Breastfeeding

sdavis227 · Aug 3, 2007

I am so frustrated right now and I'm sorry if most of this is venting.

Parker is now 4 1/2 mos. old and has stopped gaining weight. He's in the 5% in weight and I think the 60 something in height. The nutritionist and gastro doc have been pushing me to stop nursing and to pump and put extra formula in it. They tested my breastmilk and even though the test didn't give how many calories there were per ounce, the carbs, fats, proteins, and everything were within the range they were supposed to be. He seems satisfied after each feeding even though he eats every 3 hours, and he's HAPPY! So last night I went ahead and pumped and put in formula. About a half an hour after he ate, he broke out in hives. So this morning I tried another formula in some cereal, and the same thing happened. So now they're saying he must be allergic to cow's milk.
This would probably still be okay with me, but about two weeks before his checkup I had called because I had a concern with his weight. They told me there was no reason to be concerened and then when this happened two weeks later, they say they didn't do anything wrong. Tie that with having to go in every week for weight checks (center is an hour away) and yesterday I waited so long I just ended up leaving before the gastro doc came in (Parker also needed to eat and never eats good there).
So I'm frustrated. I DON'T want to give up breastfeeding/nursing! I don't see why it isn't enough for him. I asked the gastro today about the MCT oil (read about this in the nutrition forum) and he said it wouldn't help him because he didn't have any liver or intestinal problems. Not sure what that means?
So, sorry this post is so long, and I'm sure some of you are wondering who the heck I am, but I'm frustrated and I'm wondering if anyone has any advice or ideas of what else (besides giving him formula) I could do to up his calorie/fat intake???
Thanks in advance!

sdavis227 · Aug 3, 2007

I am so frustrated right now and I'm sorry if most of this is venting.

Parker is now 4 1/2 mos. old and has stopped gaining weight. He's in the 5% in weight and I think the 60 something in height. The nutritionist and gastro doc have been pushing me to stop nursing and to pump and put extra formula in it. They tested my breastmilk and even though the test didn't give how many calories there were per ounce, the carbs, fats, proteins, and everything were within the range they were supposed to be. He seems satisfied after each feeding even though he eats every 3 hours, and he's HAPPY! So last night I went ahead and pumped and put in formula. About a half an hour after he ate, he broke out in hives. So this morning I tried another formula in some cereal, and the same thing happened. So now they're saying he must be allergic to cow's milk.
This would probably still be okay with me, but about two weeks before his checkup I had called because I had a concern with his weight. They told me there was no reason to be concerened and then when this happened two weeks later, they say they didn't do anything wrong. Tie that with having to go in every week for weight checks (center is an hour away) and yesterday I waited so long I just ended up leaving before the gastro doc came in (Parker also needed to eat and never eats good there).
So I'm frustrated. I DON'T want to give up breastfeeding/nursing! I don't see why it isn't enough for him. I asked the gastro today about the MCT oil (read about this in the nutrition forum) and he said it wouldn't help him because he didn't have any liver or intestinal problems. Not sure what that means?
So, sorry this post is so long, and I'm sure some of you are wondering who the heck I am, but I'm frustrated and I'm wondering if anyone has any advice or ideas of what else (besides giving him formula) I could do to up his calorie/fat intake???
Thanks in advance!

sdavis227 · Aug 3, 2007

I am so frustrated right now and I'm sorry if most of this is venting.

Parker is now 4 1/2 mos. old and has stopped gaining weight. He's in the 5% in weight and I think the 60 something in height. The nutritionist and gastro doc have been pushing me to stop nursing and to pump and put extra formula in it. They tested my breastmilk and even though the test didn't give how many calories there were per ounce, the carbs, fats, proteins, and everything were within the range they were supposed to be. He seems satisfied after each feeding even though he eats every 3 hours, and he's HAPPY! So last night I went ahead and pumped and put in formula. About a half an hour after he ate, he broke out in hives. So this morning I tried another formula in some cereal, and the same thing happened. So now they're saying he must be allergic to cow's milk.
This would probably still be okay with me, but about two weeks before his checkup I had called because I had a concern with his weight. They told me there was no reason to be concerened and then when this happened two weeks later, they say they didn't do anything wrong. Tie that with having to go in every week for weight checks (center is an hour away) and yesterday I waited so long I just ended up leaving before the gastro doc came in (Parker also needed to eat and never eats good there).
So I'm frustrated. I DON'T want to give up breastfeeding/nursing! I don't see why it isn't enough for him. I asked the gastro today about the MCT oil (read about this in the nutrition forum) and he said it wouldn't help him because he didn't have any liver or intestinal problems. Not sure what that means?
So, sorry this post is so long, and I'm sure some of you are wondering who the heck I am, but I'm frustrated and I'm wondering if anyone has any advice or ideas of what else (besides giving him formula) I could do to up his calorie/fat intake???
Thanks in advance!

sdavis227 · Aug 3, 2007

I am so frustrated right now and I'm sorry if most of this is venting.

