Extreme bloating, probably formula intolerance. HELP

[Sk1307]

I’ve been combatting bloating in my baby for over 24 hours. I didn’t know what the cause was at first because most manuals mention bloating, but only mention overfeeding as the cause. I’ve been feeding him 5% of his body weight at each feeding, so that can’t be it. I’ve tried everything they say to do, skip a feeding and rehydrate, dip them in warm water, a massage, everything. I just read from henryspets.com that formula intolerance can cause bloating and will quickly kill them. Please help me, is it possible to save him at this point? I’ve been giving him watered down formula or pedialyte ever since I noticed the bloating to try to combat it, but so far it hasn’t made much a difference. As of right now, I’m going to try giving pedialyte every hour for 6 hours, then restarting him on the esbilac at a 3:1 ratio. Please let me know if this is the right thing to do. Thanks!299162

[Mel1959]

What formula has he been on? Have you given simethicone drops?

[SammysMom]

Definitely Simethicone drops as Mel said. They are Gas X for babies. Very benign so a drop or two and then letting that tummy rest is a good idea. Gently rubbing downward on front and back and the soak in warm water up to arm pits helps also.

[Sk1307]

What formula has he been on? Have you given simethicone drops?

He has been on esbilac puppy milk replacer. And no I haven’t. Are these available at a chain like Walgreens or Kroger? And what brand should I get/ what dosage should he be given and how often? I can run up and get them right now.

[stepnstone]

Definitely Simethicone drops as Mel said. They are Gas X for babies. Very benign so a drop or two and then letting that tummy rest is a good idea. Gently rubbing downward on front and back and the soak in warm water up to arm pits helps also.

Brand name Gas x or store brand Simethicone, all the same thing....

[Sk1307]

Definitely Simethicone drops as Mel said. They are Gas X for babies. Very benign so a drop or two and then letting that tummy rest is a good idea. Gently rubbing downward on front and back and the soak in warm water up to arm pits helps also.

Does it matter what brand it is? I don’t see gasx.

[SammysMom]

If you are having trouble with the Esbilac POWDERED puppy formula, you might want to grab some goat milk and YoBaby yogurt at the Kroger while you are there. It is easier to digest and might help with the issue. You are using powdered Esbilac and making fresh every 24 hours, correct?

[Sk1307]

Does it matter what brand it is? I don’t see gasx.

Also, I’ve read something about putting calcium supplements in their food? Do you recommend that?

[SammysMom]

Store brand is FINE

[Sk1307]

If you are having trouble with the Esbilac POWDERED puppy formula, you might want to grab some goat milk and YoBaby yogurt at the Kroger while you are there. It is easier to digest and might help with the issue. You are using powdered Esbilac and making fresh every 24 hours, correct?

I was not making fresh every 24 hours, I was just refrigerating and reheating. I will do that from now on.

[redwuff]

I had a real tough time with 100% esbilac last year bloating babies that were under 3 weeks old.

I cut the esbilac with goats milk formula at 75% , esbilac 25%. As the babies aged I moved to 50% gmf 50% esbilac.

Goats milk formula : 3 Parts goats milk
1 Part heavy whipping creme
1 Part full fat yogurt

In the meantime, the bloat must be cleared. I have used this method and it does work. This is from our beloved member Duckman..........

The trick for me seemed to be getting in as much water, as quickly as possible, once you see and feel the hardness in the belly. Not sugar water or Pedilyte, but plain water. I did this every hour (giving about .2-.3 ml) and ensure you stimulate after each, for 2 reasons. 1. You have to get that water out of the bladder, and it will burst if you don't. 2. You want that water to start working on the crud in the belly. After 8-10 hours, you should start seeing some movement out of the bowel (they will continue to poop, but you will start to see it more watery, which is what you want). At that time, start introducing diluted formula at the ratio of 25% Esbilac, 75% water. Feed this for the first half day. The second half day, I bumped up the ration to 50/50. I fed this for a day and then went to 75% Esbilac, 25% water and introduced full food the next day (and the blockage was gone!). So far, I am at 100% success rate. One note though. I check my pinkies after every feeding, so see if their bellies are hard or squishy. I would suggest everyone get in the habit of checking them after every feeding as habit and you can't go wrong in catching them before they bloat up. Once they take on that angry red color on their bellies (this is when their system goes septic), they are gone and can't be saved, so the trick is to catch them before this happens (hence, getting in the habit to see if their tummies are hard or not).

[redwuff]

Also, I’ve read something about putting calcium supplements in their food? Do you recommend that?

No calcium needed while on formula. Your baby is beautiful and will feel much better once the bloat is gone.

[Spanky]

I was not making fresh every 24 hours, I was just refrigerating and reheating.

