ANyone whose baby is on Alimentum for both cow's milk and soy allergy?

Question

I have posted this on Maternal and Shild forum as well just in case I could get extra response here.

I have 6 weeker on Alimentum for both cow's milk and soy milk allergy. I gave up breastfeeding at 3 weeks due to some issues and just started on Alimentum about 2 days ago. He is now having very bad eczema on his face and his back which was previously triggered by milk allergy and soy allergy. 

Question: Has anyone has the same case like mine where baby was put on Alimentum due to both milk and soy's allergy? If yes, then how well is the baby doing on the ALimentum? Does the eczema clears up? If so, when? 

Additional details: The milk and soy allergy is confirmed when he developed colicky behaviour, bloody stools, diarrhea and eczema when he was put on them. 

Thank you.

amy0013 · Answer

I just realized another reason your little one may not do well with alimentum is b/c the powdered version contains corn, which is irritating to some babies. However, the ready-to-feed form of alimentum does NOT contain corn. So that might be something to think about. Otherwise, Nutramigen and Alimentum are essentially the same formula just made by different companies. :)

chloe1014 · Answer

My daughter loved Nutramigen by enfamil. She had milk allergy and is now 14mnth old on regular milk. I avoided all dairy for 12mths kept her on Nutramigen then slowly switched her over and she did well. I also put her through allergy testing which came out negative but she did have allergy to milk and dairy. I think for small babies its to early to tell with skin testing.She had colic,gas, and reflux along with allergy so there is hope. You just have to find what agrees with your child. I would try Nutramigen start slow. Good luck!

Jen133 · Answer

You might want to try Nutramigen. My daughter had bloody stools and her pedi told me it was an allergy to milk protein We tried Alimentum first, but she still had bloody stools and was more cranky.  Then we tried Nutramigen and it was a keeper.  She completely stop the bloody stool and was happier than ever.  I called my insurance company and they are covering the Nutramigen , because it's a special formula and really expensive. All you need is a prescription from her doctor with the diagnosis.  Good luck!!

diela · Answer

Thanks blueyedtabbycat. GLad that Neocate has solved your daughter diarrhea problem. I know how heartbreaking it is to see our baby pooping every hour or so. And on the Alimentum, I will give it 2 weeks as you and few others suggested. SInce starting on ALimentum, the bloody stool and diarrhea stops. But the eczema is still there. It doesnt look worse but it is hard to tell whether it is getting any better. I am sure after 2 weeks is up, I can tell for sure. 

Amy- yeah, I need to keep fighting for the right formula for my baby..! My first son was and still is allergic to dairy but not to soy. He was thriving on Soy and is still on Soy formula after one year mark passed. This baby is just a little different.. I guess he likes mommy and daddy to spend more on formula. I am aware about Neocate but I dont live in US so making the purchasing almost impossible - they only do free shipping within US. Plus, my insurance, does not cover baby formula and there is nothing that I can join or sign up for that will give me free formula. As much as I would love to try that if Alimentun fails, Neocate is not an option for me. So, I am keeping my finger crossed on Alimentum. 

Thanks guys.

amy0013 · Answer

Bloody stools, eczema, and diarrhea are all STRONG signs of MSPI (milk/soy protein intolerance). Alimentum is still milk based, it's just that the proteins are completely broken down. Sometimes even the broken down proteins are too much for a baby to handle. I agree with blueeyedtabbycat to ask for an Rx for Neocate. It is an elemental formula (not made with any milk or soy proteins) and it sounds like it is the best option for your little one. It takes two full weeks to see any change on a new formula (b/c that's how long it takes for the offending proteins to leave the body).

Good luck and keep fighting for your baby! :)

Good luck and keep fighting for your baby!  :)

blueeyedtabbycat · Answer

My DD is 2 months old and had constant diarhea since we brought her home:9 We have switched from reg similac to the sensitive then to the soy and finally to the altimentum. The altimentum didnt work for my DD either. I brought her to an allergist and had her tested for milk and soy allergy but the skin test came back negitive, so no allergys. We still arent sure whats going on by the doctor but her on Rx neocate infant formula. So far it seems to be working. 
I would give the almentum 2 weeks to see if it help. If not you can always ask your doctor about the neocate. Its covered by most insurance and also by WIC. The thing with altimentum is its still made from milk just broken down more. At least this is what the allergist had told me. My DD peds told me diffrently, IDK. Give it a little time and good luck!