Parker is now 4 1/2 mos. old and has stopped gaining weight. He's in the 5% in weight and I think the 60 something in height. The nutritionist and gastro doc have been pushing me to stop nursing and to pump and put extra formula in it. They tested my breastmilk and even though the test didn't give how many calories there were per ounce, the carbs, fats, proteins, and everything were within the range they were supposed to be. He seems satisfied after each feeding even though he eats every 3 hours, and he's HAPPY! So last night I went ahead and pumped and put in formula. About a half an hour after he ate, he broke out in hives. So this morning I tried another formula in some cereal, and the same thing happened. So now they're saying he must be allergic to cow's milk.
This would probably still be okay with me, but about two weeks before his checkup I had called because I had a concern with his weight. They told me there was no reason to be concerened and then when this happened two weeks later, they say they didn't do anything wrong. Tie that with having to go in every week for weight checks (center is an hour away) and yesterday I waited so long I just ended up leaving before the gastro doc came in (Parker also needed to eat and never eats good there).
So I'm frustrated. I DON'T want to give up breastfeeding/nursing! I don't see why it isn't enough for him. I asked the gastro today about the MCT oil (read about this in the nutrition forum) and he said it wouldn't help him because he didn't have any liver or intestinal problems. Not sure what that means?
So, sorry this post is so long, and I'm sure some of you are wondering who the heck I am, but I'm frustrated and I'm wondering if anyone has any advice or ideas of what else (besides giving him formula) I could do to up his calorie/fat intake???
Thanks in advance!

sdavis227 · Aug 3, 2007

I am so frustrated right now and I'm sorry if most of this is venting.

Parker is now 4 1/2 mos. old and has stopped gaining weight. He's in the 5% in weight and I think the 60 something in height. The nutritionist and gastro doc have been pushing me to stop nursing and to pump and put extra formula in it. They tested my breastmilk and even though the test didn't give how many calories there were per ounce, the carbs, fats, proteins, and everything were within the range they were supposed to be. He seems satisfied after each feeding even though he eats every 3 hours, and he's HAPPY! So last night I went ahead and pumped and put in formula. About a half an hour after he ate, he broke out in hives. So this morning I tried another formula in some cereal, and the same thing happened. So now they're saying he must be allergic to cow's milk.
This would probably still be okay with me, but about two weeks before his checkup I had called because I had a concern with his weight. They told me there was no reason to be concerened and then when this happened two weeks later, they say they didn't do anything wrong. Tie that with having to go in every week for weight checks (center is an hour away) and yesterday I waited so long I just ended up leaving before the gastro doc came in (Parker also needed to eat and never eats good there).
So I'm frustrated. I DON'T want to give up breastfeeding/nursing! I don't see why it isn't enough for him. I asked the gastro today about the MCT oil (read about this in the nutrition forum) and he said it wouldn't help him because he didn't have any liver or intestinal problems. Not sure what that means?
So, sorry this post is so long, and I'm sure some of you are wondering who the heck I am, but I'm frustrated and I'm wondering if anyone has any advice or ideas of what else (besides giving him formula) I could do to up his calorie/fat intake???
Thanks in advance!

tammykrumrey · Aug 3, 2007

Shannon,
I have no experience with your exact situation. I am sorry<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">

But maybe they should actually test him to see if he has a milk allergy, not just assume. And if he is in fact allergic to it, then maybe you can supplement with another type of milk. Explain that you DO NOT want to stop nursing him, and that they need to help you come up with a better solution, if possible.

As for having to drive so far away just to weigh in...do you have a pediatrician closer than that? And if you do, can't they let you do weigh in's there and send the figures to the nutrionist and gastro doc? That is ridiculous to expect you to drive so far every week for weighing in. Request an alternative. I am sure they are just trying to keep a strong handle on his weight so it doesn't drop too much, but they need to work with you as a team!

tammykrumrey · Aug 3, 2007

Shannon,
I have no experience with your exact situation. I am sorry<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">

But maybe they should actually test him to see if he has a milk allergy, not just assume. And if he is in fact allergic to it, then maybe you can supplement with another type of milk. Explain that you DO NOT want to stop nursing him, and that they need to help you come up with a better solution, if possible.

As for having to drive so far away just to weigh in...do you have a pediatrician closer than that? And if you do, can't they let you do weigh in's there and send the figures to the nutrionist and gastro doc? That is ridiculous to expect you to drive so far every week for weighing in. Request an alternative. I am sure they are just trying to keep a strong handle on his weight so it doesn't drop too much, but they need to work with you as a team!

tammykrumrey · Aug 3, 2007

Shannon,
I have no experience with your exact situation. I am sorry<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">

But maybe they should actually test him to see if he has a milk allergy, not just assume. And if he is in fact allergic to it, then maybe you can supplement with another type of milk. Explain that you DO NOT want to stop nursing him, and that they need to help you come up with a better solution, if possible.

As for having to drive so far away just to weigh in...do you have a pediatrician closer than that? And if you do, can't they let you do weigh in's there and send the figures to the nutrionist and gastro doc? That is ridiculous to expect you to drive so far every week for weighing in. Request an alternative. I am sure they are just trying to keep a strong handle on his weight so it doesn't drop too much, but they need to work with you as a team!

tammykrumrey · Aug 3, 2007

Shannon,
I have no experience with your exact situation. I am sorry<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">

But maybe they should actually test him to see if he has a milk allergy, not just assume. And if he is in fact allergic to it, then maybe you can supplement with another type of milk. Explain that you DO NOT want to stop nursing him, and that they need to help you come up with a better solution, if possible.