Only warm up the amount formula you are going to use at any single feeding. Toss any warmed up formula that goes unfed... repeated "heating up, re-refrigerating then reheating" can cause bloat.

[Sk1307]

Definitely Simethicone drops as Mel said. They are Gas X for babies. Very benign so a drop or two and then letting that tummy rest is a good idea. Gently rubbing downward on front and back and the soak in warm water up to arm pits helps also.

I gave him two drops and soaked him in warm water. How long do you recommend I wait before feeding him formula again? And should I dilute it more than before? I have only fed him pedialyte today because I had thought it was a hydration issue. He’s super eager to eat.

[SammysMom]

Can you post a picture of his stomach?

[Sk1307]

Can you post a picture of his stomach?

https://imgur.com/gallery/Os7SF I couldn’t find out how to post images here on mobile, so here’s a link to the photos on imgur

[SammysMom]

I would not feed with that much bloating. More drops and soaking.

[Sk1307]

I would not feed with that much bloating. More drops and soaking.

So just wait until his stomach goes down? How often am I able to give him drops?

[redwuff]

When was the last time that he has passed stool? Has he been pooping regularly?

[redwuff]

About 8 years ago FV 32/40 was turning extremely hard once it got into our pinkies gut. It was like cement and babies were dying everywhere because of a possible change it the formula make up. We put out the alarm and mov ed to Esbilac. Now it seems that many are having the same problem with straight Esbilac.

Duckman came up with a protocol to help flush out the intestines when they harden like what is going on with your baby. He feels that it is important to use plain water, not pedialyte, and stimulate them to pee and poop. You do not want to put any formula in until this bloat/blockage has moved. This is very important!

Gas x is great to use.

[Sk1307]

About 8 years ago FV 32/40 was turning extremely hard once it got into our pinkies gut. It was like cement and babies were dying everywhere because of a possible change it the formula make up. We put out the alarm and mov ed to Esbilac. Now it seems that many are having the same problem with straight Esbilac.

Duckman came up with a protocol to help flush out the intestines when they harden like what is going on with your baby. He feels that it is important to use plain water, not pedialyte, and stimulate them to pee and poop. You do not want to put any formula in until this bloat/blockage has moved. This is very important!

Gas x is great to use.

So if I give him plain water every hour along with a few drops of gasx, that will help? Also, you asked when his stool was last normal. I actually just got him to poop finally. It’s a thick golden liquid, is this a good sign? Before this however, he hadn’t pooped since 6 am this morning. He was still pooping pretty regularly when the bloating came on.

[SammysMom]

Yes, pooping is a very good sign! Is it possible for you to take a picture of him from the front so that we can get a good look at his stomach? It will help if we might be able to see if his milk line is still there. That means that you are able to see if he is digesting the milk or if it is sitting in his stomach. I am not certain that we will be able to tell, but it can't hurt to try to see if we can tell.

[Sk1307]

Yes, pooping is a very good sign! Is it possible for you to take a picture of him from the front so that we can get a good look at his stomach? It will help if we might be able to see if his milk line is still there. That means that you are able to see if he is digesting the milk or if it is sitting in his stomach. I am not certain that we will be able to tell, but it can't hurt to try to see if we can tell.

https://imgur.com/gallery/9LnJk What do you think about giving him plain water along with the gas x?

[redwuff]

Yay poop is very good! Gas x can be done with water each hour. Make sure you stimulate him very thoroughly after each time he gets fluid.

What is his story? Did he come in cold? How long have you had him? Any problems with pooping and peeing before? Has he had a good appetite so far? When was the last time he had formula?

[Sk1307]

Yay poop is very good! Gas x can be done with water each hour. Make sure you stimulate him very thoroughly after each time he gets fluid.

What is his story? Did he come in cold? How long have you had him? Any problems with pooping and peeing before? Has he had a good appetite so far? When was the last time he had formula?

I found him Saturday evening. Him and his sister had fallen from their nest I assumed. They were at the base of a tree. They had no injuries though. It was probably around 40 degrees, they were freezing. I looked around for others or the mom but I didn’t see anything and the sun was about to set so I don’t think she would have came for them. I was about a half hour from home so I didn’t have the resources with me to set up a warm box to wait for her. They both have been pretty good about going to the bathroom so far (before the bloating for him). He took a while to have an appetite, it took him until about the 5th feeding to be eager to eat. I’m not sure I gave them a long enough hydration period before starting diluted formula. I gave them pedialyte for 3 feedings (8 hour span, 1 was middle of night) before I started them on diluted formula. My female has done fine with the formula so far, normal urine and feces. She’s stayed the same weight since I’ve had her though. Is that normal? Anyway, back to your questions, the last time he had formula was 1 am last night. It was extremely diluted. What do you recommend I do for tonight? Should I give him water throughout the night?

