Scared to try formula-help!

[leahbeth]

It has been four months since my LO was born! I've exclusively breast fed her yet she  has had trouble with a gassy tummy for most of her short sweet life and has a bowel movements only every 4-6 days. (They say this is normal?!). I currently am off sugar and cow's milk. I would like to give formula a try for two reasons. I would love to go for dinner or to the movies. (I don't have much milk left over to pump - very difficult). Secondly, I'd like to see if maybe my LO's tummy trouble is from something in my milk that I haven't realized. BUT... I'm nervous to try formula because I've read that it is more difficult to digest and I don't want to cause my LO any more tummy pain! Has anyone found that tummy trouble got better with formula? Have your babies become constipated when drinking formula?
Any suggestions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks! 

[Lªuren]

Hi
Thanks for posting, I understand you wanting to get out more, but obviously as you say your worried about your LO's tum.

I am from the UK (and I take it your not, necasue of your posting times), we have special brands of fromula that are designed to be easy on a babys tummy.

Can you let me know where your from and I will get someone to help you further? Have you discussed with you doctor, have they suggested any formula to you - don't worry if you haven't I am sure someone here can help.

thanks

[leahbeth]

Thanks for replying! I'm from Canada and the formula I was thinking of was Nestle's Good Start as it states it is can be easily digested because the proteins have been broken down already. I talked to my doctor and he said I could give any brand a try as they all have to meet certain guidelines but I've heard negative stories about all brands. I guess it is different for all babies! Do you have Nestle's in the UK? Has anyone had a bad experience with it?
Thanks! 

[The Vern]

I'm also in Canada. My lo is almost 3 months and she has been getting breast and bottle since day one.  We started with Nestle Good Start AHA/DHA and then switched to Enfamil A+. We switched to save some $ - there was nothing wrong with the Nestle.  We went with the concentrate (a bit more $ than powder), but we had heard that it is sometimes difficult to ensure that the powder is completely lumpfree.  The hospital I was at used Enfamil and another hospital where I attended a breast feeding clinic used Enfalac.  I understand your concerns, but many many los out there are bottle fed with no tummy problems.  Try one feed first and see how you lo reacts.  Good luck.

[Lªuren]

Thank you both for replying.

[Leah's Mom]

I used Carnation Good Start and loved it. It is lighter in appearance and consistency. I have also heard it tastes more like breast milk - don't you wonder how people know this - or who has to try it!  It's worth a try.

[Kimberly®]

I would suggest that if you had to take out cows milk you be ready to have to switch to a lactos free or even a soy formula. If there's an intolerance to milk you'll need these.
We used Parents Choice and now Enfapro. The Parents Choice is the Walmart brand and our LO did very well on it, he doctor switched her to a 6 months + formula because she is very tall and he wants her to get extra calsium, and due to constipation, less iron.
When your LO starts the iron may cause some tummy upset for the first few days, thats normal because of what iron is.

I suggest a talk with your doctor about if you need to go with the soy, or lactos free, or if you need iron free. They'll be able to help you better deside.

[leahbeth]

Thank you all for your suggestions!!!! I think I may first re-introduce cow's milk slowly  into my diet and see if her tummy issues reapper. (I don't know if she if better now because she is sleeping more thanks to babywhisper or if it is the elimination of sugar from my diet) If it is the cow's milk you have suggested very helpful alternatives!!!
I really appreciate it!!
PS: Happy day...just put my LO down for the second time in a row without pu/pd!!!! Over the moon!!!!!