As for having to drive so far away just to weigh in...do you have a pediatrician closer than that? And if you do, can't they let you do weigh in's there and send the figures to the nutrionist and gastro doc? That is ridiculous to expect you to drive so far every week for weighing in. Request an alternative. I am sure they are just trying to keep a strong handle on his weight so it doesn't drop too much, but they need to work with you as a team!

tammykrumrey · Aug 3, 2007

Shannon,
I have no experience with your exact situation. I am sorry<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">

But maybe they should actually test him to see if he has a milk allergy, not just assume. And if he is in fact allergic to it, then maybe you can supplement with another type of milk. Explain that you DO NOT want to stop nursing him, and that they need to help you come up with a better solution, if possible.

As for having to drive so far away just to weigh in...do you have a pediatrician closer than that? And if you do, can't they let you do weigh in's there and send the figures to the nutrionist and gastro doc? That is ridiculous to expect you to drive so far every week for weighing in. Request an alternative. I am sure they are just trying to keep a strong handle on his weight so it doesn't drop too much, but they need to work with you as a team!

purplemartin · Aug 3, 2007

Briceton was diagnosed with casein allergy at about 4 weeks of age. I started out breastfeeding but Briceton continued to lose weight and have major bouts of blood in his stool, plus a few other issues. He was first put on Pregestimil formula (a wowing &700 a month) but continued with allergic reaction. He was then prescribed ElaCare (a wowing $1300 a month). The ElaCare formula has been wonderful and Briceton is now in the 56% for height and weight, it took a lot of work but YAY! At 12 months they switched him over to the Vanilla flavored ElaCare.

I definitely would not continue to feed him store purchased formula if he is reacting to it. I would page the GI doc or CF specialist and let them know what his reaction is to it. I hope a solution is found soon. Also bring up a possible casein allergy!

purplemartin · Aug 3, 2007

Briceton was diagnosed with casein allergy at about 4 weeks of age. I started out breastfeeding but Briceton continued to lose weight and have major bouts of blood in his stool, plus a few other issues. He was first put on Pregestimil formula (a wowing &700 a month) but continued with allergic reaction. He was then prescribed ElaCare (a wowing $1300 a month). The ElaCare formula has been wonderful and Briceton is now in the 56% for height and weight, it took a lot of work but YAY! At 12 months they switched him over to the Vanilla flavored ElaCare.

I definitely would not continue to feed him store purchased formula if he is reacting to it. I would page the GI doc or CF specialist and let them know what his reaction is to it. I hope a solution is found soon. Also bring up a possible casein allergy!

purplemartin · Aug 3, 2007

Briceton was diagnosed with casein allergy at about 4 weeks of age. I started out breastfeeding but Briceton continued to lose weight and have major bouts of blood in his stool, plus a few other issues. He was first put on Pregestimil formula (a wowing &700 a month) but continued with allergic reaction. He was then prescribed ElaCare (a wowing $1300 a month). The ElaCare formula has been wonderful and Briceton is now in the 56% for height and weight, it took a lot of work but YAY! At 12 months they switched him over to the Vanilla flavored ElaCare.

I definitely would not continue to feed him store purchased formula if he is reacting to it. I would page the GI doc or CF specialist and let them know what his reaction is to it. I hope a solution is found soon. Also bring up a possible casein allergy!

purplemartin · Aug 3, 2007

Briceton was diagnosed with casein allergy at about 4 weeks of age. I started out breastfeeding but Briceton continued to lose weight and have major bouts of blood in his stool, plus a few other issues. He was first put on Pregestimil formula (a wowing &700 a month) but continued with allergic reaction. He was then prescribed ElaCare (a wowing $1300 a month). The ElaCare formula has been wonderful and Briceton is now in the 56% for height and weight, it took a lot of work but YAY! At 12 months they switched him over to the Vanilla flavored ElaCare.

I definitely would not continue to feed him store purchased formula if he is reacting to it. I would page the GI doc or CF specialist and let them know what his reaction is to it. I hope a solution is found soon. Also bring up a possible casein allergy!

purplemartin · Aug 3, 2007

Briceton was diagnosed with casein allergy at about 4 weeks of age. I started out breastfeeding but Briceton continued to lose weight and have major bouts of blood in his stool, plus a few other issues. He was first put on Pregestimil formula (a wowing &700 a month) but continued with allergic reaction. He was then prescribed ElaCare (a wowing $1300 a month). The ElaCare formula has been wonderful and Briceton is now in the 56% for height and weight, it took a lot of work but YAY! At 12 months they switched him over to the Vanilla flavored ElaCare.

I definitely would not continue to feed him store purchased formula if he is reacting to it. I would page the GI doc or CF specialist and let them know what his reaction is to it. I hope a solution is found soon. Also bring up a possible casein allergy!

lilismom · Aug 3, 2007