Hypoallergenic Formula help!

[u/True_Diet_7910]

Our LO (3 months) was recently “diagnosed” (I use the term loosely since there was no testing done) with CMPA, the only signs are the congested breathing sound and dry skin. We thought she just had a cold but after a month of congested breathing we took her in and the PED said it was most likely CMPA, due to her laying down and refluxing that’s irritating her nasal cavity. No spitting up, no colic, no trouble pooping, not gassy. Any other parents go through this where the CMPA isn’t that extreme as you see online? PED said we didn’t HAVE to switch formula and that she’s not in discomfort but to switch her to get rid of the congested breathing sounds.

What did you do? Please help, FTM and I don’t know what to do. I can’t justify Nutramigen since it’s so expensive and her symptoms aren’t severe. Previously on the Members Mark gentle formula.

[u/jamierosem]

Get a referral to a pediatric allergist and find out for real.

[u/spaceman_spiff_00 → u/jamierosem]

this, you probably dont want to be spending 100s more a month on a formula that isn't necessary. CMPA is overdiagnosed because it's an easy answer for peds. if my baby was happy and gaining weight well, im not sure if i'd jump to HA formula without confirmation

[u/jamierosem → u/spaceman_spiff_00]

Plus it’s winter in North America where I assume OP is from mentioning member’s mark. Less moisture in the air leads to drier skin in winter. Congestion could have any number of causes as well. If the ped thinks it’s reflux, why not try a reflux med before assuming a food allergy that will have implications beyond formula feeding?

[u/True_Diet_7910 → u/spaceman_spiff_00]

THIS, she is such a happy and good baby except for the congestion. Like I said she's thriving and doesn't present with the typical CMPA signs. We did switch to goat formula monday and she's sounding a little better, I know it typically takes 2 weeks to actually see a difference.

[u/True_Diet_7910 → u/jamierosem]

I just looked into this and will be scheduling an appointment, I definitely want answers since i'm not a "throw it at the wall and see if it sticks" type of person. Thank you!

[u/Organic_Jello_122]

My baby was diagnosed with CMPA. But she had microscopic blood in several stool samples, mucous in her poop, severe reflux and poor weight gain despite eating and congestion as well. After being on Nutramigen for a few weeks all of those symptoms are gone, other than the reflux. It has significantly improved though. I probably wouldn’t switch just for some congestion and no other symptoms. Maybe you could try a sensitive formula like Gentlease first? Definitely ask your pediatrician before you do that though.

[u/True_Diet_7910 → u/Organic_Jello_122]

She was on Members Mark gentle formula and she gained 2 pounds from January 28th (Ped appointment was last friday.) She was eating good on the Gentlease Member's Mark version but just the congestion was happening. I'll talk to her more when we go back this month. Thank you so much and i'm glad your baby found some relief with Nutramigen!

[u/Organic_Jello_122 → u/True_Diet_7910]

Her weigh gain sounds perfect! I would insist they check a stool sample because usually with CMPA there is blood in the stool, even if you can’t see it. It only takes a few minutes for them to check in the office. And then if it’s negative there’s really no need to switch to the expensive stuff.

[u/mylongdecember12]

Yes, my daughter just got diagnosed 3 weeks ago with possibly CMPA. She just turned 6 months old.

Did they do a stool test for blood? She had all the symptoms you mentioned since birth plus frequent spit ups and I brought them up frequently because she was spitting up so much. I was told some babies are just like that and it will go away in time.

Fast forward to her bowel movements having a bit of mucus mid-February. They wanted to test her diaper and it was positive for blood that couldn’t be seen by the naked eye.

Her symptoms were so mild and she was gaining weight so we doubted in the beginning. We were told to put her in elecare amino acid formula and after being on it 3 weeks she is an entirely different baby. Happier, can tolerate tummy time better, etc.

If you haven’t, I’d say try the formula and see if it makes a difference for baby if you can. Some insurances may also cover some formula costs if they write you a prescription for it treating CMPA.

[u/True_Diet_7910 → u/mylongdecember12]

They didn't do a stool test just because she didn't present with the symptoms except congestion, no spit ups at all. Now that you mention it she doesn't care for tummy time that much, I just chalked it up to her not liking it due to typical baby reasons. The congestion just started at the beginning of February too, which threw me for a look. I'll look into the prescription!

[u/timelyquality30]

We switched to Nutramigen for both of my babies because they were so difficult to feed that it ended up being the formula they had the easiest time with. Between excessive crying during every feed, reflux, and gas, some of the symptoms did get better when we switched.

That said, they never had true dairy allergies - once we started solids my oldest took to dairy just fine, we ended up doing lactose free whole milk but otherwise was fine. He’s 3 now and has dairy regularly with no issue. I am not a fan of the HA formulas (expensive, smell gross, etc) but honestly my second child is so fussy I wonder if it’s just how he is regardless of formula, but we can actually get through feeds now compared to regular formula when it was a constant battle. Unlike my first child, I plan to get him off of HA formula as soon as solids start, if not before, since I’m not convinced of any true allergy. Of course, allergy testing with an allergist is your best bet