SIMILAC vs ENFAMIL????? and poop

[KaYBeaR]

I had to give up breastfeeding because of an overactive letdown which was contributing to my son's colic & reflux, but when he was a bf baby he had no problems with pooping in fact he would poop 4-6 times a day but now that he's 2 weeks into formula feeding I've noticed he's having some difficulty.  This last week it's been real bad as he goes one day pooping fine and the next day he'll get so gassy, fussy, irritable, and bloated I will have to help him by stimulating him from behind with a Q-tip and vasaline......it's like his butthole is clogged up and as soon as I help him he releases this explosive gas followed by all else that was clogged up in there  (yes very yucky).  He's currently on Similac Advance powder only but was wondering if Enfamil is more gentle and easier to digest and also if powdered formula vs concentrate or ready-to-feed has any bearing.

[grahamsmama]

I don't really know.  Ds was on Enfamil Lipil, and was constipated.  Dd is on Similac and is constipated.  What works for us is to give them a little extra water, I just add maybe 1-2 tsp per bottle.  I would call your pediatrician and double check, but that has worked great for us!

[trisharushbrook]

I think every baby is different so you might have to try a couple to find the one that suits him.  I was a pro at that Q-tip trick as I had the same problem with one of my LO's. 

We used Enfamil but it was really dificult to get it to dissolve in water (it is made in the US but repackaged here in China). We had a lot of bubbles in our btls which contributed to our gas problems so I used to add 2-3 drops of mylicon (smithecone) to each btl and it really helped as it got rid of the bubbles before they got through the nipple.

We were recently in the US and I used Enfamil Lipil and it was great.  Soooo much easier to dissolve in water and the girls took to it fine. I also used the ready made stuff in the can.   So convenient esp when traveling and my girls took to it fine.   I have friends who are using similac and their LO's are doing fine too so I think it's all about finding what works. 

Formula takes a lot longer to digest than breast milk so it will take babies a little time to adjust to the formula.  If he continues to struggle and you see no improvement after a couple of wks then I'd try something else.

[KaYBeaR]

Thanks ladies
Just went to the store to buy Enfamil powder......From what I hear I guess there really isn't much of a big difference between Similac and Enfamil just a matter of preference in brands and which ever one your baby prefers or takes to better. 

As for the Q-Tip trick......trishrushbrook how often did you have to (you know) and for how long until they get their gut to unclog by themselves......do you think if I do it every other day that it's a bit too often.  I feel like I'm violating my son in some way  but his face seems so relieved after and his whole body seems to loosen up afterward

[trisharushbrook]

I am trying to rem but I think I did it whenever it had to be done and I would recommend that - otherwise things are going to build up and he will get even more uncomfortable.  My girls were very preemie so part of our problem was that the muscle (sphincter) was not fully developed or able to push out what needed to come out so I had to do it for that in addition to gas problems.  Goal set by Doc was at least one good poop per day and if she hadn't done that by evening then I got out the q-tip and did my thing.

I wouldn't look at it as violating at all..  although I know what you mean.   He is obviously having some issues processing the formula so you are just helping him along and getting it out is far better than leaving it there so I wouldn't feel bad about it at all. 

There are times where I'm sure I did it every day but my recommendation is to shoot for one poop a day and if he doesn't do it then help him along when required.  It worked for us. 
Oh re how long it took.... I think maybe a few wks or a month even but rem my baby was teeny tiny so we were working on some other issues besides gas (she had reflux too).   It might work quicker with Kayden and maybe he'll take to the Enfamil....  just give him a bit of time, see how he does and help him along when needed.
let us know how it goes...

[KaYBeaR]

I am happy to report that after changing to Enfamil Kayden has pooped a total of 3 times in 2 days and it seemed effortless.......also noted that his poop went from very dark runny and stinky with Similac to a pale yellowish pudding texture with Enfamil (more like breastmilk poop). 

Enfamil powder has a consistency like white sugar vs Similac powder is more like flour (Similac packs making it harder to level the scoop) oh and fyi although both formulas have added DHA and ARA (the stuff found in breastmilk to boost brain development) Enfamil has almost double the amount of Similac

It seems like Kayden is taking to Enfamil alot better which means I can save my Q-tips for smudging my eyeliner...... 

[grahamsmama]

Wonderful!  I'm so glad your little guy is doing better. 

[trisharushbrook]

That's fantastic news.  You must be so relieved.
Nice job Kayden !  No q-tips for you !