Formula for extra hungry babies ??

[Jacey]

I will be FF my baby when she is born due to medication which i have to take.

My baby has been diagnosed with a hole in the heart and I understand she will need a higher calorie diet to ensure she gains weight.

I was looking at formula last week and noticed that most brands offer "normal formula" and also one for "extra hungry babies" - can someone explain what the difference is??

Thanks xx

 

[Mum2b_Claire]

Normal formula is whey based, making it closer to breastmilk. Hungrier baby milk is casein (cow's milk protein) based and takes longer - and is harder - to digest. It is for babies not satisfied on regular formula, but are too young for solids. It has exactly the same number of calories as normal milk.

 

[Aidedhoney]

Normal formula is whey based, making it closer to breastmilk. Hungrier baby milk is casein (cow's milk protein) based and takes longer - and is harder - to digest. It is for babies not satisfied on regular formula, but are too young for solids. It has exactly the same number of calories as normal milk.

This is correct,

My son has a cardiac condition (hole in his heart and a Truncus Arteriosis)and if your baby requires extra calories you will be prescribed something.

I dont know your situation/circumstances but i am led to believe, that a hole in the heart doesnt normally cause a baby to need higher calorie milk.
Most babies are born with a hole in the heart which tends to close on its own accord but guess it depends on the size of the hole.
I would check witn your consultant/cardioligist
Good Luck xx

 

[Jacey]

Thanks both, am so clueless didnt realise formula could be prescribed lol x At the moment they think the hole is moderate sized but did say if baby wasnt feeding well then would need high calorie milk, will discuss in more detail with them at my next apt

cheers xx

 

[Aidedhoney]

Yeah Alex got put on high calorie stuff when he was awaiting his op, cardiac babies tend to work harder doing everyday things thuss burning up calories very quickly, its very scary and very easy for me to say but try and not worry.
If you need the higher cal stuff then so be it but Alex was only on it very a very limited time, there was talk of him going back on it but hes putting on weight each week, they will also look at other options before the high cal route.

I didnt know it could be prescribed either till i had Alex lol

 

[Mickeyc]

Hi Jacey,

Sophie has just come out of hospital after her op to close the hole in her heart, just want to reassure you. She is doing brilliantly, I cant believe she is back home just one week after open heart surgery!! it was a tough week for us but she does not seem bothered by it at all, babies seem to have a amazing ability to just get on with it!!

Sophie was prescribed SMA high energy at 7 weeks old along with diuretics when she stopped gaining weight. Since the op she is off of the medication but is continuing with the SMA HE until her weight is back to normal (she is 8lb 15oz at 12 weeks old)

Good luck with everything