[Chickenlegs]

I have a little boy—similar circumstances. He bloats when you look at him. His sister is fine but bloatboy has issues. I have him on goatsmilk with a little full fat yogurt. Their little bodies shut down and it takes a loooooong time for them to heal from exposure to cold. My boy felt dead. When he blows up, I give him water. He doesn’t get formula till his belly has gone down. Duckman’s protocol saved him.

[Sk1307]

I have a little boy—similar circumstances. He bloats when you look at him. His sister is fine but bloatboy has issues. I have him on goatsmilk with a little full fat yogurt. Their little bodies shut down and it takes a loooooong time for them to heal from exposure to cold. My boy felt dead. When he blows up, I give him water. He doesn’t get formula till his belly has gone down. Duckman’s protocol saved him.

Should I give him water throughout the night? How often did you feed him during the night? I’ve been sleeping from about 1 am to 6 am

[redwuff]

Thanks for answering all those questions. Are your babies on liquid Esbilac or powdered Esbilac. And were you able to get goats milk?

It has been almost 24 hours since your little man has had any nutrition and to be honest, it does not look as if his tummy has gone down much or at all, and I am not sure how to advise you.

Is he willingly taking the water? The question is .... is his belly bloated from gas or is he dealing with a blockage from either formula setting up in his intestines or even his intestines shutting down. Being cold is very hard on these babies.

So if he were mine, my course of action would be to keep trying to get him to poo from stimulation of his genitals and let him rest for tonight without introducing anything else. Give one more gas x and we will all pray.

I am also concerned that the little girl has not gained anything. She should be putting on a few grams by now. Like chickenlegs said, the cold is extremely hard on them.

By the way, thank you for bringing these guys in and working so hard to save them.

[redwuff]

I have to go feed but will check back before I go to bed.

[Nancy in New York]

My female has done fine with the formula so far, normal urine and feces. She’s stayed the same weight since I’ve had her though. Is that normal?

How much does your little girl weigh, and how are you mixing the formula now?
Are you doing 1 part powdered puppy esbilac formula to 2 parts HOT water.
Many mix this up ahead of time and let it sit in the refrig. ~6 hours mixing occasionally,
so it completely dissolves.
How much are you feeding her, and how often?
Is your little girl's tummy as dark as this little boy?
To me his stomach appears really dark.
Was it always this dark?

What kind of container do you have them in, and do you have
a heating pad UNDER the container set on low?

Is this the formula you're feeding?

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CDTTKJg/0/1dcc5ec1/O/i-CDTTKJg.jpg

Here's an excellent guide to Baby Squirrel Care
It's 6 pages long (quick read)
with the next button in the top right hand corner.

https://www.henryspets.com/baby-squirrel-care/

[Sk1307]

Thanks for answering all those questions. Are your babies on liquid Esbilac or powdered Esbilac. And were you able to get goats milk?

It has been almost 24 hours since your little man has had any nutrition and to be honest, it does not look as if his tummy has gone down much or at all, and I am not sure how to advise you.

Is he willingly taking the water? The question is .... is his belly bloated from gas or is he dealing with a blockage from either formula setting up in his intestines or even his intestines shutting down. Being cold is very hard on these babies.

So if he were mine, my course of action would be to keep trying to get him to poo from stimulation of his genitals and let him rest for tonight without introducing anything else. Give one more gas x and we will all pray.

I am also concerned that the little girl has not gained anything. She should be putting on a few grams by now. Like chickenlegs said, the cold is extremely hard on them.

By the way, thank you for bringing these guys in and working so hard to save them.
They are on powdered esbilac. I haven’t gotten the goats milk yet, is it in liquid form or the powdered form found in the pet store by the esbilac? His tummy has been going down gradually. I’ll send a picture tomorrow morning. He’s pooped quite a bit and I’ve soaked him quite a few times tonight. His pee has gotten better too, he is peeing in larger amounts now. So far, I’ve given him water for 3 times now (each hour), and I will start up again around 6. His stomach is harder on one side, is that normal? If you look at the picture, you’ll see that side is more blue. It’s his right side. He willingly took the water after a few tries. He wasn’t as eager as he is with the gasx drops or the milk, but I didn’t think much of it. I have been weighing her in ounces, so she might have gained some but not enough to show on the scale. I’ll try to see if I can change the unit of measurement on the scale. Also, he weighed in at 1.2 oz at the peak of the bloating and is now at 1 oz. so it’s showing on the scale that he’s losing it. Should I start introducing formula again tomorrow morning even if he doesn’t lose it completely? Just to get some nutrition and calories in him. And if so, how diluted would you recommend?
Thanks so much for all your help!

