Constipation on Formula

[Amused]

Hey,

I need advice - my bub is 7 weeks old and is constipated after switching to formula just over a week ago. The pediatrician suggested water with brown sugar but this hasn't helped. Does anyone have any ideas on how to make this better.

[OscarTheGrouch]

What formula are you using? Certain formulas can constipate more than others.

[MrsMiggins]

While I am quite sure you know exactly what you are talking about, just make sure it is actually constipation, as babies poos are much thicker & more solid looking (and also less regular), particularly when first switching to formula. (But I'm sure you already know what's what! :yes: ) Just thought it was worth mentioning as I was a bit worried Claire was getting constipated when we first changed to formula (she was only pooing every 3 days & it was very thick), but now I know this was normal for her.

When I did think she may be getting constipated, I asked the Dr about it and she suggested giving her a little diluted pear or prune juice.

[Amused]

Oscar the grouch - I'm using S26 Gold - is this a bad one?

Mrs Miggins - he goes really red in the face and grunts really loud. He also gets really upset, but after all of the grunting, there is no poo. When there is poo, it is really solid. Thanks for the diluted juice idea.

[Spewiesmum]

My doctor's practice nurse told me S26 is the "most constipating c### on the market". She suggested Nan.

I've been told a warm bath may help with bowel movements.

[~EmsMum~]

My doctor's practice nurse told me S26 is the "most constipating c### on the market". She suggested Nan.

I've been told a warm bath may help with bowel movements.

agree with you there! my brother was on s26 gold and had so many probs

[Shazbutt]

We haven't had any dramas with s26 with DD2, except when we first started...but thats like most formulas at first, until they get used to them.

Naomi, if he gets really bad, then you could ask for 'Coloxyl' drops at the chemist. They worked really well for us when DD1 got a bit bad as a bub, but i'd try the diluted juice first. The coloxyl are pretty natural as far as i can remember, not like a medicine type thing, and we only needed them for a while until she got settled on the formula.

[angcaltam]

Heinz is meant to be a good formula, we are using it with 10 week old DD and she is going really good. I've heard that S26 and S26 Gold are one of the worst ones.

Have you heard of "Infants friend"? It can be used for a lot of things including bowel motions. It really is good. It helps with wind pains and teething and a whole heap more. You can get it at the chemist.

Good luck and let us know how you go.

[annsam]

Hi, S26 was awful for my bub, gave him terrible wind and tummy pains. We changed to NAN and now, 21 month later are on the Heinz Nurture........and its not until recently now that hes being weaned that his constipation is starting to sort itself out. My Dr suggested Parachoc but he was a little older than 7 weeks when that was suggested.

[jkate]

We have been having many problems with my little boy and constipation that we are now going to see a pediatrician. As Veve said make sure it its constipation, as someone once said in another thread, your looking for playdough consistency. If you think it is constipation, switch formulas, s26 gold is the worse for it, I try Heinze which is a good one (the only problem is that my son as extra problems), and Nan is very good as well.

I have been strongly advise against sugar and water from one professional as well as advise for it from another (its one of those things no one can agree on). I have used the coloxyl drops which are good, but be careful you don't use too much. The key is extra water, only small amounts for a tiny bub, rub bubs tummy clockwise especially if you can see they want to do a poo. Rubbing the soles of their feet in a clockwise motion is meant to help to, right in the middle of your foot. Warm baths sometimes help as well.

Best of luck with it all. I hope your little bub gets better soon :hugs:

[hayleylea]

Pear juice can do the job aswell if they arent too badly constipated. If all else fails coloxyl drops do work wonders but i agree make sure you only use the recommended dosage and its not good to use them all the time. There are also suppositry (sp?) things you can get from the chemist that work pretty good. They arent the nicest things though as you have to insert them up bubs bottom! I had constipation issues with DS when he was younger thats how i know all about these things lol. The key is to keep up the water - and i was also told that when adding your scoops of fomular to make it more loose and not compact it too much in the scoop iykwim? Hope this helps

[Mrs Little]

So what is the best formula for bubs that are likely to have constipation or wind issues?

Do people reccommend Heinz or Nan?

Mrs Little & Son.

[OscarTheGrouch]

Oscar the grouch - I'm using S26 Gold - is this a bad one?

Like some of the other ladies have said S26 Gold can be really constipating. I used a tin with DS and it had that effect on him. As soon as I went back to Karicare Gold, regularity returned. Maybe that's your problem?

