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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

HV has recommended 'comfort' milk for constipated DD (4 wks old). What is it?

41 replies

Tiredemma · 02/10/2013 16:00

As title suggests-

DD is four weeks old and has had constipation since about 3 days old. I changed from Aptamil to Hipp about two weeks ago so I am reluctant to change again unless absolutely necessary.

GP has prescribed lactulose but DD remains constipated (in fact she has only done a poo on average every 3 days and thats after I have applied a vasiline tipped cotton bud to her bottom)

The HV isnt keen for DD to have lactulose everyday and suggested changing to a comfort milk- ive looked on internet and read stories about it actually making constipation worse??

any advice?

OP posts:
HappyGoLuckyGirl · 02/10/2013 16:24

Probably not the best person to advise as my DS is actually allergic to cows milk so is on special formula.

We had him on Aptimal Comfort from 2-8 weeks. He winded so much better and wasn't constipated but that had never been an issue with him.

I'd say try it. She's young enough to take to another formula without too much fuss and you've nothing to lose.

Oh and by the way, comfort formula is partially hydrolised formula. It means that the protein chains in the milk have been partially broken already, making it easier for your DD to digest.

HappyGoLuckyGirl · 02/10/2013 16:26

Oh and giving cooled boiled water is supposed to help constipation. Smile

stargirl1701 · 02/10/2013 17:00

I would check with your GP. DD was on Lactulose for a while and there didn't seem to be an issue with her being on it long term. The paediatrician was more concerned about her bowel becoming distended.

mrsmartin1984 · 02/10/2013 17:02

You know the different brands of formula are the same. There is a legal standard of what has to be in formula. Which all companies have to go buy. So changing brands is not an issue

Rootvegetables · 02/10/2013 17:07

I think lactulose is very gentle and can take a little while to get working as it's a softener rather than a laxative, I think you should maybe go back to the GP if you are thinking of changing formula again.

Original poster
Tiredemma · 03/10/2013 08:13

Thanks all- DD did a massive poo at teatime so im just going to stay on the same milk and see how it goes.

thnaks again

OP posts:
Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 03/10/2013 08:24

Is she actually constipated? I ask because I thought dd was at one point , dr gave her movicol. She kept straining and grunting so had all the appearances of constipation but it wasn't actually what it was.

What are the poos like when's she does go? Are they normal?

Original poster
Tiredemma · 03/10/2013 08:45

The first part of the poo comes out very hard (I would describe its consistency like playdoh or plasticine). Then once she has pushed that part out (during which she appears to be in pain)- she then has an immediate second load come through that is more mushy and like infant poo.

she has between 1oz/2oz water a day also.

OP posts:
JRmumma · 03/10/2013 09:01

Sorry to hijack but happy how did you get the cows milk allergy diagnosed and what were you ds symptoms? I think my ds has this but the paediatrician thinks its just reflux (i think its both) as he seems to be in pain Imo lower down than heartburn and has issues when pooing

Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 03/10/2013 09:03

What colour is it?

Original poster
Tiredemma · 03/10/2013 09:21

like an 'avacado' green?

OP posts:
Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 03/10/2013 09:29

What did the HV say about the poo? Tbh I'd try the comfort formula, it's lower in lactose and easier to digest. It won't hurt to try and if it stops her needing medication it's worth it.

AndThatsWhatIThinkOfYou · 03/10/2013 09:57

my friends daughter was like this but so constipated to the extent there was blood in her nappy, in the end after lots of fobbing of and trips to the doctors they found out she's allergic to dairy.

Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 03/10/2013 10:01

My dd was also intolerant to dairy. I was holding of saying invade of worrying you but the poo was acidic, green and stunk to the point the smell woke me up.and she strained and strained producing nothing and was very distressed it stopped her feeding properly. The lactose reduced stuff may help but if not see the gp.

AndThatsWhatIThinkOfYou · 03/10/2013 12:07

she was also on a dose of lactose that would work on an adult and it didn't make a difference

Original poster
Tiredemma · 03/10/2013 16:05

Does the comfort milk have to be made up any different to normal formula? I'm reading stuff on net about you having to make sure that the water is hot otherwise the powder doesn't 'break down' ?

OP posts:
Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 03/10/2013 16:07

I can't remember tbh I think it's pretty much the same. It's thicker though so you would need the next size up teat.

The instructions are on the tub.

JRmumma · 03/10/2013 16:10

It doesn't dissolve as easy so yes, use freshly boiled water rather than letting it cool for 30 mins. When i used it i made up 3 bottles at a time, flash cooled and stored in the fridge till needed then warmed up as it was easier.

HappyGoLuckyGirl · 03/10/2013 23:59

Agree with JRmumma. I always made up a few bottles at once and then used when needed.

JRmumma - I went to my HV and explained that my DS had a rash all over his face and chest, he would projectile vomit, his poos were very runny and bright yellow and that he was hard to settle after a feed.

She suggested a diary intolerance and made a rush appointment for me at the GP. It wasn't my normal doctor but she was lovely and agreed with my HV. He's been in prescribed milk since.

He's still got problems though so I think there's something else. We've been referred to the paediatrician, we're waiting for his appointment this week.

If you think there is something up with your DC then go to the GP. If you are getting fobbed off then keep making repeat appointments, every week if poss. They'll listen eventually. Or just do what I do now and tell them you think its xyz and you want to trial xyz to see if she improves. You know your child better than any doctor. Smile

JRmumma · 04/10/2013 01:51

Thanks happy. We have been really lucky in getting referred to a paediatrician very quickly, and we are now trialling reflux meds. Like you though i don't think this is the whole problem and suspect cmpi as apparently it often goes hand in hand with reflux. The paediatrician kind of dismissed it and wanted us to do reflux meds first, but when we go back in a month im going to push for the formula if baby still isn't happy. Its do frustrating that they can't tell you what is wrong and getting it right is trial and error

Twinklestarstwinklestars · 04/10/2013 02:06

My ds is on sma comfort and it's no thicker and you just make it up like other formula, his poo is really dark green but they said some babies digest it like that.

Original poster
Tiredemma · 04/10/2013 08:29

Thanks all-

DD was quite uncomfortable through the night - I can hear the formula 'hitting' her stomach and making an awful 'churning' sound. She then writhes around in pain.

Decided to get Comfort milk today, I am aware that HIPP (the formula I am currently using) do not do this type of Formula. Im assuming that C&G, Aptamil and SMA Comfort Milks are much of the same really?

OP posts:
Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 04/10/2013 08:33

Yes they are pretty much the same. If that dies tbhelp she may need a hydrolysed formula from the drs. Don't be afraid to take her

Original poster
Tiredemma · 04/10/2013 08:37

Ok- thanks for the advice.

Will no doubt probably be back for more!

OP posts:
Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 04/10/2013 08:45

Hope it helps :) the transformation is amazing when they get into the right milk for them. Don't be fobbed off either if you think it's more. :)