[redwuff]

Give me a minute and I will answer your questions

[Sk1307]

How much does your little girl weigh, and how are you mixing the formula now?
Are you doing 1 part powdered puppy esbilac formula to 2 parts HOT water.
Many mix this up ahead of time and let it sit in the refrig. ~6 hours mixing occasionally,
so it completely dissolves.
How much are you feeding her, and how often?
Is your little girl's tummy as dark as this little boy?
To me his stomach appears really dark.
Was it always this dark?

What kind of container do you have them in, and do you have
a heating pad UNDER the container set on low?

Is this the formula you're feeding?

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CDTTKJg/0/1dcc5ec1/O/i-CDTTKJg.jpg

Here's an excellent guide to Baby Squirrel Care
It's 6 pages long (quick read)
with the next button in the top right hand corner.

https://www.henryspets.com/baby-squirrel-care/




My scale has measures in ounces, so it’s actually possible she has gained quite a few grams but not enough to measure another tenth of an ounce. I’m going to try to see if I can switch it to grams. I was giving them 2:1 water to esbilac before, but lately I’ve been giving them 3:1 to let them adjust/ keep them hydrated. So it is okay to refrigerate the mixture for up to 6 hours? I’ll start making new milk every 3 feedings tomorrow. I’ve been feeding her about 1 cc every 2-2.5 hours. Her tummy is normal and his used to be like that too. One side of his stomach got really dark blue. Is that normal with bloating? To have discoloration? It’s also harder on that side.
I have them in a good sized cardboard box, with the heaing pad at the bottom on low. I have blankets placed over the heating pad, so they have multiple layers between them and the heater but it keeps them very warm. I lay a thin sheet over it sometimes to keep the heat in. I just checked the formula and it is the correct one.

[redwuff]

Your report sounds very good. Sounds like things are moving through him. :hugDefinately give formula tomorrow starting at 75% water and 25% pre-mixed Esbilac that has been mixed up with very hot water (2:1) at least 4 hours ahead of time. Feed that for two feedings, then go to 50/50 as long as his tummy is emptying before you feed again. Stay at 50% for 2-3 feedings, while watching his belly. Try to get the goats milk tomorrow and slowly substitute that for the water. Don't go past 50% Esbilac till he gets very stabilized.

I use whole liquid goats milk that I get from an organic health food market. Others use powdered goats milk and I have not heard any problem from it.

The dark part on his right side of his tummy is his liver. It should not be a problem. It gets a bit pushed out with all the bloat. OK I think I have answered everything. Hope all goes well tonight and you can get back to the business of having easy fun babies.

[redwuff]

Heating pad under, not in bin. Cardboard is very drying, please get them in a steralite or hard plastic bin. Use fleece or old t shirt to use as bedding. You need a non-turn off heating pad under the bin. We often put the bin half on/half off the heating pad but since your babies are a bit compromised I would keep it on the whole heating pad. Just have several layers of fleece so if they get too hot, they will crawl up a layer or two.

Esbilac will last for a good 24 hours made up so you do not have to make it every 6 hours. Extend the feedings out to 3-3.5 hours. That will help him digest formula better. They should be fed 6 times a day at 5% for now.

Work with a 2:1 mixture for the girl if she is not having issues. She needs that for her nutrition needs. You will get the little boy to that in a day or two if every thing works out.

[Nancy in New York]

My scale has measures in ounces, so it’s actually possible she has gained quite a few grams but not enough to measure another tenth of an ounce. I’m going to try to see if I can switch it to grams.

I have them in a good sized cardboard box, with the heaing pad at the bottom on low. I have blankets placed over the heating pad, so they have multiple layers between them and the heater but it keeps them very warm. I lay a thin sheet over it sometimes to keep the heat in. I just checked the formula and it is the correct one.

Most scales have a switch that you can change from oz. to grams.
It's really important to know the weight in grams so you can feed
the proper amount.

Here is a link I posted earlier.
Very informative and only 6 short
pages long.
https://www.henryspets.com/baby-squirrel-care/

Here's a great photo showing you an example of what
your set up should look like.
299186

[cava]

Here is a great link and photo of how you want their set up to be.

https://www.henryspets.com/baby-squirrel-care/

It's six pages and helps the finder with their brand new squirrel. Some of the information won't apply to you. But the way they set up their housing, in the bin, with the heating pad, does apply to you and and your little ones.

Keep up the good work.

PS. I used powdered goat's milk when I had this problem. You can buy it at the grocery store. You must reconstitute it first (mix it into liquid form) before using it in the goat's milk recipe. As always, mix thoroughly.

