tummy troubles

When Ethan was born, he was great at latching on for breastfeeding. That lasted all of 3 days and when we came home from the hospital, we had a VERY hard time breastfeeding. My flat nipples mixed with low milk supply made it rough. We started supplementing with formula and I started pumping to try to increase my supply. This lasted 9 days until he had an allergic reaction to the medicine I am on (that I can't stop). We decided to strictly formula feed after that. I had a lot of guilt over this, but in the end it has made us all happier.

Until now.

We started Ethan on Similac Advance because that is what we had the most samples of. It worked just fine while he was getting some breast milk with it, but once he was getting just that we had issues. He was very gassy and just generally upset/fussy most of the day.

So we switched to soy formula. That just constipated him and made him equally unhappy. After that we tried Enfamil Premium in hopes that the third time was the charm. Not so much! He was still gassy/fussy and uncomfortable the majority of the day.

His pediatrician said to try Gentlease formula, surely that would help. We got the Target brand (half the price) and had our fingers crossed that things would be better. Not only was he STILL gassy, but now he was having trouble pooping, too. From Thursday of last week until Monday of this week he screamed every time he tried to poop or pass gas. He was only pooping once a day, but trying to get it out ALL day. It was horrible watching him in so much pain.

Back to the pediatrician we went. He got weighed first and was 11lbs 4oz on Monday. He obviously has no problems eating and we are thrilled he is gaining weight. The doctor was concerned with the pain he was having. He finally pooped while we were in the room and she was alarmed with the amount of poop he had. It was ALOT.

New plan of action: Enfamil Nutramigen, the most hypoallergenic formula with extremely broken down proteins for easy digestion. AKA one of the most expensive formulas out there. Luckily she gave us samples to try before we have to buy it. If this doesn't work, then we will start him on Ranitidine for the stomach pain.

This formula smells horrible and I can tell he doesn't enjoy the taste but he is eating it. So far it seems to be helping. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we don't have to use the medicine!!

Please let this be the light at the end of the tunnel, I want my happy baby back!!!