Edit: Just to add, I'd be changing the brand of formula rather than trying Coloxyl or anything along those lines.

[MrsMiggins]

The reason some people may have issues with S26 Gold & constipation is not because the formula itself is bad, but because it has the highest iron levels of any other formula. Increased iron can, in some cases cause constipation. Just thought I'd clear that up! ;)

[Amused]

Thanks all for the advice.

I think I'll try switching formula. Do you need to do it gradually or can you just switch? Is there a consensus on which is best? Nan, Karicare or Heinz:confused:

What are the issues with sugar and water?

[annsam]

So what is the best formula for bubs that are likely to have constipation or wind issues?

Do people reccommend Heinz or Nan?

Mrs Little & Son.


Having tried both, they both have the same effect. Formula is high in iron which of course = constipation in many bubs.

[annsam]

Thanks all for the advice.

I think I'll try switching formula. Do you need to do it gradually or can you just switch? Is there a consensus on which is best? Nan, Karicare or Heinz:confused:

What are the issues with sugar and water?

No real issue except that it is feeding your baby pure sugar. Its a remedy they used to use 30 odd years ago so its up to you.

[OscarTheGrouch]

I use Karicare Gold and have never had any constipation problems (well not me but DS :laughing: ).

[~Emmylou~]

My DD went onto formula at 8 weeks and we had the same problem.
Tried everything - diluted prune juice (EXPLOSIVE nappy so bad we had to shower her off, never do that again)...switched formulas a few times, gave her boiled water, none of it worked.
Finally we put her on the Karicare AR/HA formula. It's a bit more expensive but it was worth it, the constipation immediately went away.
Also coloxyl drops (can get from the chemist) worked really well in emergencies. Just add them to their bottle.
Good luck I remember all too well how frustrating this was :(

[twins+another]

We had the same problem with our boys and were told to add 10mls extra water when making up each bottle. After 2 days they were both running as regular as clockwork and we continued it until they went to cows milk. Sometimes they just need a little extra water to help them deal with the extra iron in their systems.

[3cherubs]

My DD2 had constipation, we tried many types of formula. Ended up she was Lactose Intolerant and i had to give her once a day some Lactoluse ( stuff to losen her up), when she got to solids she was fine and know more medicene.

Hope all is fine

[bindiloo]

I have my bub who is 5weeks old on Karicare Gold with the omega fish oil in it however she is badly constipated on and it yet my sisters all used it and it didnt constipate their children. Its just a matter of finding the right one for your baby. I was told to try the coloxyl drops in the formula and yes it worked but as soon as i stopped it she was constipated again so now i am going to change formulas and try probably the new heinz one. I also found out that the coloxyl drops cause bub abdominal pain and also cause colic.

So i wouldnt reccomend it at all. You can also go to your local baby clinic and have a chat to the clinic nurse and get some advise off her,as they see it alot and may have a suggestion of a formula that they know of has helped other constipated bubs.

:) :)

[mum23girls]

With my first DD, she was always getting constipated, and spending heaps on specialists, the final Paed thold us to go to the chemist and buy a bottle of Paraffin oil and put a teaspoon into her bottle. It works wonders!!!!! The paraffin oil just lubes the system and softens what is in the bowels. We have since used it with DD3 when the need occurs!!

[Lauz]

warm boiled water (even if they seem too young this works a treat)
diluted prune juice
warm bath
lying them on you lap facing away from you, put their feet on your hands and allow them to push legs out straight against the reisstance of your hands... helps to get it out
and baby massage ;)

[New mummy]

Hi all,

I have just been reading everyone thoughts/comments on their childrens constipation, and well I guess I thought I'd post because I have tried a few things and wanted to see what others thought. My son is 7 months old and has been on formula now for 5 weeks, and the whole time has been constipated. Ive tried brown sugar, extra water in his bottles, dituting feeds (Lessing the powder) extra pears for fibre and extra water where I can. He is not a huge feeder only having at maximum 600-700 mls per day. I am also using coloxy drops, I cant stop using them for him, he is pretty much having coloxyl every second day just to help. He is on Karicare formula 2 and I am trying him on Nan but he refuses to take a drop, must be able to taste the difference?? anyway Ive taken him to the docs twice now and the reception that I get is to keep on the coloxyl for the next 3 weeks and if no good to come back. I dont know about any one else but Im tired of this and its upsetting that I have to help my child do his poos cause they are that hard and hurting him. I have also tried the supository but they dont stay in long enough and barely help. I feel terrible for my son and am thinking is it time to go to a ped? However saying all that the coloxly has helped and they dont get so hard but having to use it every second day I cant see being a good thing and even now I may have to start using it every day. My doctor also told me not to change his formula but I am trying the nan. I would love any help or comments.