Also, when making Esbilac, I mixed it in the blender with very hot water, let it sit in the fridge for a few hours, then filtered it through cheese cloth screen to get the solids that hadn't dissolved. It's a pain but takes out some of the worry. You can make it once a day, they were just telling you not to reuse formula that you heated up and used for a feeding. That should be tossed after a feeding, never restored and used again.

[redwuff]

Would love to hear how your little dude is doing this morning. A pic of his tummy would be great! Hope all is well.

[Sk1307]

Would love to hear how your little dude is doing this morning. A pic of his tummy would be great! Hope all is well.

Here’s a before and after pic! https://imgur.com/gallery/l5oLZ The first photo was taken yesterday at 10 am and the second was taken today at 7 am.

[redwuff]

Had you taken the pic this morning after feeding him?

[Sk1307]

Had you taken the pic this morning after feeding him?
Yes, but I didn’t start giving him formula until an hour ago because I had to wait the 4 hours. He had only had water.

[redwuff]

Please clarify the pictures for me. The pic on the left was one taken yesterday and the one on the right is this morning?

[Sk1307]

Please clarify the pictures for me. The pic on the left was one taken yesterday and the one on the right is this morning?

Yes, correct. And here is another one taken about an hour ago. https://imgur.com/gallery/y9xw9

[redwuff]

It looks like you have broken the bloat.:w00t:w00t

How is the feeding coming along?

[Sk1307]

It looks like you have broken the bloat.:w00t:w00t

How is the feeding coming along?

Yay! He’s definitely loving it, he was so hungry. He’s not pooping very easily yet but with a bath and some massaging, he does eventually. He’s had 2 feedings with 25% formula and 75% water so far.

[redwuff]

Have you been able to get goats milk/powder?

[Sk1307]

Have you been able to get goats milk/powder?

Not yet, I’m going to go get it tonight. I don’t think he’ll even be ready for it today anyway.

[Nancy in New York]

Not yet, I’m going to go get it tonight. I don’t think he’ll even be ready for it today anyway.

What redwuff suggested was to get the GM so that you are able to cut the esbilac with the goat's milk formula.
This way your little one will be getting nutrition from the GM, instead of just cutting the esbilac with more water.
Please try hard to get it tonight, so we get that baby boy "beefed up" a little. :)


I had a real tough time with 100% esbilac last year bloating babies that were under 3 weeks old.

I cut the esbilac with goats milk formula at 75% , esbilac 25%. As the babies aged I moved to 50% gmf 50% esbilac.

Goats milk formula : 3 Parts goats milk
1 Part heavy whipping creme
1 Part full fat yogurt

[redwuff]

Just got 3 10 day olds in that are a hot mess (liquid Esbilac) have an hour and a half of work with a client and 3 pinkies coming in tonight that are 14-15 g. Will not be able to pay attention to this little guy like I want till later.

[Mel1959]

I have used the goats milk and Esbilac combo when I had guys that didn’t seem to tolerate Esbilac. It worked really well. You need to get that little boy on that combo so he can get some nutrition. I bet he’s very hungry. To make the goats milk formula in addition to the goats milk you also need heavy whipping cream and full fat yogurt (vanilla works well). I mention this in case you are going to the store for the goats milk.

[Sk1307]

What redwuff suggested was to get the GM so that you are able to cut the esbilac with the goat's milk formula.
This way your little one will be getting nutrition from the GM, instead of just cutting the esbilac with more water.
Please try hard to get it tonight, so we get that baby boy "beefed up" a little. :)

I’m going to go get it right now, sorry for the slow response time. He’s been bloating up again, do you think cutting it with the gm will help him digest it better? Or should i go back to flushing him with water? He has had 4 meals so far today with 25% formula and 75%. Any brand that you recommend for gm or does it not matter?

[Jen413]

From what I understand the goats milk formula is easier to digest. Some babies that have issues with straight esbilac do great on it mixed with GM formula. The last babies I raised were raised on a 50/50 esbilac/GM formula. I used meyenberg goat milk but I don’t think the brand matters. I sure hope it helps this baby!

[Sk1307]

From what I understand the goats milk formula is easier to digest. Some babies that have issues with straight esbilac do great on it mixed with GM formula. The last babies I raised were raised on a 50/50 esbilac/GM formula. I used meyenberg goat milk but I don’t think the brand matters. I sure hope it helps this baby!

That’s the same brand I got. I’ll be feeding them at 10, I’ll keep you guys updated!

[Mel1959]

That’s the same brand I got. I’ll be feeding them at 10, I’ll keep you guys updated!

