Time to switch formulas?

[2sweetgirls]

My 4 mo dd has recently been introduced to formula (just after Christmas).  I am currently only adding 1-2 ounces at most to EBM bringing the total volume up to about 5 ounces per bottle.  She will typically take on average this amount every 3.5 to 4 hours.  We are in EASY limbo working up to a 4 hour.  While she has spit-up when exclusively on breastmilk directly nursing it seems that she is doing this even more.  I am not sure if it is simply due to the use of bottles or if it has something to do with the formula I have chosen.  Right now we are using Good Start.  I suspect that she may have an aversion to cow's milk (don't remember why, just that I stopped drinking it when nursing) and there is cow's milk in this formula.  Perhaps this is why?  I don't want to play around too much with formulas and never really had to with our first dd.  Anyone have any suggestions or similar experience?  I should add that we do burp her really well throughout her bottles and try to keep her upright after feeding her.  Thank you in advance.

[hatshetsut]

When you say spit-up, how much do you think she is spitting up? Some is very normal, and we always feel like they spit up more than they really do. Is your LO having any abdominal distress or constipation? Any blood in the stools? Is she spitting up so much that she is hungry again sooner and is she crying with the spit up or is she still happy? And finally, have you asked your pedi about this yet? They may have some suggestions as well.

[2sweetgirls]

Thanks for the response hollyj.  She is spitting up what I estimate to be about 1-2 ounces at most but I could be off on this.  It is definitely more than what I have seen before.  She doesn't seem to be upset by this at all.  I haven't yet checked with my pediatrician but am going to do so tomorrow.  I don't think she is having any abdominal issues but she is scrunching up more in her crib (tummy sleeper- I have a movement monitor long story) but she is also trying hard to roll over.  I'm not sure if she is uncomfortable or just practicing.  Lastly, her stools have been so mysterious.  As an exclusively breastfed baby she only pooped every 3 days or so which was very strange.  Her doctor was not concerned and said that she was fine and gaining weight appropriately.  The stranger thing is that when I started to include formula in her bottles she has pooped nearly every day.  How backwards!  Never have I seen blood in her stools though.

[hatshetsut]

Breast fed babies many times don't poop as often, but are also less likely to get constipated. Formula fed babies poop more, and are more likely to get constipated. Was she fussing with out the extra formula? Why did you add it into her bottle? She may just be full with the breast milk only and be spitting up the extra. Breastfed babies often don't eat as much as bottle fed because the bottle is so easy. At the breast they have to work for it, so they stop when they are done, with the bottle they tend to over eat some.

Bottom line, if she is not in distress, I wouldn't worry about it. If you think she is having problems with digestion, you could try another formula, or just taking the formula out all together and just sticking with BM. HTH!

Holly