Coping with Formula Shortages: Tips and Resources for Parents
Food is life sustaining
There is nothing more important to parents than the health and wellness of their babies. The formula shortage has many parents feeling anxious and fearful, and I've come to say, do not shame Mothers. Period.
Real life and real time, parents are struggling to not only find formula for their babies during the shortage but to even afford it during the pandemic. After reviewing many articles, I've pulled this from the article The National Baby Formula Shortage and the Inequitable U.S. Food System found at americanprogress.org, take a look what they've got to say.
"Food and nutrition are literally life-giving and life-sustaining, yet parents and caretakers in the United States who rely on infant and specialty formulas for their loved ones’ health and nutritional needs face high prices and severe shortages. As of May 2022, 43 percent of formula products were out of stock nationwide—a massive increase from the average out-of-stock rate of between 2 percent and 8 percent at the start of the year."
Those are mind-blowing numbers. Almost half of infant formula nationwide, out of stock for our babies. Incredibly scary times and major red flags are being shown.
"But the formula crisis reveals major flaws in the U.S. food production and distribution system, especially in times of emergencies, as well as weaknesses in the country’s social safety net resulting in inequitable access to food and nutrition. This report looks at how the crisis emerged and considers the longer-term opportunities to make U.S. food production, supply, and distribution systems more responsive, resilient, and equitable to ensure that all individuals and families have access to life-saving food and nourishment."
Again, you can read the full article here.
The formula shortage stemmed from a product recall by an Abbott Nutrition facility in Michigan, where unsanitary conditions and contaminated products led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to temporarily shut down the facility. Abbott re-opened the facility in early June, under strict FDA oversight, but was forced to close the plant again on June 15 due to torrential rain and flooding in the area.
Now, more than ever, we need to help one another gather and find the resources we need to keep our babies fed. Whatever your situation may be, we cannot deny the fact we have millions of babies dependent on formula. Babies worldwide depend on formula everyday to successfully grow to meet their milestones.
This article will provide some important information regarding the safety of preparing formula, resources and places to find formula in your area and the importance of understanding some major dangers in home-made baby formula.
Preparing + Storing Formula: Safety and Health Information
Knowing the facts is the only way we can keep our little ones safe and healthy. After Birthing Bonding and Breastfeeding shared an article regarding proper preparation of formula, I felt it was of importance to share with my audience as well.
Let's talk about CRONOBACTER
"Cronobacter is a germ that can live in dry places like powdered formula. These germs can get in the blood or make the lining of the brain and spine swell (meningitis). Symptoms of Cronobacter in babies include a fever, poor feeding, crying and very low energy. Some babies may also have seizures. Cronobacter infections are often very serious for babies; they can die. When a source of a baby's Cronobacter infection has been found, nearly all have been associated with consumption of reconstituted powdered infant formula. Cronobacter has led to many formula recalls. The best way to destroy the harmful bacteria in infant formula is by preparing it with water heated to 158°F/70°C. Boiling water is NOT about making the water safe; it is about killing the pathogens in the powdered formula. Parents should follow the directions from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to destroy harmful bacteria."
This is one of those things that you simply do not know unless you are educated in the fact. There are reasons for the preparation instructions for powdered formula. Educate yourself of this for the safety of not only your baby, but all the other babies you can help keep safe by spreading the facts.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
• Powdered formula is good for one month after it is opened
• Store cans in a cool, dry place
• Use the correct amount of water, never concentrate or dilute the formula
• Only use the scoop provided with the formula to measure powder
• Do not add cereal or other foods to the bottle
• Never heat formula in the microwave
• Do not enlarge the hole in the nipple so contents will flow faster
• Never force a baby to finish an entire bottle
• When possible, use sterile, ready-made infant formula for infants at high risk
Read the full article here: Preparing Formula Sharing Best Practices From Lactation University
Finding Infant Formula: Resources for You
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) shared an amazingly resourceful article here that covers how to safely find formula substitutions, feeding you baby safely, getting help finding formula and information on how the shortage started.
The HHS also noted that exploring resources for breast milk or breastfeeding is an option. This is a no brainer and I know many parents have thought about resorting to a breast milk donor during this shortage. Here's what the HHS has to say about this option.
"Talk with your pediatrician or other health care provider about using human milk from a human milk bank.
If possible, consider a local milk bank that is accredited through the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). Keep in mind that most of the milk from milk banks is given to hospitalized babies, and they may not have enough to serve healthy babies at all times.
Sharing human breast milk with friends or purchasing it on the internet is not recommended. When you get human breast milk from friends or through the internet, it's hard to know if the donor was screened for infectious disease or contamination risk. There could also be safety risks related to how the milk was collected, processed, tested, or stored."
It's no secret that parent's are struggling to find their needed formula in stores. Many babies have special dietary needs that restrict them to the infant formulas they can tolerate. This shortage has stretched many parents thin when it comes to finding new formula substitutions for their babies and the financial burden that comes along with that trial and error period. Because of this, many parents are learned to use social media as a tool in finding the formula they need for their babies. I have linked a few below.
Facebook Groups
Understanding the Dangers: Homemade Formula / Incorrect Formula Preparation
"The nationwide shortage of baby formula is forcing families to consider a difficult question: What do you do when you can’t feed your infant? For parents of infants who cannot breastfeed, infant formula is vital to keeping a baby nourished and healthy. Babies cannot eat anything else — especially not homemade or diluted formula, say medical professionals."
Pulled from the How to Navigate the National Formula Shortage posted by Amanda Rahn over on Chicago Parent.
For families who are not breastfeeding, infant formula is the only nutritionally-appropriate food choice for a child under the age of 1, says Poj Lysouvakon, the pediatric director of the Well Baby Unit and an associate professor of pediatrics at UChicago. “Formula in this country is controlled by the FDA (and) formula is formulated to have the right mix of nutrition and calories.”
It's proven that diluting infant formula is extremely dangerous. Take the time to educate and understand the potential risks of the various substitutions that people assume are safe for baby. Continuing from that article,
First and foremost, the American Academy of Pediatrics says caregivers should never dilute formula to make it last longer, attempt to make their own infant formula nor feed cow’s or goat’s milk to a baby under six months old.
Diluting infant formula can change the level of sodium in an infant’s brain, which can cause seizures, something that Lysouvakon has unfortunately seen. Using powdered milk as a substitute, a common base for homemade recipes online, is also not safe.
Due to the formula shortage, however, certain things that would not be typically recommended are being considered. Children over six months of age may be given cow’s milk for no more than one week, as the cow’s milk does not contain enough iron, says the AAP.
Using formula from other countries that is not FDA-approved also carries risks, says Lysouvakon.
“Do not use imported formulas not improved by the federal government,” he says. “We don’t know if it’s being made in a safe environment.”
"Your best source is your pediatrician,” says Lysouvakon. Pediatricians can give families information about accredited milk banks, WIC office numbers, which may know which accredited stores have formula in stock, and other helpful knowledge on what to do when low on formula."
What it comes down to is playing it smart when it comes to your baby. Don't ever even risk it. Educate yourself on the dangers, find the resources your need and help and fellow Mama out in her hunt. The most important piece of this is successfully feeding our growing babies.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and other contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Momentous Doula Care.