:great:great

[Sk1307]

I haven’t moved on to 50% formula and 50% water yet, because his bloat isn’t completely gone. He’s peeing a lot and pooping small amounts at each meal. The color is like mustard yellow and completely liquid (I wasn’t sure if that was normal). Should I continue to 50/50 or stay at 75/25?

[Chickenlegs]

Like I said, I’ve had the same issue with a little boy. I use goats milk and full fat vanilla yogurt. Today is the first day he took straight Esbilac and didn’t blow up. He peedand pooped—real prettybaby squirrel poops. I’ll start the day with goats milk then goats milk and Esbilac. Then Esbilac. He’s needing to put on some grams but if he will just continue to tolerate real food, maybe the crisis is over. I’m telling his saga to give you hope that your baby can beat the damage done by exposure to cold. I have my fingers crossed for both of our little men.

[Nancy in New York]

He’s been bloating up again, do you think cutting it with the gm will help him digest it better? Or should i go back to flushing him with water? He has had 4 meals so far today with 25% formula and 75%. Any brand that you recommend for gm or does it not matter?

Sorry I had computer problems last night.
I would just cut out the esbilac all together
since he's bloating on such a small amount of Esbilac, I'd go completely
to the GM formula for now.
This boy needs nutrition, and somethings not working here.

[Sk1307]

Sorry I had computer problems last night.
I would just cut out the esbilac all together
since he's bloating on such a small amount of Esbilac, I'd go completely
to the GM formula for now.
This boy needs nutrition, and somethings not working here.



Alright, I’ll do 100% gmf next feeding. I’ve fed them 75% gmf w 25% esbilac and they’re doing good on it so far. I’m not sure if it’s just from the gas drops or if it’s the change in formula, but he seems to be pooping easier already. Before, I had to give him a warm bath and massage him to get him to go, but now he went with a normal amount of stimulation. His stomachs already deflating more as well.

[redwuff]

Sorry I had computer problems last night.
I would just cut out the esbilac all together
since he's bloating on such a small amount of Esbilac, I'd go completely
to the GM formula for now.
This boy needs nutrition, and somethings not working here.



Totally agree. The only reason I suggested starting 25% 75% Esb/water was concern over lack of nutrition and there was not any goats milk purchased yet. Let me go back and catch up. Sorry to go mia last night.

[Nancy in New York]

My only question is, should the heavy cream be added in to the recipe or do
what Chickenlegs did and omit it for now.


Like I said, I’ve had the same issue with a little boy. I use goats milk and full fat vanilla yogurt. .

Did you make the GM formula with the heavy cream?
If so then I would continue with that since he seems to be doing good!


Alright, I’ll do 100% gmf next feeding. I’ve fed them 75% gmf w 25% esbilac and they’re doing good on it so far. I’m not sure if it’s just from the gas drops or if it’s the change in formula, but he seems to be pooping easier already. Before, I had to give him a warm bath and massage him to get him to go, but now he went with a normal amount of stimulation. His stomachs already deflating more as well.:w00t

[redwuff]

Alright, I’ll do 100% gmf next feeding. I’ve fed them 75% gmf w 25% esbilac and they’re doing good on it so far. I’m not sure if it’s just from the gas drops or if it’s the change in formula, but he seems to be pooping easier already. Before, I had to give him a warm bath and massage him to get him to go, but now he went with a normal amount of stimulation. His stomachs already deflating more as well.

Make sure he waits 3-3.5 hours between meals. Once he stops bloating he will gain back the wt quickly. You are doing a fantastic job with these babies. Once you get this bloat behind you, your little boy will do great. As he gets stable and starts gaining wt, we'll have you slowly add Esbilac.

Have you been able to get a scale and a wt in grams?


Trysh

[Sk1307]

My only question is, should the heavy cream be added in to the recipe or do
what Chickenlegs did and omit it for now.



Did you make the GM formula with the heavy cream?
If so then I would continue with that since he seems to be doing good!

:w00t

Yes, I used meyenburg goat milk, heavy whipping cream and full fat yogurt. He looked a little bloated his last feeding and didn’t poop at all even with massaging and a bath. I gave him gasx drops, so I’ll let you guys know how he does next feeding.

[Sk1307]

Make sure he waits 3-3.5 hours between meals. Once he stops bloating he will gain back the wt quickly. You are doing a fantastic job with these babies. Once you get this bloat behind you, your little boy will do great. As he gets stable and starts gaining wt, we'll have you slowly add Esbilac.

Have you been able to get a scale and a wt in grams?


Trysh

I’m going to pick one up either tonight or tomorrow. And thank you! All of you have been so helpful, I’m so thankful I found this website!

[Nancy in New York]

Yes, I used meyenburg goat milk, heavy whipping cream and full fat yogurt. He looked a little bloated his last feeding and didn’t poop at all even with massaging and a bath. I gave him gasx drops, so I’ll let you guys know how he does next feeding.