Thank you for reading my story :o :crying: :)
New mummy.

[angcaltam]

Have you heard of "Infants Friend"? It works wonders. You get it from the chemist, I'd give it a go.:yes: :thumbsup:

[New mummy]

Hi again, :wave:

My husband and I have decided to switch to a new formula and see if anything happens. Im hoping this formula will help, otherwise we might just keep trying till we find the right one.

We tried nan at first but I think our little man found a taste difference and thats where I should have persisted with it but I then stopped. Im now trying one that I got in a chemist, a new line.

anyways I'll keep you all posted if it works or not. I have also decided to try cut down on using the coloxyl as I have had concerns over using this product over a long time?

oh we started on some yogurt too and he seems to really like it along with pear.

ok heres to hoping for a good poo :thumbsup:

Thanks for hearing my thoughts :thumbsup:

cheers Tash :yelclap:

[pupyia]

I used S26 and yes we had consitpation issues. I over came these by adding an extra 20ml of water to the formula, under paed. orders. Also my paed told me to put the brown sugar in his milk.

I put 1 teaspoon in his milk. that with the extra water seemed to fix this problem. Mind you my DS is now just over 2 and we still has consitipation issues. also when all is tried and nothing else works go get your self some glycerin suposetrys for infants and you are guarrenteed a poo within an hour or so. and it makes it so much easier for the little one.

good luck

[Amused]

My bub is doing well on the Heinz Gold. He has been pooing every two days up until the last 48 hours where he has pooed twice a day. Now I'm worried that it is too soft... it never ends!!!!

[New mummy]

He he I can understand :-) The formula worked on bubs and now he is pooin like a champ! twice a day too heheh now we are thinking..mm.. is it to soft :p But you kow rather soft than hard..
he is such a happy bub now! :thumbsup:

lets hope this keeps up!

Im glad your bubs are doing good too! Isnt it such a great feeling to have something work and you bub happy, oh such relief :)

Thanks so much for your advice and this great thread

Natasha

[DIANNEKB]

When bubs went onto formula (karicare gold) he got constipated but it's just there body adjusting I did not change his formula... It took about 3-4 weeks to adjust to it.. we used Prune Juice diluted in water.. it worked good way too good if you ask me... we also tried a teaspoon of white sugar in there bottle and everytime I did this (wasnt alot) he poo'd within an hour one time it was wihtin a half hour.. as the sugar stimulates the bowel but I would try the other stuff first before that.... also as someone suggested infants friend is also good.

Good luck.

[rubya]

My baby is nearly 12 months old and we have had terrible trouble with constipation since introducing solids. Very distressing. Have tried everything, pureed pruces, cutting out baby rice etc. I am breast feeding but used s26 formula on babys cereal in the morning. I have now switched to kari gold and what a difference!

[threeofthem]

I am having this same problem with my ds although he is on neocate. The pead suggested extra water and brown sugar, which is not working he also suggested coloxal drops if these 2 failed to work which is my next step, if not any other ideas for a 13 wk old bub would be helpful

[HeidiLee]

Our newborn got very constipated on S26. We switched to Heinz Nurture two days ago at the suggestion of our midwife and what a difference! Will never touch S26 again.

Coloxal did work for us. Our midwife also suggested putting an extra 10ml of water in a bottle every 24 hours.

Update: Heinz Nurture didnt work long term - on advice from a friend we switched to Karicare HA and 10 days later we are still going well :)

[kelka]

After my 1st baby being on S26 for 4 months, I was not clued in with how my baby should be with her formula. People always said to me "chucking is normal" "oh its normal to have firm stools with formula fed babies" etc.
After finally listening to the voice in the back of my head, I changed to NAN HA 1 Gold after reading parents going through the same things as us. We haven't looked back.

My daughter no longer chucks or is constipated, my only regret is that it took me 4 months to figure out that I needed to change her formula. I recommend NAN HA 1 Gold to any parents who've had a similar experience.

