FF nightmare

[whoops2024]

Hey all. Long story short-

5 month DD has been FF since birth. (Please no unhelpful comments on why I didn't choose to BF as it's a personal reasoning and I don't need to explain myself)

Started on cow and gate from birth and poops were mucusy and runny. Then blood started to appear, had stool samples done and dr thought possible CMPA, so prescribe SMA althera CMPA formula.

4 weeks on that DDs poops were mostly diarrhoea, awful and upset her alot. Did stool samples and infection markets sky rocketed!

So removed off althera and dr suggested "lactose free formula" so she's currently on Aptamil lactose free.

Since we have had a dietician appt (over the phone) which I found a waste of time as dietician said "yeh sounds like lactose intolerance"

Anyway, since being on that formula she's now extremely constipated! Screams in pain when poops and the poos are so hard like pellets!

I've called dr today for another discussion! Losing the will and just feel like it's constantly trial and error.

I'm hoping when she starts weaning next month it'll sort itself out.

Anyone else experienced similar? Any thoughts ?

Thanks 🙏

Bumping.

Update- spoke to dr and now they've suggested SMA soya formula. And to speak to pharmacy regarding a laxative for a baby.

What are your thoughts? Feel so bad changing her formula all the time what havoc am I causing this poor little one! Urgh!

All I can suggest is Hipp organic as a formula, the powder not ready made. And if constipated, an ounce of cool boiled water.

Could she still have CMPA but have a secondary allergy to one of the ingredients in Althera? This can sometimes happen.

i would give Allergy UK a call and ask for their advice

And I’d second this.

The formula prescribed to test for cmpa still contains dairy so can't be used in isolation to rule out cmpa as some babies will still react to the dairy in the formula so it would look like the formula hasn't helped but it hasn't helped as they are still being exposed to dairy.
You would need an amino acid formula which is completely dairy free to rule of cmpa.
As they had diarrhoea on the formula and a raise in infection markers I would investigate cmpa a little further
Soya formula is not usually recommend for cmpa as half of babies that are allergic to dairy are allergic to soya and it is preferable to be on an hypoallergenic prescription formula than soya formula

Thanks everyone for your messages! I've come to walk in recommended by 111 last night as my daughter was up all night screaming trying to poo. Never heard her scream like it it was horrendous. I could see her poop but it was stuck!

Tried a warm bath
Using a cotton bud and trying to break to poop (very gently)
Massaging belly
Holding her in squat positions

Finally at 7am this morning she passed the hardest and biggest poop! My poor girl. Now she's asleep in the pram as I wait to be called in. I don't blame her that must have been an exhausting ordeal for her!

See what the drs say here! I want to be referred to an allergy specialist but don't think walk ins can refer.

We shall see!

So update-

Went back to dr. Told him about the constipated, hard stools and the fact she's on lactulose to help soften stools.

He's now prescribed her another formula - Nutramigen LGG 2.

I haven't started it yet. I'm away for 5 days from tomorrow and two of those days she's being looked after my by MIL. I'm worried to put her on a new formula whilst I'm not with her just incase of a bad reaction!

But the lactose free formula she's currently on makes her constipated unless she's given lactulose which helps. Advice- Would you keep her on the lactose free for the next few days whilst I'm away from her and then try the new one when back with her ?

Im confused on what to do and forgot to ask the dr!

Anyone's LO ever been on Nutramigen 2?

We've also been referred back to dietician! See when that will be booked !

Hoping to start weaning next week too so see how that goes 😖🤦🏻‍♀️

I'd hold off until you are back as you will be reintroducing lactose as long as he's otherwise happy.
I'd probably wait a week of being on the formula before starting weaning too just in case there's a reaction you'll know then if it's the formula or the food.

Also, look up the most common food allergies and introduce those in tiny amounts only at first and prepare for a potential allergic reaction.

Hey canned prunes has to be canned , blend with the juice and mix in coconut oil give it EVERY day. Do not ever give any banana or any cereals x

She sounds like she should be on Neocate or a dairy free formula.

Nutrimagen sounds like a better option. Poor thing, hope it helps. It’s so tough when they have CMPA have to try these different formulas. I think Nutrimagen tastes pretty bad so some people add vanilla essence.