For now just keep doing what you're doing.
I suspect that since he's had so little to actually eat, that
he may not poop well for a while.
It's still a curious thing why he bloats.

How much is he taking at each feeding?
Do you have a weight on him in grams?

I'm almost wondering if you should give him smaller
feedings, but more often.

Do you notice the bloat almost immediately after feeding?
Did you ever notice how his tummy is when you give him ~1/2 the amount?
Does he appear to bloat right away?

How's his little sister doing?
Thank you for coming on and letting us know how things are going. :hug

Edit: Next time he poops, can you post a picture?

[Chickenlegs]

Really glad to hear your little guy is doing better. I feed my bloat boy more frequently than the others. He’s always hungry but I’m scared to death he’ll blow up again. He’s finally beginning to gain some weight. Hope your boy straightens out real soon. Sounds like he’s on the way! :bliss

[Sk1307]

For now just keep doing what you're doing.
I suspect that since he's had so little to actually eat, that
he may not poop well for a while.
It's still a curious thing why he bloats.

How much is he taking at each feeding?
Do you have a weight on him in grams?

I'm almost wondering if you should give him smaller
feedings, but more often.

Do you notice the bloat almost immediately after feeding?
Did you ever notice how his tummy is when you give him ~1/2 the amount?
Does he appear to bloat right away?

How's his little sister doing?
Thank you for coming on and letting us know how things are going. :hug

Edit: Next time he poops, can you post a picture?

He weighs about 28 grams, I’m giving him about 1cc, 25% gmf 75% water. I do notice the bloat right after he eats, but it definitely goes down before his next feeding, not completely like before though. She’s doing good on the formula, so far no issues! I’ll send you a picture in a little bit!

[HRT4SQRLS]

I hate to jump in here because you have such great help but I'm afraid this baby is going to starve to death.
1cc and 75% of that is water is virtually no nutrition at all.
I think they wanted you to go to the GMF completely. I'm sure someone will confirm soon.

By the way. the fresh goat milks spoils very fast. You can aliquot it into small portions and freeze it. Some use ice cube trays to freeze it and then put the frozen cubes in a ziplock bag.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Does this baby always have that 'pot belly' look?
If so, it might not be bloat. It could be protein deficiency malnutrition which is characterized by a pot belly due to edema. This is what causes starving children to have a pot belly.

[cava]

Yes, I think they wanted a switch to the full goat's milk formula but for you to keep an eye on the milk line and report on the bloating, pees and poops. Also, feeding more frequently but smaller amounts was suggested.

How often are you feeding? 5% of of 28 g is 1.4 ml, every 3-3.5 hours, no breaks at night yet. Do not substitute feedings for water, hydrate in between feedings. If you are afraid to give that volume, you could try 1 ml every 2 hours and see how his tummy handles that.

I agree, he needs nutrition asap.

[Nancy in New York]

I hate to jump in here because you have such great help but I'm afraid this baby is going to starve to death.
1cc and 75% of that is water is virtually no nutrition at all.
I think they wanted you to go to the GMF completely. I'm sure someone will confirm soon.

By the way. the fresh goat milks spoils very fast. You can aliquot it into small portions and freeze it. Some use ice cube trays to freeze it and then put the frozen cubes in a ziplock bag.

Yes NO MORE WATERED DOWN FORMULA.

When you wrote this, I thought you were doing UNDILUTED formula.

Alright, I’ll do 100% gmf next feeding. I’ve fed them 75% gmf w 25% esbilac and they’re doing good on it so far. .

HRT4SQRLS, I thought the same thing. He's had such little nutrition and mostly water for the past several days.


Does this baby always have that 'pot belly' look?
If so, it might not be bloat. It could be protein deficiency malnutrition which is characterized by a pot belly due to edema. This is what causes starving children to have a pot belly.

I think that feeding more frequent, and smaller amounts like I suggested, is the way to go. It's worked well for me.
Let him digest the small amount to start and then in ~2 hours feed again.
Remember just the GM formula, with no additional water.
I see that you got the Meyenburg goats milk.
Did you get the whole, the powdered, or the evaporated?

Also can you post a picture every time after you feed, just for today, so we can monitor him.

[HRT4SQRLS]

I see that you got the Meyenburg goats milk.
Did you get the whole, the powdered, or the evaporated?

This is a very important so question so I wanted to repost for emphasis.
I assumed you were using the whole goat milk in the dairy section but that might not be the case. The whole goat milk can be used as is (with your added ingredients). The powdered is reconstituted per the can directions. The evaporated (concentrated) goat milk in the can is diluted 50:50 with water.