[TerriAnne]

Hi
I hope you have had success getting your bub to poo. I have had the same problem since changing formula. The best and fastest thing is watered down prune juice start with 10mls of juice with 10mls of water then increase if no result. You can also buy specialised formulas for constipation under the Novolac brand. Also cooled boiled water softens it and makes it easier for them to poo.

My little girl did little pellets she was grunting the poor thing, the prune juice has worked and I am giving her a little bit daily until she gets used to the formula.

Good Luck:)

[lovelymum]

Try Nan HA its an easy to digest formula, there is also a company called NOVAK who do a constipation formula its in most pharmacies we used this for DD as any formula bound her up heaps (although we were combining BF and formula). If the problem is ongoing and you cannot sort out the formula thing see a pead, my DS had a dairy intolerence as a newborn and he suffered from chronic constipation as a result, he was a miserable little bugger for the first 8 months of his life, until we saw a peadiatric gastroentorologist, he got put onto neocate and problem was solved in 1 feed :)

[damirsboy]

Need help!!!:hair:

My LS is eight weeks old and has been on Nan ha gold for a month. He suffers from really bad wind and has done from day 1 ( bottle and breast ).
He was pooing lovely poos every day until the last week and he has become constipated, i have given him coloxyl and this has worked but i think i should try a new formula (advice from tresillian help line) they did not suggest a formula though i am not sure whether i should try maybe a soy formula or the novalac colic formula, has anyone any suggestions?
any advice would be appreciated thanks :)
PS why does the novalac formulas say not for general use? is it only used short term?

[amymay]

hi damirsboy,

i have just put my son on novolac constipation and i called the help line and asked the same question. they have a medical adviser, very helpful, worth a call.

they asvised me the formula is fine to use if your baby has the symptons for the formula you choose to feed. they also told us that we can use it long tern to asssist in constipation.

hope this helps, we are on day 3 of the formula and he has settled alot, lets hope we on the right track, also on doc medication so a combination.

cheers:)

[Ollibot]

Heya,
you probably have your mind made up with what you're going to do now but we had the same probs with s26, we changed to Bellamys, it's been great, he is so regular now, no sugar water or prune juice :), and I was trying to get rid of the remaining s26, just to finish off the tub, but he refuses to drink it now...won't have a sniff of it:D

[Urban Tumbleweed]

My son was on the S26 Gold for 3 weeks and he was so constipated and his poos were really hard and the size of a marble - we did the brown sugar in warm boiled water and Coloxyl which worked well after we used it for a couple of days, but as soon as we stopped giving it to him he would get constipated again. The ped recommended that we use a baby glycerin suppository and he did the biggest poo within 5 minutes! We changed after that to the S26 original and he was pooing nice soft ones everyday from then on. Apparently the S26 Gold is notorious for constipation... i didnt even have to tell the ped which formula he was on because he already guessed!

[HeidiLee]

My son was on the S26 Gold for 3 weeks and he was so constipated and his poos were really hard and the size of a marble - we did the brown sugar in warm boiled water and Coloxyl which worked well after we used it for a couple of days, but as soon as we stopped giving it to him he would get constipated again. The ped recommended that we use a baby glycerin suppository and he did the biggest poo within 5 minutes! We changed after that to the S26 original and he was pooing nice soft ones everyday from then on. Apparently the S26 Gold is notorious for constipation... i didnt even have to tell the ped which formula he was on because he already guessed!

Our baby got severley constipated on normal s26 which is also very well known for it so I guess its just different babies react differently

[Urban Tumbleweed]

Yeah that just goes to show hey! A bit of trial and error really - i was going to try the heinz if we still had problems with the S26 original (which i thought we would and was quite surprised that we didn't!) :)

[Pax]

my son was like that he required suppositories for months to help him go :gloomy:

[earthfairy]

Popsicle was like this on s26 gold & normal!

*sigh* it was awful!

I decided to do some research of my own into formukas & what goes in them....

I found that formulas that are "Hydrolized" are better for bub. IT means that they have smaller components & are easier for bub to digest.

I am now using NAN HA 1 & have had nooooo problems what so ever. It even smells nicer than the other formulas. Its pretty expensive but i dont mind, i have a happy healthy growing baby!

