Formula causing constipation...

[designerbaby]

Hi all, have recently switched from predominantly BF to predominantly FF, and my LO (nearly 6 months) seems to be getting increasingly constipated.

GP has given us some lactulose - but ideally I don't want to have to give this on a regular basis, so I was wondering what else I can do. Am bewildered by conflicting advice, and wondered if you wise ladies could shed some light:

• Giving water between feeds, sounds a great idea but she won't take it from a bottle - even with help. Also tried a syringe in desperation, but it all comes straight back out again whatever I do... any tips?

• Diluting formula more - is this allowed? Given that one of the reasons we've switched to formula is poor weight gain, and we're trying to bulk her up a bit, would this be counter-productive? If recommended, how much extra water should I add?

• Will this problem sort itself out in time? ie. will her innards eventually get used to the formula or is this likely to continue to plague her?

• I'm using Aptamil... is this the best one for this problem?

• Is lactulose bad if taken over long periods? What IS it anyway?

Many thanks for any advice you can offer...

db and bunged up babe
xx

[designerbaby]

Sorry, second point should have read:

sounds a great idea but she won't take it from a bottle, and can't figure out her tommee tippee cup - even with help.

got trigger happy with my delete button...

[SpecialOffer]

I used to add more water to the formula, I was advised to do it. I used to do an extra oz of water so 8oz of water and 7 scoops of powder.

My friend also gives water with diluted apple juice as her son suffers really badly and she said it really helps, might help her take the water. Have you tried a beaker. My son would never take water from a bottle, but would (if I helped him to start) from a beaker.

No experience with lactulose in babies, took it myself after childbirth and it seemed to do the job fine!!

[SpecialOffer]

Ok, just read you meant beaker , maybe try and open cup?

[SpecialOffer]

oh no an

[designerbaby]

Thanks special - will try draping DD in a large tarpaulin and seeing if pouring some water into her mouth from a beaker will work - some is bound to go down, I guess... .

Not sure about dilutinf the formula more - it seems to make sense, but we're trying so hard to get some wight on the little mite - but then she'll probably not want to eat is she's bunged up anyway - I know I don't...

xx