[Sk1307]

This is a very important so question so I wanted to repost for emphasis.
I assumed you were using the whole goat milk in the dairy section but that might not be the case. The whole goat milk can be used as is (with your added ingredients). The powdered is reconstituted per the can directions. The evaporated (concentrated) goat milk in the can is diluted 50:50 with water.

It’s the whole milk. I’ll try feeding him 1.4 cc just Gmf right now, and I’ll report back to you. I took a pic before feeding. His stomach looks completely normal right now!! I’ll take an after pic and send both plus a picture of his poop.

[Sk1307]

Here is a picture of him before eating.
299239
This is him after eating.
299240
This is a picture of his poop from last night.
299241
He looked completely back to normal this morning! He didn't feel hard at all, I think the bloat might be gone! I'll post more photos in a couple hours.

[Nancy in New York]

It’s the whole milk. I’ll try feeding him 1.4 cc just Gmf right now, and I’ll report back to you. I took a pic before feeding. His stomach looks completely normal right now!! I’ll take an after pic and send both plus a picture of his poop.

IF he bloats on the 1.4 amount which is 5% of his body weight,
the next feeding try going to .7 and then ~ 1 1/2 hours later
giving another .7
Remember the GM formula does NOT fill them up as much as
the Fox Valley or the Esbilac.

[Nancy in New York]

In the first two pictures does he have a scab on his penis?
Make sure that his sister is not sucking on him, ok?
Just a reminder. Clean off the milk around his mouth as it can cause "milk burn".
I KNOW this is one thing they hate but it's really important. :)
Just take a warm damp cotton ball and wipe wherever the milk is.
I take a piece of fleece and rub that after as sort of a "quick" dry.

Thanks for the photos!

[HRT4SQRLS]

Oh my goodness, is this a black squirrel? He is precious.

I wouldn't be overly concerned about the wet poop at this point. He has had several formula changes and a whole lot of water :tilt

[Sk1307]

In the first two pictures does he have a scab on his penis?
Make sure that his sister is not sucking on him, ok?
Just a reminder. Clean off the milk around his mouth as it can cause "milk burn".
I KNOW this is one thing they hate but it's really important. :)
Just take a warm damp cotton ball and wipe wherever the milk is.
I take a piece of fleece and rub that after as sort of a "quick" dry.

Thanks for the photos!

I noticed that too, it seems like he might. It’s red and swollen, but he is still able to pee. Should I put anything on it? Like neosporin?

[Nancy in New York]

I noticed that too, it seems like he might. It’s red and swollen, but he is still able to pee. Should I put anything on it? Like neosporin?

No because if she's nursing on it, we don't want her ingesting it.
Another possibility is he could be self nursing.
Just keep an eye on it.
IF it's scabbed over, make sure to get a warm damp cloth
and keep holding it there. The goal is to make it soft
so that the scab can painlessly and easily be removed.
Is he peeing good or just dripping?

[Sk1307]

No because if she's nursing on it, we don't want her ingesting it.
Another possibility is he could be self nursing.
Just keep an eye on it.
IF it's scabbed over, make sure to get a warm damp cloth
and keep holding it there. The goal is to make it soft
so that the scab can painlessly and easily be removed.
Is he peeing good or just dripping?

He took a lot more stimulation to pee than the night before. He’s dripping, but they’re big drips. The drips were really small when he was bloated, they’re a lot bigger than that.

[Nancy in New York]

He took a lot more stimulation to pee than the night before. He’s dripping, but they’re big drips. The drips were really small when he was bloated, they’re a lot bigger than that.

OK can you still see a little scab at the tip?
If so, take a warm cloth and keep doing that until it can easily come off.
Thank you again for answering all the questions, and being so gracious about them. :hug

[Sk1307]

Here is a photo from his last feeding, still looking pretty good!
299259
I fed him two hours after the last feeding, because he only would eat about 1cc the previous feeding. He ate 1.4cc this time, so I'll go closer to 3-3.5 hours until the next feeding.

[stepnstone]

That last picture looks so much better! :w00t
And..... he's a BLINKIE!!! :bliss

[BCChins]

How is Baby Blinkie (I have no idea what you named him :grin2) doing?

[Sk1307]

How is Baby Blinkie (I have no idea what you named him :grin2) doing?

He was good for a while but his stool never completely firmed up. It started getting firmer for a second, but now it’s gotten worse. And his sister has been doing great but all of a sudden she’s having loose stool now too. He’s pretty lethargic and has no enthusiasm to eat. She’s gained weight like crazy and he’s only gained a gram or even less per day. I’m not sure what to do. I was going to skip a few feedings and hydrate, but he seems like he hasn’t been getting nutrients from his food at all. I think I might make a separate post.