6 wk old not holding down formula

[jbryant]

My son is 6 weeks old. For the first couple of weeks we were giving him parents choice formula. When I signed up for WIC they switched him to Good Start formula. For the last two weeks, he has been spitting up a lot. He drinks between 3 and 5 oz. at each feeding. When he spits up, he spits up at least half of what he drank. He gets really fussy right before he spits up also. I have been giving him gas drops because he acts like he has a belly ache all the time. He can push and push and nothing will come out so I started the gas drops thinking he was just constipated. I discard the formula after one hour like Im supposed to. The only thinks I can think of that are doing this to him are Im feeding him too much or this formula does not agree with him. I have tried to cut back on the feedings. My routine used to be as soon as he wakes up, give him a bottle, let him eat, and then he goes back to sleep. He usually wakes up every 2 to 3 1/2 hours. I cut back on the feedings because I dont want to "overfeed" if thats possible. Now instead of giving him a bottle right away, I just let him sit in his chair. If he gets fussy, I give him a pacifier. If he doesnt want that, then I give him his bottle. But he still spits up all the time. Anybody have any suggestions on what I should try next? The Parents Choice formula he did just fine on isnt WIC approved so I know they wont put me on that formula.

[myboysmom]

Someone told me that if you got a note from your dr. about the formula, that WIC would approve it. My son is 5 weeks old, and acted on Similac the exact same way you describe your son on Good Start. I put him on Enfamil (not WIC approved) and he is great again. It took about 3 days for the Similac to get out of his system, but finally he wasn't so fussy and his poop was back to normal. I would say however you can work it out, get him back on the formula that works! I haven't talked to my dr. or WIC clinic here in Iowa about the note for a different formula, but I'll have to let you know what I find out. I've already decided that if WIC won't allow Enfamil, I'll figure out a way to get it on our own. I actually emailed the Enfamil company about coupons and stuff, and they responded really nicely. Maybe you could contact the Parent's Choice makers? Just throwing out some ideas. I hope that your son feels better! I know how bad you feel for them when they're in pain like that.

[MommaC]

I'm with myboysmom. My baby was on Enfamil--WIC wanted me to switch to GoodStart. It made no sense to me because they're pretty much the same price. So we tried to switch TWICE. Both times my daughter got constipated. I will say, though, that there is a right way and a wrong way to switch formula (per the pediatrician AND the WIC lady). The switch needs to be very gradual so as not to completely throw the baby's system. Mix up both kinds of formula. If you're making 4oz bottles, put in 3 oz old formula and 1 oz new formula (or maybe even just .5 oz?). Keep it that way for 4-7 days, then slightly increase the amount of new formula by .5-1 oz and decrease the old formula by the same amount.

Honestly, I think I'd make a doctor's appointment to rule out reflux. If it's not reflux and his tummy is just upset, there are still a few things you can do. You can feed him when he wakes up, but keep him upright for at least 30 minutes. Burp him longer than you think you have to because there may be one still lurking in there. If the gas is lower, try bicycling his legs. I'd save tummy time for right before nap and even laying flat on his back. Keep his head slightly elevated most of the time. If he's super bad when you lay him down to sleep, there are wedges he can sleep on.

Good luck to you!

[alwndh]

I had the same problem with my son on the good start that WIC but him on. My son was spitting up so much that we were using towels instead of burp rags. I finally had enough one night (which happened to be a saturday) and I called the doctor. They had to switch him on formulas until they found one that worked. That also was the most expensive formula out there. My doctor had to write a note to WIC just so that they would cover the formula. Wish you the best of luck. Keep us updated.

[lena241]

My sister had twins and (1) of them is lactose intolerant. He wasnt able to drink the formula supplied by WIC. She went to her doctor and was given a prescription for a firmula specially designed for Neonatal infants with lactose intolerance. I dont know the name of it, but she switched both of them to this Soy formula and they both did great. Ask your pediatrician. Im sure if there is a problem, they will be happy to help you with this. Remember, WIC will require the written authorization. Without it, the formula was almost $35.00 a can.
She was uable to breastfeed because she is Bi-Polar and needs mood stabilizers which are unsafe for kids.

Good Luck

[myboysmom]

jbryant, just wondered how things were going?

[relocatednyc]

We had the same problem with the girl I take care of and the doctor told us to burp her more often....after every ounce, to wait until she got a burp out before giving her any more, and that worked.
I thought I would mention that. I'm not sure if you have any issues with this.
Best of luck!

[jess_cecchini]

i had the same problem with my son at first, hes now 4 months and after trial and error when it came to feeding and alot of spit-up we found that the only milk that worked for him was similac alimentum (of course super expensive) but because its a food allergy form. im sure if you had a note from the ped. WIC might be able to help with some if not all of the cost...its worth a try...good luck : )