The Great Formula Shortage of 2022 - What You Can Do!
The past few years have taken a toll on everyone, and one thing that we have all gotten a bit more used to since the COVID-19 pandemic is going without. Going without seeing friends or family for weeks, months, even years in some cases. Going without restaurants, concerts, movie theaters. Going without toilet paper for what seemed like forever at the time.
While we are returning to some semblance of “normal”, or what we can consider our new normal, we are still feeling some of the lasting effects of the COVID crisis. One that has been recently concerning for those at home with infants is the current Formula shortage.
This shortage, a result of the pandemic leaving factories, shipping avenues, and delivery folks severely understaffed, is worrisome at best and detrimental at worst for some babies.
But why can’t new moms/parents just breastfeed?
Not every person with breasts/mammary glands is able to feed their baby that way. There are a number of reasons that a person may not be able to or may choose not to feed their baby at their breast/chest. Parents going through cancer treatments, parents on medications that could harm baby such as certain antidepressants or immuno-suppressant therapies, babies who are physically unable to digest or are allergic to aspects of breastmilk - the list goes on and on. Some parents just aren’t able to get their milk to come in at the rate they need to feed their babies, and so they supplement with formula. The most important thing to remember is that a parent knows what they can and should do for their baby, and that those decisions should be trusted and respected.
Isn’t it selfish not to even try to breastfeed under these conditions?
No. It’s not. Bodily autonomy and the choice (or lack of choice in some cases) to feed a baby at your breast/chest is something that every new parent has the right to decide on their own. Some say that it’s “selfish”, “unhealthy”, or “deprivational” to choose not to exclusively feed a baby with breast/chest milk, but that is often seen as elitist and unfair. The old adage “Breast is Best” has recently been replaced with “Fed is Best”, because a fed baby is a happy, healthy, and loved baby no matter what method you choose.
But what about all the studies showing breast/chestfeeding is much more beneficial than formula?
While there are certainly benefits to breast/chestfeeding your baby, such as certain developmental short and long term effects and increased oxytocin levels while nursing, that doesn’t mean that formula fed babies are at a disadvantage or won’t develop just fine without nursing. Today, there are many different formulas to choose from. There is certainly one that will work for your baby if it is needed.
Which brings us back, again, to the formula shortage we are currently experiencing. The COVID shortages, compounded with voluntary recalls of formulas such as Similac and other highly popular brands under the manufacturing giant Abbott, are leaving families in situations where bare shelves and purchase limitations are threatening their baby’s well being.
Below are some resources that you can use if you find yourself in one of these situations within your own home, struggling to find formula for your infant due to the national shortage, as well as information about how to help should you find yourself in a position to do so.
Where to go if you’re in need:
Online Resources: This list of 16 different tried and true resources compiled by The Bump may be helpful in tracking down the formula that you need online. From Facebook groups to Instagram pages to community sites such as Front Porch Forum, there are ample places to find formula online if you only know where to look. However, beware of the price gouging, high-mark ups, and scams that inevitably come with a nationwide crisis like this.
Call Your Pediatrician: They may have samples of formula that manufacturers send they can give you, or they’ll give you safe alternatives and recommendations for what to do if you’re in a pinch.
A good general guideline is to make sure you consult your pediatrician or other medical professional any time you’re looking to make any kind of change to your baby’s health and wellbeing.
Utilize a Milk Bank: While you may not be able to or want to nurse your baby, there are milk banks that you can get donated breast milk from in order to supplement your baby’s needs. Or, if you have a friend or family member who is nursing, you may be able to have them wet nurse your baby when needed.
Other helpful information: This article by What to Expect has some helpful other DO’s and DON'Ts regarding the formula shortage that you may find helpful, including information about homemade formula, watering down formula, and other hard no’s that most pediatricians do not recommend, no matter how dire your situation gets.
How you can help:
Donate any unopened, unused, unexpired formula to a family in need: Often when families have a child who transitions to cows milk or other forms of milk once they’re old enough, they are left with unopened canisters of formula in a basement, cupboard, or pantry somewhere. While organizations like WIC won’t take unopened/unused formula due to strict protocols, organizations like Baby2Baby help coordinate donation, pick up, drop off, and more.
Donate to a milk bank: Donating some of your supply to a milk bank ensures that babies in your area/around the world get access to nutrition no matter what. If you’re a high producer or if you have a lot of properly stored backstock of milk from your own nursing journey, consider donating it to a milk bank! You can check out sites like DonateMilk for more info.
Be mindful while shopping for your own formula needs: While this formula shortage may put your fight or flight into overdrive, refrain from buying out your brand when you see it in stock. Again, remember the great toilet paper shortage of 2020? Only buy what you need and maybe a couple extra - don’t clear the shelf just because it’s there.
