A Neocate Question

[3Ps]

My LO is now exclusively on Neocate and is doing very well.  I was sad to give up breastfeeding but know that it was the best course for her.  She is a much happier baby now, no longer having to deal with bad gas and diarrhea and she sleeps well.  Yay!  We do have some questions on Neocate:

Do people generally add the water in the bottle first and then put the formula in?  It seems to make a 1/2 oz more if I do it this way but perhaps that may be a good thing, making sure there is enough water?  Reason I ask is that she didn't poop one day and the next day, she really cried in pain when she was passing stool, and the stool came out in a long log like then followed by water, all green of course which her GI specialist said was normal.  I'm guessing she was slightly constipated and when the stool finally came out, it hurt quite a bit.  I don't think this is normal, but wanted to check with others' experiences with this formula.  If she will be constipated, are we supposed to dilute the formula more like how I described above?  If I made it according to the instructions on the can, the resulting amount is actually less than what I intended to make. 

Thanks in advance.
 

[Jimbob]

I would follow the instructions on the can but also give your dd some water to drink aswell. It does sound like she is constipated so giving the extra water may help with that. If not can you give a small amount of watered down prune juice as this helps with constipattion. This will obviously depend on how old your dd is and what allergies she has as I can't remember off hand.

Kelly

[Jimbob]

You could also ask her doctor for something to help with constipation if it continues.

[em_here]

I agree with Jimbob, sounds like constipation rather than the milk itself, and to offer small water feeds too and maybe something from the doc for it.

We use Neocate, isnt it awesome, life saver!

[3Ps]

The Neocate is amazing.  The changes have been just short of miraculous.  I spoke to the dietician and she agreed that we need to follow the instructions on the can.  I have to say though, when I follow them exactly, I don't get the intended amount.  Meaning, let's say I want to get 5 oz, if I put the 5 scoops of powder in 1st and then add the water to the 5 oz fluid line, I only get 4.5 oz.  I then add more water until it gets to the 5 oz. line.  I think that's what I'm supposed to do. 

I'm happy to report that she didn't have constipation yesterday and she pooped without pain.  Yay!  Although we did notice that there are white flakes/dots in the poop.  Is that normal?  I can't believe I'm so obsessed over her poop but I guess that's part of motherhood.     

[motherof3]

Just wanted to add that Neocate is constipating.  Abby was on it from 4-14 months.  She had to take Lacutlose to keep her regular and comfortable.  But after about 4-6 months on it (Lactulose) we were able to wean her off of it.  If it would continue I would ask for something.

Andrea

[em_here]

Thats strange, I have never found neocate to be constipating, in fact my dietician said it shouldnt really be as it is so "pure" and easily digested..... but I suppose every baby is different, and some are just prone to constipation anyway

Not sure about the white flecks, sorry, am sure its ok, and am glad she is doing better.  As for the powder etc, I would just add the water to the line where it says 5oz ad then add the powder, and not add any more water, or it will be a little too dilute.

xxxx

[mella]

I put the water in first then add the powder, and yes it does take it higher, but I think if you put the powder in then add the water you will be making it a bit strong, and maybe this is why she found it hard to poo?

[birdie]

I have just recently switched to putting the powder (and rice ceral) mixture in first and then adding the water. It is a little thicker, which works well for us as we have a little refluxer.

We have also started adding Miralax to some of Ian's bottles to help with the constipation. We are still working out the ratio, though. It does seem to be helping.

Wendy