United States Formula Shortage Crisis
The Maine State Breastfeeding Coalition is dedicated to helping families feed their babies human milk and enhancing the culture of breast/chestfeeding. Above all we are an organization that supports maternal and infant physical and mental health. Health organizations recommend human milk, but we know that breastfeeding is not always possible or optimal for families. Establishing and maintaining a milk supply and a good latch can be extremely difficult. In a time of crisis like this, we know it is not helpful to say “just breastfeed” or contribute to a divisive conversation about breast milk vs formula. We stand in solidarity with all families feeding their infants and are here to help in any way we can.
Our organization is committed to helping families reach their infant feeding goals. A significant portion of our organization’s goals are related to breaking down the barriers that make formula necessary.
We support paid leave so lactating parents can focus more time on establishing that breastfeeding relationship and milk supply. We offer education to professionals to enable them to better support lactating parents throughout their journeys. We offer support and education to parents AND workplaces for that eventual transition back to work knowing how many families start using formula around that time.
Our advocacy work also helped pass the bill that will provide reimbursement under the MaineCare program for pasteurized donor breast milk. This was just signed into law and will make donor milk an option for so many more Maine babies…in 2023.
There are still so many more opportunities for improvement to better support nursing families. Opportunities at every touchpoint of a nursing parent and baby’s journey: Improving prenatal care and birthing experiences, increasing lactation support staffing in hospitals, making the pathways to becoming a lactation counselor or consultant more accessible, making access to lactation and mental health support more equitable through diversifying the lactation workforce, providing care that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice, and funding research to better understand low milk supply, medications and other substances in mothers’ milk, and more.
Not knowing how you’re going to feed your baby is extremely stressful. Many recommendations shared on the internet and on social media right now may seem like the only options. However, it is important to note:
Parents and caregivers should never dilute infant formula. Diluting formula leads to malnutrition, and can lead to brain damage.
Infants and babies have specific needs for sodium, potassium, calcium, proteins, fats and micronutrients that can not be provided for through home recipes.
Goats’ milk can cause severe anemia in infants, despite popular recipes and is medically advised against.
In all cases, the risk of harm to infants from homemade formula outweighs the benefits. People should also avoid purchasing imported formula through online sales, as it has the potential to be counterfeit.
Here is more information about options you can consider instead.
CALL YOUR BABY’S DOCTOR
First, if you haven’t already, speak to your baby’s doctor for guidance. Depending on your baby’s age and situation, they may allow a certain amount of cow’s milk. This is a conversation that needs to be had with your baby’s doctor. For babies who need special formulas or diets, your baby’s doctor will provide guidance on how to ensure the best nutrition.
CONTACT WIC
If you have WIC, or wonder if you qualify, contact them now. The amazing folks at WIC all over the state have been working so hard to meet families’ needs since the original recall. They are doing the best they can to keep informed about the available supply of formula.
RELACTATE
Some people are able to re-lactate. If you’re considering this, contact a lactation consultant at WIC, or at your local hospital, pediatric office, or private practice for guidance. Relactating takes time and is most effective if you've recently given birth. There are some resources on our website about relactating, and MaineWIC recently offered this webinar about relactation.
DONOR MILK FROM AN ACCREDITED MILK BANK
Pasteurized Donor Human Milk (PDHM) is available for medically fragile babies. There is a fee that covers screening/storing/handling/shipping, though some private insurance companies will cover this cost, and the Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast does offer some financial support. PDHM donors are screened and the milk is tested for bacteria, and it is pasteurized, as well. This is the safest donor milk option, though it may not be accessible for everyone.
MILK SHARING
Informal milk sharing between lactating people may be an option, too. It’s important that parents have appropriate information to reduce the risks that could potentially be associated with milk sharing. Find excellent guidance for milk sharing.
If you’re considering using milk from another lactating parent you should ask the donor questions like whether or not they are using any medications or substances. Ask how they stored the milk, when they’ve last had a physical or bloodwork done, etc. It is NOT recommended to purchase milk from anyone, especially through websites like craigslist or facebook marketplace.
Here is the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s Statement on Informal Breast Milk Sharing.
FORMULA OPTIONS
It's also good to know that formula sold in the United States, by law (The Infant Formula Act of 1980) requires all formulas to have the same nutritional content. It only differs in flavor and packaging, so the formula at Sam's Club or BJ's is equivalent to the more expensive brands. Your baby may be able to take a different brand or switch to another formula. There isn’t a BEST formula out there.
Unfortunately we understand that many medical practices do not have formula to distribute and local food banks aren’t always able to ensure that donated formula cans have not been compromised. You can check smaller stores, ask anyone and everyone you know to keep an eye out for formula at their nearest drug store or corner store. You can also reach out on social media to see if anyone has any formula they can spare. Just be sure they haven’t been tampered with or expired. And finally, please don’t overbuy. Buying in bulk may exacerbate the issue. Please only purchase as much as you need now.
Finally, this is a tough time. One that challenges our trust and shakes our confidence. Let’s be kind to one another, hold onto the belief that this challenge, too, is temporary, and trust that our community is strong. The Maine State Breastfeeding Coalition is part of that community and we are here to help in any way possible.
You can find many resources on our website and contact us.
Thank you and best wishes to you and your families.
~ MSBC Board of Directors
For more information: Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Statement on Shortage of Breastmilk Substitutes
