SOS, Shortage of Baby Formula!

Being a mom is a wild ride, especially in this day and age. Consequently, if you are a new mother counting on formula to feed your baby, you know what I’m talking about. How can there be a shortage of something as essential as baby formula in a first-world country like the USA? We are sharing several reasons this shortage is occurring:

For one, there was a major recall of formula by a top US producer. On top of that, the supply chain problems caused by the pandemic are also a factor. Now left with a handful of companies making U.S. infant formula, the demand for baby formula has surpassed the supply. Mothers are now faced with the challenging quest to ensure that their babies can be fed.

The infant formula market was plunged into disarray when Abbott Laboratories shut down its plant in Sturgis, Mich., after four babies, who had consumed some of Abbot’s products, became sick with bacterial infections (btw Abbott controls 48% of the market).

If you are a distressed parent counting on infant formula, we have a couple of helpful solutions.

• Head to a milk bank and get some breast milk from donors! It is very important you do it this way and not directly from a friend of yours because these banks test the milk for any infections or illnesses. So if a friend is offering to pump extra for you, it’s better to pass on that opportunity.
• You can also create a homemade formula (always check with your pediatrician first). Here is one recipe from Dr.Green that we love!