Why does my daughter throw up formula?

Question

My daughter is almost 4 months old. She had formula in the hospital because she was a month premature. When my milk came in, I started breastfeeding and have ever since. Somewhere around 2 months I gave her an entire bottle of formula, not knowing I had to slowly add to breastmilk until she's used to it. She threw it all up, and I never did that again!

Today, I added 1 oz. of formula to a 4 oz. bottle of breastmilk. She spit up a bit, the usual amount & kept it down for about 2 hours, while she was sleeping. She woke up gagging and vomited it all up.

She usually spits up when I feed her, but not if I skip chocolate and acids, and let her settle for a bit between feeding and burping. But this wasn't just spit up, she lost everything, and I know she felt sick afterwards for a little while.

Is it a certain kind of formula? Or can she just not take formula at all? If so, why did she take it so well in the hospital (no spit up)? Should I try formula again at 6 months?

Answer 1

Allergy to cow's milk?
The fact that it tastes nasty compared to sweet momma's milk?
Is she used to taking bottles of breastmilk or is this the only time she gets bottles at all, when she gets formula? Could she be swallowing a lot of air when she drinks from the bottle?

Answer 2

I would not add breastmilk to formula. First off you should contact her doctor and let him know whats happening. It might be the type of formula. There are so many types out there you need to find the right one for her, which is were your doctor comes in. Then start slowly one bottle a day and go from there.

Answer 3

She may be violently allergic to cow's milk or some other ingredient in the formula. Since she does not tolerate it at all, I would recommend continuing to breastfeed her, since she can digest it.

She is at higher risk because she was premature. Her digestion is still developing, and she may just be a more sensitive type. I had one of my babies who projectile vomited after I ate fresh pineapple and breastfed him!

The AAP recommends breastfeeding only until 6 months, and continuing to breastfeed until the child is AT LEAST age one, and as long past that as the mother and baby want to continue. The longer your breastfeed your baby, the better, especially since she was premature. She needs the extra protection from germs and illness.

Why are you trying to get her to take formula? Is it so you can leave her with a bottle? Maybe pumping would work better since you know she tolerates your milk well without vomiting.

I hope this helps! Hang in there, you are doing a GREAT job!

Answer 4

First, what is "an entire bottle"?
It could be do to her not being able to take that formula or too much formula. If she does it frequently, it could be esophageal reflux. She can be prescribed an infant form of an antacid, like pepcid. As you mentioned, it can also be due to something you eat. If it is a reflux problem, you can try propping the top of her bed up a bit, so she's not lying completely flat.
At 4 months, she should have a 4 mo check up, mention this to your pediatrician.

Answer 5

my daughter had the same problem. Try giving her all types of formula untill she finds what she likes. my daughter is good with Similac Lactose free ready to feed. it takes time and alot of fussing but well worth it.

Answer 6

my daughter used to do the same.. they said something wasnt developed in her throat.. something like reflux.. that she would spit up. (actually like the exorsist) across the room.. i would make sure you get some good burps and have the baby sit up after feeding so she isnt laying down and spits up.. good luck

Answer 7

Ask your baby's doctor, you can never be too careful with your children.