The DR. wants me to stop BFing and use Alimentum

The GI wants me to stop BFing cause they think sidney has a milk allergy. They want me to give her Alimentum exclusively. I am not ready to do this yet and am cutting out all dairy from my diet and trying to give her this formula at night. BUT...it smells and tastes aweful (like dog food) and she absolutely refuses to drink it. I've tried at night, during the day, mixed with Breast Milk, with a medicine dropper. Nothing works. I asked the GI about another formula and she insists on this one! Anyone have any suggestions on how I can get her to take this?
I hate to force her but what do I do if cutting out the dairy doesn't work???

Re: The DR. wants me to stop BFing and use Alimentum

My girlfriend's daughter is on the same formula and she mixes it with rice cereal if your feeding 4 ounces then do 3 table spoons of cereal if 5 ounces then 4 tablespoons. My friends daughter wouldn't take it cuz it is very very thin

Re: The DR. wants me to stop BFing and use Alimentum

Dree

Before you stop breastfeeding, please send my SIL an FM (emilain). One of her children had a severe milk allergy and she was able to breastfeed her for a year. She had to cut out all dairy from her own diet - I don't remember though how long it took for dairy to be out of her system completely. I know it was hard on her in the beginning, but she will be the first to tell you that it was worth it. She has also cut out dairy with her newborn this time around "just in case" he also has the same allergy.

If you aren't ready to stop BFing, then really give the dairy free diet a try and send Emilain an FM, she has a lot of helpful information!!

Re: The DR. wants me to stop BFing and use Alimentum

I know we have been talking via FM but I have to tell you that I saw a aworld renown allergist in Manhattan and he swore that BFing was so much better than formula for allergy-prone babies. If it is not the dairy, maybe it will be wheat products that she is having a problem with. Don't give up, I almost did the same thing, but once I got off of all dairy my daughter was 100% better, keep in mind it takes 2 weeks for all milk protein to exit your system.

P.S- my pediatrician has a speciality in milk allergies, so I have really been provided alot of info by my allergist and my pediatrican. But I can tell you that my pediatrician would fall off her chair if she heard your ped encouraged you to stop Bfing and start formula, unless it is too much for you, the best bet is BFing in response to an allergy. You can do it!!! I'll help you along the way, I promise!!!

Re: The DR. wants me to stop BFing and use Alimentum

Im going thru this right now- Im shocked that they told you to stop breastfeeding. Im on the ted diet I cant have dairy,soy,eggs and nuts its sooooo hard but I dont want to give up breastfeeding plus the alimentum formula costs a fortune. Imo breastfeeding is best and also they do grow out of these allergies, Im going back and forth with a Gi DR right now- Bryan has awful reflux and possible allergy - he cries and arches his backs during nursing and its awful -this is very difficult I hope that he grows out of this very soon.

Re: The DR. wants me to stop BFing and use Alimentum

I don't understand why the Dr. was so quick to have me stop either. The ped Dr. also could take or leave Bfing. (I will probably be switching peds). The GI got me all nervous. She said she didn't want to play russian roullette with my baby.

I am really trying to cut out all dairy. Its just a matter of figuring out what has hidden dairy in it. Emilain thanks again for being such a huge help. I thought I would try the alimentum just at night (of course the selfish part of me wants to see if it will help her sleep longer ) My DH is in health profession so we would get it free . But I really love BFing (most of the time). But I can't force her to take it and she is too young to mix with cereal. Ho hum.

Re: The DR. wants me to stop BFing and use Alimentum

Posted by dree

I don't understand why the Dr. was so quick to have me stop either. The ped Dr. also could take or leave Bfing. (I will probably be switching peds). The GI got me all nervous. She said she didn't want to play russian roullette with my baby.

I am really trying to cut out all dairy. Its just a matter of figuring out what has hidden dairy in it. Emilain thanks again for being such a huge help. I thought I would try the alimentum just at night (of course the selfish part of me wants to see if it will help her sleep longer ) My DH is in health profession so we would get it free . But I really love BFing (most of the time). But I can't force her to take it and she is too young to mix with cereal. Ho hum.