HTH :hugs:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/g...mula-fed-baby/ (http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/go/index.php/226/optimize-health-formula-fed-baby/)
Quote:
When It Has to be Formula: Optimizing the Health of Your Formula-Fed Baby

By Dr. Linda Folden Palmer

What can you do to optimize the health of your formula-fed infant? First off, know that infant formulas are constantly improving. Research on breast milk substitutes is growing every day, with few bumps in the road. Some very recent fortification attempts hold the promise of possibly lowering the greater risks of diabetes, heart disease, obesity and cancer found among children and adults who were formula-fed as infants.

That said, there are strategies you can take now to improve your formula-fed baby’s health, as well as things you will definitely want to avoid. These factors can have a life-long impact on your child’s overall health.

Use hydrolyzed milk formula
The best choice for a first formula is a hydrolyzed milk formula. Cow’s milk proteins are large and difficult for young babies to digest. In hydrolyzed formulas, the proteins are broken down into smaller, more tolerable pieces.
Many of the potential problems with milk intolerance can be avoided by using hydrolyzed formula from the beginning. Often, small but regular intestinal bleeding occurs in formula-fed infants (or breastfed infants not tolerating mother’s diet), even when dairy intolerance is not suspected. This common occurrence is usually undetected but can lead to anemia. It may be preventable by simply beginning with hydrolyzed formula for the first months of life.
Hydrolyzed formulas do not taste as good to infants who have tasted other formulas. Therefore, it’s sometimes difficult to switch to a hydrolyzed formula once you’ve begun with regular formula.

Don’t forget nucleotides
For about a decade now, many formulas have been adding RNA and DNA building blocks known as nucleotides. Naturally found in breastmilk, nucleotides help the intestinal immune system and assist in fat digestion. Nucleotide-supplemented formulas have been shown to reduce incidence of diarrhea. Selecting a formula that lists nucleotides in the ingredients may prevent some illnesses in your baby.

Use acidophilus
Formula-fed infants develop adult-type flora in their intestines; these flora are part of the cause of formula-fed babies’ increased incidence of intestinal illnesses. Providing a daily dose of friendly bacteria (the kind found in yogurt) may help to maintain a gentler flora for baby.
Don’t give your young infant yogurt. Instead, provide a twice-daily dose of a good quality powdered combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium and some other good bacteria. You can add the powder directly to the formula when preparing it. Store these friendly bacteria, known as probiotics, in the refrigerator.
Formula companies are currently studying the addition of probiotics to store formulas. They have been found to be safe for infants and to reduce colic and diarrhea, although occasional constipation has been reported with probiotic-fortified formulas. Daily use of probiotics may reduce your baby’s potential for developing allergies.

Consider DHA and ARA
There has been much research lately in regards to certain fatty acids known as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid), important nutrients for brain and vision development. These long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids found in breast milk have traditionally been very low in infant formulas. It is known that babies are able to make their own DHA and ARA, but it has been found that they are unable to create optimal amounts.
This discrepancy explains in part the slight neurological and visual deficits linked with formula feeding. Studies show some visual and cognitive benefits when these fatty acids are supplemented in formula-fed infants. Several recently released studies and ongoing studies are working to find the optimal levels and forms of these to add to infant formulas. There are hopes that adding these fatty acids may even help to close the gap between formula and breastfed infants in terms of diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
Formulas with added DHA and ARA are available today. Study results so far are mixed but mostly positive. Oxidation of these fatty acids during storage may be a problem and may account for some of the mixed results. Some infants experience diarrhea from these formulas. Unfortunately, some formulas, upon adding these new ingredients, are dropping the valuable nucleotide supplements. Fresh forms of these fatty acids might be more beneficial to infants. Some consultants are recommending adding these directly to infants’ diet.
Cod liver oil is an excellent source of DHA as well as EPA, another important fatty acid. Expeller-pressed walnut oil is another source of these. A half a teaspoon per day may be appropriate for a small infant.
ARA is found only in animal sources. Egg yolk is an excellent source for babies, but it’s not something to give newborns. Some nutrition consultants (http://www.mercola.com/2000/oct/22/infant_formula.htm) suggest providing one yolk plus a teaspoon of cod liver oil daily after 4 months. Since egg white is the part of eggs that can cause allergy, you should avoid using them with infants. Cod liver oil may loosen the stools.

