Just been prescribed Neocate, need help!!!

[LindsayS79]

My DD attended hospital today for terrible eczema and they gave me Neocate as they think she's got an allergy to cows milk. I asked if it gets prepared the same as normal formula and I was told yes.

However the instructions say to wait 30 mins after boiling water, whereas normal formula says to use the boiled water BEFORE 30 mins! Does anyone use it with fresh boiled water?

Also, I usually use ready made formula when I'm out and about. How the heck do you deal with this?!

Finally, how long until you seen any changes once switching?

I guess I'm in shock about this as she's 5 months and her condition has always been put down to reflux and eczema! Thanks in advance for any help, I feel lost!!!

I would follow the instructions on the Neocate packet.

As for when you're out and about you'll have to prepare how much you need in advance.

Yes, I'd follow the instructions on the back. DS1 was on Neocate for a while but it was years ago now so I am a bit hazy on the details. Smells disgusting, doesn't it?!

For going out, yes, I'd prepare it in advance, rapidly cool it, then keep it cool (and warm in water or microwave). From 7 months, DS was tube-fed and had overnight feeds as part of this, so the neocate used to hang at room temperature for about 5 hours. There was no other way of doing it.

Obviously 7 months is a bit older than your DD but I'd have thought you'd be fine making, cooling then reheating, within reason. Good luck, OP.

Thanks both. Fingers crossed I see a difference with this. I tasted it myself and it's disgusting so hopefully she doesn't start fussing!

I find the 30 minute rule crap - the temperature depends on how much water you have boiled! Doc told me it was so people didnt scald themselves when pouring it from the kettle! As such I ignored that, poured boiling water into a bottle, then when it cooled a bit added the neocate.
As for going out, I have always taken sterilised bottles and then gone for a coffee around feed times where they are happy to fill the bottle with boiled water and normally supply a cup or jug to cool it. Perhaps by 5 months cooled boiled water you take out would be fine, but that's your call really as the powder won't be sterilised. But then, the reflux powders you need to use cool water on and we haven't had any problems (so far!)

You need to let the water cool until it's only warm on your wrist before adding the powder, as per the tin. Neocate shouldn't be treated like 'normal' formulas by being added to really hot water because that can affect the ingredients of the formula.

The reason you have to use really hot water for other formula is obviously to kill of bacteria but we were advised that the risk of ingesting bacteria is far outweighed by the risk of the Neocate's properties being affected by using water that is too hot.

Sorry, forgot to add, if we are going out, I make up a bottle of water in advance, and take the tin of formula with me. Then I heat the bottle of water until it's warm, and add the formula. Bit of a faff, but it's ok. I don't make up the actual bottle of milk unless I'm going to feed him within half an hour or so of making it.

We saw an improvement within a couple of weeks.

Thanks lem31 and gretagrape. I took a bottle of boiling water out with me today and was able to use that within an hour or two.
Lem31 how's your LO with the reflux?
I was looking forward to weaning but it's going to be a bit complicated now.. Shame!

Glad you got on well with it today. I have to say I find bottle feeding simpler than breast feeding once I figured out what to take out and how it worked best for us.
His reflux wasn't linked to cmpi in the end - after 6 weeks he was not improved and still losing weight so he is now back on anti reflux formula. I found that the neocate was so thin he threw it up ALOT after feeds so the anti reflux food makes a big difference. We tried thickening neocate with thick and easy(gotta love the name) but it didnt really help and made his poo go like mint sauce (sorry, tmi)! He is on omeprazole which unfortunately isn't helping much, but hoping he will grow out f it all soon.
Lots if people on here say they found neocate really helpful with reflux so ill keep my fingers crossed you have more luck than we did with it. Imagine if her skin cleared up as well her reflux in a few weeks. Amazing. Xx

Have you found CMPA Support on facebook or on the web? Ace group of parents all dealing with LOs with cows' milk intolerance/allergy.

I'll have a look at that thanks. I've not got much info so support groups will be great. Thanks again everyone