Nutramigen/allimentum?

Question

My 3 week old little girl spends every single waking moment crying/fussing. She's been on 4 different formulas and today the dr. gave me some samples of Allimentum to try.

I haven't tried yet because I want to wait another day to see if the soy makes any noticeable changes.

But, I do have some questions regarding these formulas.

1. Is there a difference? Is one better than the other? I know one is Similac and the other is Enfamil. Is that the only difference?

2. Have they helped you with your colic/reflux/gassy baby?

3. Can I take her off these in a few months (due to the price)? I hate to see her so miserable and suffer so much and I'm cringing looking at the price, but if it's going to make her better than I'll definitely give it a go for as long as I need to.

4. Does it really smell as horrible as I've read?

Thanks.

I've also heard some health insurances help with the price. Does yours? How does that work?

Answer 1

You can go apply for WIC and they'll definitely help you out with formula for your daughter. They have a set list of formulas that they offer to those who receive WIC, but if your daughter requires a different kind (via doctor orders only!) then they'll help you out with the 'special kind', instead of their list of predetermined ones.

Since your daughter is only 3 weeks old, you can try breastfeeding her. I'm not sure why you decided not to breastfeed, but breast milk will calm her down better than ANY and ALL formula out there. Plus its free! =)

If you need some help or need advice with breastfeeding, you can call your local hospital Labor and Delivery area and they'll direct you to a Lactation Consultant to discuss your concerns with. They're really great help with women who want to breastfeed..

Good luck with whatever you decide..<3

Answer 2

I do believe that both are the same, hypoallergenic.  My little boy was put on Nutramigen due to cow's milk protein allergy.  I noticed a difference in him within 24hrs.  Prior to that, he was constantly screaming, had diarrhea, his stomach was hard as a rock, his one eye was always crusty & he had alot of stuffiness.  He would curl himself up in a ball & just cry.  He started to refuse to eat because he was in so much pain.  He was born 4 1/2 wks early so they put him on Similac Neosure.  Once he reached 5 1/2 lbs, they switched him to reg Similac.  His stomach would make these awful gurgling noises & he would cry nonstop.  I then tried Similac Sensitive & Isomil but they didn't help.  I took him to the doctor's & she got to see how bad he actually was because when we would go, he would seem ok.  She then diagnosed him with cow's milk protein allergy & said that babies usually outgrow it by 1yr.  It does stink, like mashed potatoes, but he doesn't seem to mind.  Maybe look into WIC.  We are on it & it has really helped us due to the cost of it.  Also go on the formula companys website & sign up on their mailing list.  You will get $5.00 off coupons in the mail.  Good Luck & I hope that I helped a little.