“Nurse” your bottle-fed baby
The term “to nurse” means to provide gentle nurturing care. Nursing your baby during feeding (http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/5-bf/46-nursing-baby.htm) provides face-to-face contact and rich non-verbal and verbal conversation — all extremely valuable for your baby’s social and neurological development. Skin-to-skin contact is shown in studies to provide an additional advantage and can be included in a cozy bottle feeding

Reduce cortisol releases
When babies are allowed to cry without receiving a nurturing response, they release a large amount of cortisol into their systems. When this is allowed to happen regularly, their brains develop permanent, life-long patterns of increased cortisol release in response to stress. This increased cortisol-release pattern is strongly associated with depression and heart disease in later life.
In addition to the permanent modeling of brain receptor responses, chronic cortisol elevation makes babies more susceptible to illness. Incidentally, mothers release cortisol when their babies cry, too, increasing their own susceptibility to frequent illness, heart disease and depression.
In contrast, affectionate, responsive care induces the release of positive bonding and health-promoting hormones such as oxytocin in both mother and child.

Sleep with your baby in your bedroom
Studies show that the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is greatly reduced when your baby sleeps in the same room as you do, compared to sleeping in a crib in another part of the house. When neither parent smokes and proper safety measures are taken, cosleeping in the parental bed (http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/articles/co-sleeping-and-the-family-bed.htm) provides the same safety as crib sleeping in the same room, especially after the first two weeks of life.

Don’t use homemade formulas
Concerns over formula difficulties and trends toward organic and raw products have created increasing mention of making infant formulas at home. While “organic” and “natural” are wonderful concepts, raw, organic or standard cow’s and goat’s milk are dangerous infant feeds. The levels of many components are far too high in these milks, and the levels of other components are far too low. The number of problems that could arise is too high to mention.

Companies developing breast milk substitutes have devoted a century of research to create optimal formulas. No homemade formula recommendations have near the advantage of this research. And professionally made organic formulas have now hit the American shelves.

Consider starting solids sooner
Studies show that delaying the introduction of solid foods is highly beneficial when a baby is exclusively breastfed — but the same does not always ring true for formula-fed or formula-supplemented infants. It is difficult for some formula-fed infants to gain enough iron from their formula, no matter how much is in it, and babies’ own iron stores may begin running out after several months. Dark-colored vegetables also have valuable antioxidants that have been missing in the formula diet.
Babies who have been experiencing a slight intolerance to their formula may robustly respond to the introduction of non-dairy solid foods. Some formula-fed babies fare better with introductions of strained vegetables, meats or a little fortified rice cereal as early as 4 months. Sugary foods, juice or plain white-flour snacks have much less nutritional value than formula and are not appropriate for babies. Delay the introduction of fruit, which teaches babies to acquire a taste for sweet foods, unless you are trying prunes for constipation.

Keep formula in the diet for 18 months
Studies show that children fare even better when formula is continued in the diet for 18 months or more, rather than switching to cow’s milk or other drinks at one year.

Consider avoiding the vitamin K injection
Babies are purposely born with low levels of vitamin K, which is meant to increase gradually through feedings of breast milk, which is deliberately “low” in vitamin K. This tightly managed vitamin K level controls the rate of cellular reproduction. When infants are injected with the huge amount of vitamin K routinely given at birth, cellular reproduction is allowed to get out of hand. Some slight increase in leukemia cases is associated with these injections.
On the other hand, serious damage from a rare bleeding problem may be prevented by vitamin K injections at birth. A baby born with an undetected liver disorder can suffer damaging or fatal bleeding into the brain, and the clotting action of added vitamin K can reduce this bleeding.
Studies have shown that breastfed babies can be supplemented in smaller oral doses spread out over the first weeks of life and still safely avoid this rare but dangerous bleeding complication. Formulas are already supplemented with much higher levels of vitamin K than are found in breast milk. Studies suggest that this gradually supplemented amount of vitamin K is also adequate to prevent bleeding problems (http://www.babyreference.com/VitaminKinjectORnot.htm), negating the need for routine injection at birth. In the absence of known bleeding disorders, avoiding the potentially dangerous injection of vitamin K for infants who are fed formula from birth may decrease the rare but serious risk of leukemia.

Take immune-protective measures
Because formula-fed infants miss out on the daily provisions of immunities and chemical defenses from mother’s milk, you should do all you can to assure your baby gets the best possible dose of antibodies from your body before birth. The greatest portion of these immunoglobulins are pumped into the newborn’s body during labor. A child born via scheduled cesarean section misses out on labor and its last-minute provisions. Even when a C-section is recommended, natural labor can often be allowed to happen first, giving your baby a big, important immunity boost.

