What can I give my 6 month old if she is allergic to both milk and soy formulas?

Question

My daughter has been breastfeed but her demand has increased and I feel I can't keep up. I tried to give her milk based formula but she broke out in hives, then I tried soy formula and she again broke out in hives although much less severe. I am worried sick about what she will be able to drink. Can anyone relate to this, what did you do.

Answer 1

Well for one thing there are lots of things you can do to increase your supply, herbs (fenugreek, blessed thistle, mother's milk tea) to foods (yeast, oatmeal) to prescription medications.

You could also try goat's milk as it is closest to human milk.

http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milksupply/herbal_galactagogue.html

However with a now proven history of allergies it would be best if you did breastmilk and no solids until 12 months of age. To help prevent allergies. Hives are absolutely an indication of allergies.

Seriously go to a lactation consultant and do everything possible to increase your supply.

Answer 2

Have you tried increasing your milk supply? there are many herbs that work very well to increase supply. You could even try prescription drugs such as domperidone or reglan to increase your supply. Sometimes an oatmeal cookie or extra fluids will help to increase your supply.

And are you completely certain your milk supply is low? What signs are you getting that it is low? While low milk supply is a very real problem, and is devistating to many mothers who suffer from it, many situations the milk supply isn't really low, or it is very easy to increase it by drinking a cup of Mother's Milk Tea once in a while.

You could try to get a prescription to use milk from a breastmilk bank. That milk is from donor mothers who are screened very thouroughally and the milk has been pasturized for added safety. It is over $3 an ounce so insurance typically would cover the cost if medically necessary.

Another option to try is to use a hypoallergenic formula, or other specialty formulas. These are more expensive, but very necessary for many milk- and soy-allergic babies who do not have access to breastmilk.

Answer 3

Best option for an allergic baby is to increase your milk supply with no supplements.

Second option would be to try the Good Start formula, it is milk based but the proteins are broken up smaller and children who can tollerate small amounts can sometimes tolerate this brand. It's the only one I know of that is still milk based that doesn't cause reactions in mildly allergic babies.

Third option or Second if you feel wrong about trying the Good Start is Nutramigen or Alimentum. Both are very expensive but both can be obtained through WIC with a doctors note.

I would seriously try to increase your milk supply though.

Answer 4

I think you should go on breast feeding, if she is allergic then mother's milk is the best for her. In order to increase the quantity of milk breastfeed more often, every time you have the impression she is hungry or thirsty (and also during the night!!!), get lots of rest, drink lots of water and tea (fennel is good) and maybe you can contact your local La Leche League leader. they can help you with more advice, but the solution is based on a vers simple principle: demand and supply. If you let her drink from you, you'll have more milk. If you give the bottle, you'll have less, because your breasts are not stimulated enough.
Don't worry, it will be fine, all the best and good luck.

Answer 5

You should ask them to do an allergy test or have them suggest what you should be looking out for to fully rule out an allergy to soy milk. Is there something new in her diet other than the soy milk that she seems to have together? Just stand your ground with the doctor, if you feel that it is the soy milk then have them look into it further.

Answer 6

Have you tried rice milk? You could also try goats milk. Both would be good for her. Dont listen to the person that said to give her water, You cant live on water. Though you need water! the more water you drink the more milk you will produce. make sure you are taking your vitamins. look into a lactation consultant. Breast milk is the best for her, so try to produce more for her if you can.

Answer 7

There are hypoallergenic formulas. Most major companies make a variety of it.
I was unable to exclusively breastfeed my daughter, so I supplemented. She took to a generic formula, so, no problems there. How is your daughter reacting to solids? Is there a history of allergies in the family?
Good luck; sorry Icouldn't be more help.

Answer 8

I nursed my daughter for over 2 years. When I felt I wasn't supplying enough her pediatrician ASSURED me I was, do NOT suppliment, that's when you will not provide. The baby increases the supply as she grows. I never supplimented my daughter at all the first year. I agree too, talk to lactation specialist at the hospital you gave birth at. or call the local la leche league (sp) for advice. Also, breastfeeding longer can help your child NOT have allergies later in life to keep doing it as it sounds like your baby may have some allergy issues :( Good luck to you hun.

Answer 9

There are several formulas that are amino acid based rather than milk or soy based. Nutramigin, NeoCate, Oh shoot I can't think of the Similac one. If you use wic ask your nutritionist. Sometimes they can give samples. Good Luck.

Answer 10

keep breastfeeding, your milk supply will increase with time, and if you're that worried try pumping between feedings and if you're really looking for a formula try enfamils or smiliac's colick formula. similac's is called Allimentum and enfamils start with a N. They're really expensive but they are rice based.