Need help getting milk? Reliable information on do’s and don’ts during the formula shortage.
The media is covering the formula shortage with great zeal! Parents are contacting me, wondering what to do? what are their options? Should they make their own formulas? Should they order from ebay and stash it? Should they get breast milk through a sharing site? Or purchase donor milk from a Milk Bank? What about goat’s milk? Can parents produce more human milk themselves? Read on to learn answers…
Why is there a formula shortage? There are only 4 major producers of formula in the US. Abbott Nutrition closed one production plant at the beginning of May after a formula recall – four infants were hospitalized after contacting a bacterial illness from tainted formula – tragically, two of them died. Decreased production from this plant closure has led to the shortage.
How hard is it to get formula? - I just conducted a search for formulas at all the major supermarkets and drug stores in Cumberland County, Maine – and all stores had some type of standard formula in stock. Before panicking, start calling around to see what is available at your local stores. To some extent, the formula shortage feels like the toilet paper shortage – the more it is stressed in the media, the more parents stress out and stock up, thereby limiting the supply.
Can I use different formulas for my baby? While it is still possible to find formula at many stores, it might not be the same formula as your infant is currently using. Most infants tolerate switches between different brands and types with minimal problems. Despite advertising, formulas are essentially the same within each category — cow’s milk or soy. Prescription formulas are different and not as easily substituted. Please contact your pediatrician for more specific information about switching formulas.
How hard is it to get formula? - I did a search for formulas at all the major supermarkets and drug stores in Cumberland County – and all stores had some type of standard formula in stock. To some extent, the formula shortage feels like the toilet paper shortage – the more it is stressed in the media, the more parents stress out and stock up, thereby limiting the supply.
Should people make their own formulas? There are so many recipes available through Facebook group and searches on Google that it’s gotta be ok? Right? Wrong! Formula tries to duplicate breast milk – and has calibrated proportional quantities of proteins, carbohydrates and fats that are digestible and tolerable to infants. It is easy for babies to become malnourished from homemade formulas. Essential micronutrients, including vitamins and electrolytes, are present in formula. Misbalance of micronutrients can lead to seizures and brain swelling. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly discourages homemade formulas because the risks are so high.
Can formula be watered down? No! Watered down formula is bad for two reasons. First – it leads to less nutrition (calories) being consumed and thus to malnutrition. Second, babies are unable to get rid of excess water in the first months of life – excess water can also lead to seizures and brain swelling.
Should formula be ordered through Ebay or other non-regulated sites? NO! Counterfeit formula is surging on the market and is not regulated. Unregulated formula carries increase risk of infection, malnutrition and micronutrient imbalances.
What about goat’s milk plus other additives? Goat’s milk is great for goat kids, but not for humans. Goat’s milk contains higher levels of many micronutrients, which can lead to decreased urine production and dehydration in babies. In addition, goat’s milk lacks folate – which can lead to anemia – decreased red blood cells and inability to effectively circulate oxygen throughout the body.
If it’s ok to use cow’s milk formula, why can’t cow’s milk be given to infants under one? Cow’s milk in formulas has been processed and broken down to component parts that are safe for infants. Cow’s milk itself can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and is inappropriate for human babies. Cow’s milk also does not have appropriate balances of fats, proteins and micronutrients and can lead to malnutrition and other health problems.
Can breastmilk be obtained from other people? Wet nursing, the practice of sharing milk from different moms to different babies has a long history. There are safer ways of sharing milk. Make sure you know the mother’s health history – are they on any medications? Does their milk contain all necessary nutrients? There are reputable sites set up with screening protocols to maximize safe transfer of donated milk, including Eats On Feets, Human Milk 4 Human Babies (HM4HB), and MilkShare. Milk banks, such as the Mothers Milk Bank Northeast have triple screened, pasteurized milk available – but in very limited quantities. Milk Bank is most suitable for medically fragile babies. Never buy breast milk!
Can non-lactating moms re-lactate? Some parents might be able to re-lactate after they have lost their supply. There are many variables here, and lactation consultations can help determine if and how milk supply can be brought back or increased.
Are there local resources that can help? Yes – contact your local WIC office, your pediatrician, and/or your local food bank for more information. Contact your local lactation counselors for advice. Contact Personalized Pediatrics of Maine for more advice.
For more information:
American Academy of Pediatrics: Statement regarding formula shortage
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine: Protocol for informal human milk sharing.
