give her Neocate, and have tried mixing it with my own milk. 1 oz formula with 3 ozs breastmilk, and she's fine. But anymore than that, and she either throws a fit or just refuses to drink a bottle. And these bottles are given to her by my mom, not me... she's too smart and just KNOWS what's available when mama is near! What has worked for everyone else?
I tried giving her Neocate till the end of April, then decided to just stick out breastfeeding a little longer since she'll be 1 in August. However, 2 weeks ago I discovered that she can now tolerate Soy formula, and in just a weeks time, I was able to wean her off the breast. Breastfeeding was becoming strained and tiresome with major changes occurring in my family. Now my daughter is 10 months old, thriving and happy... Happy baby, Happy Mommy.
I tried the mixing of the breastmilk with formula, too. I actually had my husband feed my boys with a blanket that smelled like me so the transition would be easier. Have you tried a differnt type of bottle? I did that and my baby was eating fine.
Since your daughter has an allergy to milk, in the long run she would be much better off breastfeeding. It will be difficult considering your situation, but you will look back later and be glad you stuck it out. She will be happier too.
I had my kids back to back just like you! My boy is the oldest and my girl is the youngest. Just be patient with her and the all the fuss. If she is hunger she will take the bottle eventully. Giver her two weeks of fighting. Don't feel bad about not breastfeeding. Yes, breastmilk is best for the baby but, breastfeeding takes a lot of your own nurishment and energy! I say, healthy mama first! If there is a healthy mama, then she can take care of the babies better! And, I know at this time your hands are really full give your self a break and the baby will come around. She will adapt!
Have you heard of the on-line support group for Parents Of Food Allergic Kids?
When my 6yo son was diagnosed with multiple food allergies (including dairy), I found this support group incredibly helpful. My son couldn't drink neocate (because of the corn if I remember right). But I remember many POFAK discussions about how badly neocate tastes (some breastfeeding mom's were actually drinking it themselves). There would be many experienced parents there that could give you advice and ideas for how to get her to drink it...
Have you tried one of the hydrolized dairy formulas? (If your doctor OKs it!) Our third child (18 mo) is also allergic to dairy, but can tolerate Carnation Good Start, which was recommended by our allergist. He was on Good Start for several months and did not react to dairy until we tried whole milk, yogurt, etc. So he is still on Good Start, even though he doesn't need to be on formula any more.
My understanding is that Allimentum and some of the other fully hydrolized formulas taste better than Neocate. (But they are still more expensive and taste worse than regular formula.) But, if the dairy allergy is severe (hives), I would hesitate to even try them. (Do talk to your allergist first too!)
-D.
