Formula Shortages in the US
By Laura Silvas, RN IBCLC
Following the baby formula recall in Spring of 2022, mothers who depend on formula are now undergoing another stressful situation. Since the recall of Similac Formula, in fear of contamination by the bacteria, Cronobacter sakazakii, supply chain issues following COVID, palm oil shortages, and international trade issues in combination have created a massive lack of formula.
Empty shelves, Facebook posts searching for their babies' brands, and frantic mothers are now a haunting reality - much like the toilet paper crisis of COVID, but with worse consequences. Following the recall of Similac, many mothers turned to other brands to supply their babies with proper nutrition. However, as Similac has yet to restart production, other brands are dwindling fast from the shelves.
What Can I Do?
Band together. If there's anything we learned from COVID, it's how much we need to rely on each other. Letting other parents know what formula brands they are finding and in which stores are a great help, or consider donating milk to other mothers if you have an oversupply. Mothers that are considering giving up pumping milk could continue pumping and donating this milk to milk banks instead. Unfortunately, a crisis also brings out the ugly side of humanity. Hoarding and hiking the prices of popular formulas is an unfortunate side effect.
In addition to reaching out to your fellow friends and family to see if their local stores are stocking your formula brands, don't forget about looking to local organizations that could help. WIC, hospitals, doctor's offices, women's groups, milk banks, etc., are all working hard to help locate nutrition sources and find a solution.
Breastfeeding
It's no secret that we are passionate about breastfeeding here at LEVA. We are also very aware of how challenging it can be and that it doesn't always work out for everyone. Some women do not want to breastfeed. Some try their very best but struggle to latch their baby or keep up with their baby's nutritional needs. Some women undergo trauma, and breastfeeding isn't an option. We support every single one of you. If you are interested in breastfeeding, re-lactating, pumping, increasing your supply, or how to continue breastfeeding, we can help. It's critical to remember that your body makes milk as part of a supply and demand process. Whether you are breastfeeding or pumping, it works the same. The more you empty your breast, the more your body gets the message to make more milk.
So, start simple if you want to increase your supply, re-lactate, or start pumping:
Empty the breast every 2-3 hours. This won't be instant, and consistency is critical. If you are breast and formula feeding, empty the breast first, allowing the baby to obtain/fill on breastmilk, and top off with formula (either by latching or pumping).
If you are pumping, make sure you separate your breastmilk and formula so that if your baby doesn't finish one bottle, you aren't wasting one or the other.
Proper latch and flange sizing ensure sufficient drainage of the breast.
Remember to reach out to your doctor before starting supplements to ensure your and your baby's safety. If you don't have a breast pump, there are a few options.
A hand pump can be found at most local stores and may be the cheapest option. However, most insurances thankfully now cover breast pumps. If you did not previously receive one, reach out to your insurance to see about coverage. (Note: some may cover a portion or only cover one up to so many weeks postpartum).
Reach out to local organizations such as WIC and your hospital to inquire about breast pump rentals.
A few things to remember:
If your baby is on a special formula as prescribed by a pediatrician, please reach out to your child's doctor's office for help in finding a suitable substitute.
Do not introduce cow's milk earlier than a year
Do not water down your infant's formula
Consider donor milk if this is something you're comfortable with -Frozen breast milk can be safe for up to 6-12 months, depending on the placement in your freezer.
You are not alone.
If you are concerned or need help in any of these areas, please reach out to us here at Leva, and let us help you come up with a plan.
