Formula Question

[Shannon125]

Hey everyone... so I have a question regarding infant formulas and I was hoping someone would be able to help me out. I first want to mention that I tried breastfeeding and pumping and was not able to and therefore my doctor instructed me to stop and switch to formula. So please try and keep your opinions about formula feeding versus breastfeeding quiet. I already feel terrible enough that I was not able to breastfeed. Anyway, now that I have that said, my son started on Enfamil Lipil and was gassy, fussy, and constipated constantly. His doctor recently switched him to Enfamil Gentlease for formula and 2 ounces of Pedialyte twice a day to help hydrate him. Anyhow, he is responding well to the gentlease but after reading the ingredients, I realized that the main ingredient is corn syrup which really upsets me. I researched online and it seems all the gentle and soy based formulas contain corn syrup solids as the main ingredient. I can't seem to find a gentle formula that does not contain corn syrup. Does anyone know if it even exists? I really don't want my sons main nutritional source to be coming from corn syrup. Any help would be appreciated.

[amy0013]

Most formulas do have some form of corn as their main ingredient.  One I can think of off the top of my head that does NOT is Alimentum Ready to Feed.  It is extremely expensive.  It's a hypoallergenic formula with the milk proteins broken down for easier digestion (more so than the gentlease).  My DD had to drink this due to MSPI (milk/soy protein intolerance).  There is also elecare.  The proteins in elecare are COMPLETELY broken down and I don't think it contains any corn.  It is even more expensive than alimentum and usually not available in most stores.  

Everything I've quickly researched about corn in formulas states that that is where the calories come from.  

Good luck.  I know how stressful it can all be!  I hope your ped is able to offer some good advice and/or reassurance!

Amy

[Shannon125]

To answer your queston... yes I have noticed his bowel movements being smellier and also like the green color you described. He is doing well on the gentlease but the corn syrup issue is what I am struggling with. I am not going to make any decisions until he goes back to the doctor on Thursday. Perhaps the doctor may suggest the Prosobee that others have metioned in this post. We'll see what happens, I will let everyone know.

[sameerab]

i will be getting induced thursday night and I have struggled with which formula to choose for my baby..im not going to do  breastfeeding and I have both enfamil and simliac I just dont know which one is best it seems like the enfamil from what I am hearing from this post?

[shadowserpent]

i wouldnt worry much about the corn syrup, the formulas are espicilly made for babies and i really doubt theres going to be anything harmful in it and theres probably not enough corn syrup to actually hurt him in any way! if you find one that works without it go for it, but in my experince once you found a formula that is safe on your little ones system and hes eating good and is happy... stick with it! its alot less stress and more happy baby! and dont feel bad i think alot of moms on here were unable to breastfeed! me being one!

[irrelevance]

I suggest Enfamil ProSobee, it's soy-based, easy on the tummy, and if it does have corn syrup, it is not high up on the label list, as I do not remember reading that on there.

[praying hard]

Hi.  I have a 3 week old and just started him on the Gentlease too.  He was also gassy and fussy and the dr. recommended us switch from Enfamil Lipil to the Gentlease just like yours did.  I also tried breastfeeding but like you, I had problems and felt EXACTLY like you.  So far, the Gentlease has helped my baby's fussiness and gas pains, although he does pass VERY smelly gas.  Also, my baby's bowel movements are a paste-like hunter green.  Does your baby have very smelly gas and green stool from the Gentlease?  

[Shannon125]

Thanks for the endearing comments and understanding. I feel exactly how you explained... like a failure. Part of the reason I am having some post partum issues right now. I did some more research and did find one organic formula that uses brown rice syrup instead of corn syrup. It's pretty expensive but I may give it a shot. I am not going to make decisions until I talk to my pediatrician at next weeks appointment. I was also thinking about maybe trying a mix of Gentlease and plain Lipil and see how that goes. Either way, I will have to wait to talk to the doctor. But I do want to thank you again for your comments. It's nice to know that other people out there can sympathize with what I am feeling.

[JoyRenee]

I've also used Enfamil Prosobee Lipil but I never looked at the label!!!

And don't worry about being judged for bottle-feeding here. I tried breastfeeding both of my girls and it just didn't work out for me. I bawled my eyes out, felt like a failure, felt like I wasn't giving them the best................ and then I realized breastfeeding is not the end-all of my parenting. It's only a tiny part. My kids are loved, have shelter and clothing, they're healthy, etc.

I know you feel bad, but don't! Your little one will be fine!!!

[Mumita]

How about trying a milk bank?  Some cities and states have milk banks where women donate breast milk and then its cleaned up or something.  You may try that avenue, it may be more expensive but at least you are getting the good stuff for your baby.  Some mom's groups in your area may have information available.  also try www .llli.org "la leche league international" they have resources for milk for babies.
I have to admit I am not an advocate of formula at all so I'll always pull for some sort of natural milk.  I hope you can find the resources you need, I would be just as concerned as you about corn syrup and other ingredients.

[BTS1022]

Have you looked into the natures goodstart formula? I have always used Enfamil Prosobee with lipil for my babies, and they all turned out perfect. I am now preggers with my 4th baby and plan on using the same formula again.

Goodluck!

Also look into all natural or Green formula.