Hi everyone,
My son is two months old and has been breastfeed. I don't nurse him anymore since I had to go back to work. My pediatrician suggested that I get him used to formula - about one bottle a day in case something happens and I can't pick him up on time at daycare-- he will then be able to get a formula bottle. So I tried Similac and he broke out with pimples. I wasn't sure if it was a reaction to the formula or just baby acne. He was tested for food allergies and it came up negative. I then tried Similac Soy and it cleared up, but then he was constipated. We went back to milk based formula (good start) and he broke out again. So I tried the soy one more time and he threw it up. I am very happy that he has had the breastmilk, but i really dont want to continue to pump until he eats solid food. I will do it if i have to, but its hard to find the time and a private place at work to pump.
Anyone have any advice on what formula to try? any similar experiences?
Also, I have GHI insurance, do they cover any formulas?
Thanks!
S.
S.,
you may want try nutrimegan (a hypoallergenic formula by enfamil) or alimentum by similac, i preferred nutrimegan when i had to use a more sensitive formula for my son after he had stomach sugery at 5 weeks for pyloric stynosis (when the muscle at the base of the stomach swells and food cannot pass through), he did very well with this formula and he had no problems.
good luck
My first 2 were formula fed - Enfamil Lipil with Iron - they had no problems at all. Our 3rd just quit nursing in April, she is on the same and does fine. Our first didn't do Similac well, so I kept with the Enfamil...not sure about insurance...that's one good think about nursing - it's cheap! LOL.
Good luck to you and baby!
J.
More information about the relatively new NY law promoting pumping in the workplace:
N.Y. Labor Law § 206-c (2007) states that employers must allow breastfeeding mothers reasonable, unpaid break times to express milk and make a reasonable attempt to provide a private location for her to do so. Prohibits discrimination against breastfeeding mothers.
Press release announcing new law: http://www.state.ny.us/governor/press/0822072.html
And fyi, a NY law permitting mothers to breastfeed in public: N.Y. Civil Rights Law § 79-e (1994) permits a mother to breastfeed her child in any public or private location. (SB 3999)
I am still pumping 2x/day for my 7 mo old. It's not easy but I know breastmilk is better than cow's milk, and I am lucky to have a private office. I'm not sure why the dr said the daycare needs to have formula as a backup in case you are late, frozen breastmilk would serve the same purpose. It is hard to continue to breastfeed and/or pump while returning to work, but it's great if you can do it.
Try the Similac organic milk and see if that is better. Also, I WOULD NOT GIVE MY BABY A SOY forumula. The research shows that consuming a large amount of processed soy foods could greatly damage your health and that babys should not drink it at all. Please go to this link for more details: http://v.mercola.com/blogs/public_blog/An-Urgent-Warning-...
Hello,
I'd also suggest you continue to pump. I do it 3 times a day. As it is the law, your employer should make accomodations. When I returned to work, my baby was 4 months (he is now 7 months.) Although I got some resistance from the HR dept. they evenutally provided a private room for me to pump.
But if you are unable to pump, suggest that you ask your ped. if it would be okay to mix the formula w/your breast milk and gradually reduce the breat milk to 100% formula.
Good Luck!
I noticed that you mentioned time/space for pumping at work. It is a law that your job MUST provide a clean, private environment for you to pump breastmilk. Whether that is an office, or a bathroom, or a broom closet with a chair in it! It is also law that your job must allow you time. It can be unpaid-or during your breaks. I went back to work when my son was 2 months and I pumped 2X a day-once at 10 and once at 2. I just worked through my 2 10 minute breaks and ate my lunch at my desk. He is now 10 months and I am down to pumping only once a day! (he dropped his 10 am feeding!) I hope this is helpful-sorry it was more advice about breastfeeding than formula!
I would check with the pediatrician and ask what formula to try and notify them of the issues, they should have some suggestions. My son is on a prescription formula (neocate) due to allergies and the insurance does pay for it (would be $300 a month without insurance), but some insurance companies have to be petitioned to pay for formula. Additionally, for pumping at work I believe there is a law that employers must provide a private place for mothers to pump other than a bathroom stall. Good luck!
I am an allergy nurse and we have a drug rep that comes to our office who has a formula called Neocate which is covered by insurances. I don't know which ones or how much it is, but you can ask your doctor about it. It's worth a shot.
S.,
I would highly recommend continuing breastfeeding and pumping. I also thought I wouldn't be able to do it, but I've now been pumping since August. It is so wonderful now to have this great breastfeeding relationship with my toddler son. My son would drink formula, and I did use it a couple of times, but he was/is a 99% breastmilk baby. I urge you to discuss times/places to pump with your supervisor.
Best of luck to you!
S., there really isn't a need to introduce formula "in case you're late getting him from daycare." I pumped at work (in my car with an avent isis manual pump) and my son never, ever had formula - I did this til 13 months. Giving "just in case" formula does not benefit your baby. Babies may just not handle formula well. If he needs a special prescription formula, insurance may cover that, but not regular over the counter formula's. Have your doctor recommend a formula if you absolutely must use one. Keep in mind the expense though, your baby will need it for the entire first year, even when they take solids - their milk the first year is their primary source of nutrition, foods are just a supplement to that
Good luck!
Just wanted to share, we have a 7 month old. just found out she is allergic to milk, soy and eggs. She had a rash all over her face and had eczema, she is on a new formula. Elecare, only can get by the doctor. Is also covered by most insurances. Hope this helps. Take care. Alison
We used Earth's Best Organic formula. Our daughter responded very well to it. No major issues.
Hi S.,
I just had almost the exact situation with my son, almost 3 months now. I stopped nursing at 2 months and he was not responding well to the formula (Enfamil Lipil). We then put him on Similac Sensitive (lactose-free) and that didn't work out either. He is now on Nutramigen (hypoallergenic), which is agreeing with him. When my son was on the regular Lipil. I thought it was milk allergy too, because he had broken out and was really gassy and fussy. It wasn't an allergy but his ped thought he may have a sensitivity to lactose or milk protein.
I would try either the Similac Sensitive, or a hypoallergenic formula (Nutramigen, Alimentum). Also, my daughter was on Gentlease (Enfamil makes it, has reduced lactose in it). Your son may just have a sensitivity to lactose or milk protein. But speak with your pediatrician before you do anything and see what he thinks.
The hypoallergenic formula costs a small fortune and I know many insurances do not cover it, unless it is a serious medical matter. However, inquire with your insurance anyway. Some of my family has GHI and I know it is a very good provider.
Good luck to you. If you have any more questions or need any more info, let me know!
~M.
Introduce the formula slowly by mixing it with your breastmilk. That way he body can adjust to the formula.