Newborns are susceptible to illness, and the first weeks of life are the most dangerous. Simply keeping your baby close to home and screening visitors for any illnesses can help a great deal. Visitors should wear a snug mask if they’ve recovered from a virus less than 3 days prior to their visit.

Try just a little bit
When physical limitations or lifestyle circumstances may not allow for continued breastfeeding, supplying breast milk in the first few weeks of life can provide your baby with a large edge on health and survival, especially if he was born early or tiny. The first milk, called colostrum, is especially full of immune-providing, protective factors.
If you plan to formula feed by a certain date, your baby can benefit greatly if you avoid using formula supplements at all until it is nearly time for the switch. Any amount of formula supplementation weakens the advantages of the breast milk. American infants who are fed formula from birth enjoy more than a 99% survival rate (http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/5-bf/312-formula-report.htm); that rate is even higher when some early breast milk is received, growing proportionally with the amount of breast milk received to about 99.5% for fully breastfed infants.
If you cannot produce milk, you may be able to obtain donor milk from milk banks and occasionally directly from donating mothers. Long-term use of donor milk can be expensive and complicated, but short-term use could be a powerful investment in the future of your child.

You can go back
There are occasions when a parent feels that formula is just not working well for a particular child. Intolerance to all forms of formula is usually the dilemma involved. Relactation is a viable yet seldom-mentioned consideration in these situations. I saw one occasion in which a child developed an illness that could respond much better to breast milk feedings, so the mother decided to give relactation a try. With the assistance of a lactation consultant, relactation works fairly well or very well for most mothers who are determined to succeed.

[HeidiLee]

We went the HA formula route after the s26 disaster as well - we use Karicare HA and havent had any problems

[Blueberry Crumble]

Popsicle was like this on s26 gold & normal!

*sigh* it was awful!

I decided to do some research of my own into formukas & what goes in them....

I found that formulas that are "Hydrolized" are better for bub. IT means that they have smaller components & are easier for bub to digest.

I am now using NAN HA 1 & have had nooooo problems what so ever. It even smells nicer than the other formulas. Its pretty expensive but i dont mind, i have a happy healthy growing baby!

HTH :hugs:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/g...mula-fed-baby/ (http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/go/index.php/226/optimize-health-formula-fed-baby/)
determined to succeed.

:wave: Hi there! Firstly, I have just had a baby nine days ago and have called her Poppy ;)

We are using Nan Gold... is it better to use the one that isnt gold? I am suspecting she is a little constipated because she is passing tiny soft pellets, not very many each day, and seems to be in pain after her feeds, squirming and whinging.

Also, it states in your article to add powdered acidophilus in your formula... what do you think of this? I havent heard of that before either.... hmmm. all so hard

[earthfairy]

:wave: Hi there! Firstly, I have just had a baby nine days ago and have called her Poppy ;)

We are using Nan Gold... is it better to use the one that isnt gold? I am suspecting she is a little constipated because she is passing tiny soft pellets, not very many each day, and seems to be in pain after her feeds, squirming and whinging.

Also, it states in your article to add powdered acidophilus in your formula... what do you think of this? I havent heard of that before either.... hmmm. all so hard

Good Morning & Congrats on your baby ~~ Poppy is a booootiful name:yes::D

The NAN HA Gold, which we use contains all that - Active BL Probiotics, Opti Pro adapted protein level, omega 3 & 6 & also Nucleotides:thumbsup: No need to add anything....this is why i went with teh NAN HA Gold.

Poppy is thriving on it...

[earthfairy]

...sorry jbelle, forgot to add...

when we were having probs with Poppy being constipated our Paed said before her feed every night get a bottle & put two teaspoons of prune juice with some water & let her have that before she has her milk.

Took about 2 or 3 days & then boy did it clean her out:laughing:
No probs since:D

I think initially all babys have some sort of constipation with formulas before their body gets used to it......

Good luck honey:hugs:

[BB78]

Hi glad to find this thread, my DD has been on formula fully now for a week (she was BF & bottle yop ups but my milk has dried up) she was on Heinz. But it has made her poos very very thick and she was screaming in pain trying to pass poops & wind, so I have changed to Karicare & so far its the same result.
I give her a warm bath, & massage her tum this seems to help but its so hard to see your bub in pain with wind.



Which is the best formula for sensitive bellys? as DS was on Heinz & he never had a trouble.. my DD is. so I am confused which one to use.??