Has anyone tried Kendamil?

[nerdymum]

DD is 5 1/2 months and EBF. We have started weaning as she is not gaining weight as well as she should. She's happy, alert and active though.

HV hinted that if she continues like this I should consider supplementing with formula. My friend uses Aptamil but today I saw this one that looks pretty nice:

www.kendamil.com

Has anyone tried it?

Thanks :)

[SpeakNoWords]

No idea about it, but I'd compare the ingredients and see if you can spot any differences and then decide whether you think any differences will matter.

Out of interest, why does your HV think your DDs weight gain is not ok, and have they given you any advice about increasing the amount of breastmilk she gets?

[DuggeeSchmuggee]

If you are happy supplementing with formula, something to consider is that I've never seen Kendamil when shopping in Sainsbury's or Boots. It might be quite difficult to get hold of.

Maybe just increase your breast feeds if you can, as your DD starts to eat more and more she'll gain more weight. Saves you the hassle of bottles, formula and sterilising for what could be just a few months.

[Scrowy]

The only thing I know about it is it uses full milk rather than semi skimmed or something, is that right?

A friend uses it and has posted quite a bit on FB 'promoting' it to others

[Scrowy]

Looks like the main stockist of it is Booths supermarkets so as long as you live in the north you should be able to get hold of it

[nerdymum]

Thank you for your replies!

Funnily enough the HV didn't suggest increasing feeds, but wean early. To be honest, I don't think that the little tastes os veg will make her weight skyrocket!

I've started offering her the breast even if she doesn't demand it.

I don't live up North but now they sell on Amazon!

[SpeakNoWords]

Why do HV never seem to offer any actual advice about breastfeeding?! It seems to always be the "top up with formula" as their first line response. Rather than offer feeds more often which is such a simple piece of advice.

[nerdymum]

SpeakNoWords, totally agree. This one was not pushy at all though, I've heard all kinds of stories!
I had some good lactation consultants though (and a fairly useless one too!).

I would rather not go the formula route for now if I can help it but I'm researching different options just in case. I'm a big fan of milk and dairy so Kendamil sounded nice

[Daisyduck22]

Hi yes I was in similar situation as u. I started to top me son up with kendamil. When I looked into ingredients in sma etc nothing was standing out to me what I thought would be good for him unlike kendamils ingredients . My son started sleeping through the whole night his eczema started to clear up. I can't rate this enough. Also supporting local businesses which is a bonus Xx

[nerdymum]

Thanks Daisyduck22! We are using it for food prep at the moment but will start mix feeding soon as I'm going back to work.

It smells and tastes supercreamy and their costumer services is amazing. Their porridge is good too.

I also notices another brand called Castlemilk, also from the lake district!

[Shurelyshomemistake]

I notice they say it is better for babies' sensitive digestive systems than skimmed milk-based formulas. Why is that?

[Daisyduck22]

They use whole milk. With it being natural it's easier to break down in the stomach rather than the man-made extras that are added to other milks x

[tiktok]

I would be sceptical that whole milk would make 'better' formula than skimmed milk. All formula has to comply with international regulations to ensure safety and nutritional adequacy, so there is not a lot of scope for making something different.

be careful of hype!

[tiktok]

And saying it's 'natural' and therefore easier to 'break down' is hype :)

Loads of things are 'natural' and very difficult indeed to break down!

[Shurelyshomemistake]

Yep, what Tiktok says.
Formula is formula is formula.
Is this a new product that's the subject of an advertising campaign maybe?
The baby pictured on their website looks very definitely to be under 6 months of age.
Not anti formula, one of my kids was raised on it, but best not to believe any hype.

[nerdymum]

I agree with not believing any hype but Kendamil has been v quiet about advertisement - unlike other major brands I think. In our case, my DD rejected other brands but likes Kendamil porridge and the bit of milk I use to prep her food seems to be going down well so happy days I guess ;)

[tiktok]

My understanding (having googled a bit) is that the manufacturers do not have the capacity at present - there is no point in a major (and expensive) marketing campaign (which could only be for follow-on, per legislation) to promote the brand if they cannot satisfy the increase in demand which might result.

The manufacturers are using the 'whole milk' thing as a marketing tool, nevertheless, to differentiate the product from the more usual types already out there.

They will have to be careful not to make health claims for this, at least in the UK. See this industry newsletter article which has it claiming (implausibly) that their formula will help with constipation and indigestion:

www.just-food.com/interview/kendal-nutricare-aims-to-take-on-infant-formula-brands-interview_id133280.aspx

[Daisyduck22]

nerdymum back to your original question .... All babies are different all I can offer you is my experiences, I am very pleased with Kendamil so are a number of my friends within our playgroup. My little fella is thriving and I feel I made the right decision for him. I believe in fellow mothers and REAL experiences rather than and 'hype' as per other comments... hope this helps x

[nerdymum]

Thank you for your comments :) I also agree in supporting a local company.

[Shurelyshomemistake]

Yep, great if they like it. Go for it.

I do feel though it is important to say, though, that I've not seen any scientific evidence that whole milk formula is better for babies' digestion than skim milk formula. I can't see how that could be. The main issue with cows milk is that it's for baby cows. Skim, whole, whatever .... would've made no difference to our DS as he was intolerant to cow's milk protein. Not milk or vegetable fat. As is the case for most babies that have issues with cow's milk.

[nerdymum]

My friends DS is the same, Shurely. They struggle a lot until he was diagnosed.

[YorkshireMum1981]

Our little boy has been combination fed from week one with Kendamil. His weight has gone up spot on 25th & he's a very content and healthy little boy, never had any problems with colic, he's not been sick at all and has slept through since 11 weeks. Everyone I've met who has used Kendamil raves about it.

[ClareRem2017]

I know lots of mums who have fed their babies Kendamil milk & cereals & have heard nothing but positive feedback! Being from Kendal I think it's great to support a local product too! My little girl loved the cereals & toddler milk & if we are lucky enough to have a second Baby I would definitely choose this product alongside breast feeding x

[ClareRem2017]

They have a factory shop, it can be purchased in Booths & is available online x

[Scarr1]

My baby boy has been on kendamill since he was 1 week old, never had a days bother, he's not sickly and he's thriving, can't recommend it enough!

[YorkshireMum1981]

Kendamil is available on Amazon if you don't live 'up North' x