Do I need my ped's permission/ok to try a new formula?

DS has gas issues/acid reflux. He is on prescription Zantac. I basically EBF but he gets a bottle of formula at night sometimes if my boobs need a break and it helps him sleep a longer stretch. He was drinking the Similac Advance which he got in the hospital but seems to be throwing it up completely lately. I'm wondering if switching to a more stomach gentle formula will be better. I was going to try Alimentum or Sensitive. Do I need to ask my pediatrician first though? Or can I just give it a try and see what happens? He doesn't have any other issues that we can tell or know of yet, i.e. allergies, so I was thinking that trying a bottle or two of either one wouldn't hurt....what do you mommies think?

Re: Do I need my ped's permission/ok to try a new formula?

I would strongly recommend asking the ped. However, if you don't, just wanted to tell you my DD did horribly on the Similac Advance and then we switched to Sim Sensitive and it has been a dream!

Re: Do I need my ped's permission/ok to try a new formula?

I always just tried it out on my own and went would just let them know at the next visit what I was doing.

Gentlease Enfamil worked great for Andrew's reflux and spitting up issues. I think Similac Sensitive is sort of the same thing.

GL

Re: Do I need my ped's permission/ok to try a new formula?

i did not ask my ped before switching. i think if you can't find a formula that works for you, then it is worth bringing up to the ped - but otherwise i personally don't see an issue with trying something new on your own.

if he is on zantac for reflux i would try a formula labeled "RS" for rice starch - that is supposed to help with reflux.

Re: Do I need my ped's permission/ok to try a new formula?

I could of wrote this myself!! Our Shane's are alot alike. I spoke to the Ped yesturday and she said there was no problem with me changing his formula. I was using Similac Advance and switched to Similac Sensitive R.S. I only gave one bottle so far. No problems!! I give one bottle usually at night to help him sleep longer. I think my milk supply is low at night, because he is so hungry after BF.

Message edited 3/24/2009 3:54:03 PM.

Re: Do I need my ped's permission/ok to try a new formula?

I didn't ask my Ped's permission. Also, try the senstive before you just to the major stuff.

Re: Do I need my ped's permission/ok to try a new formula?

DD gets pumped BM mostly, but I do supplement w/formula at night to get those longer stretchs of sleep. I switched her formula to Enfimil Gentlease on my own and just told my ped at my next visit.

Re: Do I need my ped's permission/ok to try a new formula?

ds didn't have a bm on his own for almost two months when he was an infant. Ped kept telling me not to change formula that wasn't it.

Finally I switch to alimentum and within 3-4 days he had a bm. Although I suggest you inquire with your Ped I don't suggest that you Ped's decision be the final one.

Ds was on alimentum for a couple of months then we switched over to sensitive. Good luck!

Re: Do I need my ped's permission/ok to try a new formula?

Thanks ladies. DH just picked up some Sensitive at work. We'll try that for a couple of nights and see if he reacts any better.