Formula for allergy prone babies?

Question

My 4 week old could be prone to allergies as Dad suffers from Asthma, hayfever etc. The doctor said I was not allowed to feed her formula at all & to breastfeed up until 12 months of age.
I am having a really hard time expressing & am not coping with the lack of sleep.
Would formula during the night be an option?
Any other ideas?

Answer 1

I wouldn't say you HAVE to breastfeed. My daughter was allergic to a lot of different formulas and had to go on soy. She drank soy milk once she was done nursing. I did breastfeed for almost 9 months, but had to give her fomula in the beginning because my milk took a while to come in. If you do not want to breast feed, do not feel trapped into it. Part of breastfeeding is the bond between mother and child. If you are feeling resentful and not enjoying it, STOP! There are SOOOOO many formulas out there to choose from and the fact that you pumped for those first important weeks when your baby was getting your colostrum and all of the antibodies will help keep him or her from contracting illnesses until you get his or her vaccinations all in. Good job mommy!

I would ask your pediatrition if he or she can recommend a lactation specialist though too. You may find that if you are having difficulties, but otherwise enjoy breastfeeding, a lactation specialist can help you find ways to better pump.

As far as sleep goes, I used to put a towel under me and sleep on my side and nurse my son AND my daughter in bed. I could snooze while they ate. Just be careful. If you are a heavy sleeper or a roller, you could suffocate or roll over on baby. Most mommies get that "sixth sense" when thier babies are in bed with them, but some don't. Until you are sure you are safe with baby, have your honey stay awake and make sure all is safe. Once you are sure this will work, you will be suprised how much a little snooze between changing sides and the diaper can help you keep your sanity!!

Good luck mommy.

Answer 2

No doctor can telll you, you HAVE to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is hard work, but it is the best and does decrease chances of getting allergies... If there is only cirumstantial reason to believe she could be prone to allergies, I would just try regular formula first. If she gets a belly ache or projectile vomitting, try another. My daughter was lactose intolerant and was on Enfamil Lacto-free, it is milk based but with out the lactose. My niece was severly allergic to traditional formula and the doctor put her on Allementum... its pretty expensive. Also when you transition her you are not going to want to stop all at once, you will become engored and it could make her constipated... so alternate every other feeding for the first day or 2, then every 2 feedings of formula to breast milk... ect ect... also another option could be to continue breast feeding and supplement with fomula. Good luck!

Answer 3

Find a different doctor! You do not HAVE to breastfeed for a year. My son was born 11 weeks early and I only pumped for him for the 10 weeks he was in the hospital. When he came home he went on formula. He is now a completely healthy, active 3 year-old.

Answer 4

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 5

If your baby is indeed allergic to formula, maybe its best you avoid it. Ask your doctor about hypoallergenic formula or alternative.
I had a hard time breastfeeding with my first son, I supplemented with formula.
Hang in there. Maybe you can ask family members to babysit during the day, even for 2 hours at a time (even 30 minutes!), so you can get some sleep?

Answer 6

Find a different Dr.