HELP! New mom needs help with formula

My son is 2 1/2 weeks old. The hospital started him on Enfamil Lipil which made him constipated. Monday of last week my pediatrician switched him to Gentlease. He was on that for a week and still constipated and fussy. This week (Monday) they switched him again to Nutramigen. He is no longer constipated but extremely fussy and is gagging a lot. He cries a lot of the day in pain and lifts his legs up.

My question is..what is a good amount of time to keep him on a certain formula? I hate to call my pediatrician and be that first time mom! I am just overwhelmed and feel so bad for him...he is crying whenever he is awake! TIA

Re: HELP! New mom needs help with formula

I was always told to give it at least 7-10 days. (My DD started on Similac Advance, then Good Start, etc. ) My DD is on Nutramagen, but after about a week we saw no improvement. So, my ped ended up putting her on a prescription medicine along with the formula. She's been much better ever since.

Just wanted to add...I know how frustrating it can be. I used to dread feeding time because my DD was perfectly content until it was time to eat. Good luck.

Message edited 6/11/2009 8:33:01 PM.

Re: HELP! New mom needs help with formula

Was your DS crying all the time when he was on the other formulas or was constipation the only issue then? I was told to give new formula at least 10 days to see if the change is good for the baby. But in this case, if your DS hadn't been crying until now, I would definitely call the ped. The fact of the matter is you ARE a first time mom and your DS is in distress. Don't worry about what the ped or the office staff thinks. Your DS needs you to make him feel the most comfortable. You may feel embarrassed for a sec but that is their job- to help you do what's best for your baby. Hang in there! I hope you get a solution quickly!

Re: HELP! New mom needs help with formula

He was crying all the time on the other formula as well. He was constipated and gassy as well.

Re: HELP! New mom needs help with formula

Give it a few weeks. All the changes probably aren't helping either.

Make sure you feed him little bits at a time more frequently. Also, try to hold him a little more upright while feeding. And try not to lay him down without a good burp.