Parents across the nation are growing increasingly more concerned as grocery store shelves remain empty, without formula, in many states. Now, New York City mayor, Eric Adams, has declared a state of emergency to try to stop price gauging on remaining supplies of baby formula. “The nationwide infant formula shortage has caused unimaginable pain and anxiety for families across New York,” Adams said. “This emergency executive order will help us to crack down on any retailer looking to capitalize on this crisis by jacking up prices on this essential good. Our message to struggling mothers and families is simple: Our city will do everything in its power to assist you during this challenging period.”
Across the nation, 40% of large retailers are out of stock of formula and some states are more than 70% out of stock.
Children in at least 3 states have been hospitalized as a result of the shortage. Some of the products that are hard to find are special dietary formulas made for babies with allergies and digestion issues.
Why the shortage?
The nation’s largest formula manufacturing plant, Abbott, issued a voluntary closure of the plant in February after four children became ill with bacterial infections. They reportedly supply about 20% of the nation’s baby formula. This closure, along with COVID-19-related supply chain delays meant bad news for families. Now, some desperate families are making their own formula at home, which doctors strongly warn against.
WHAT NOT TO DO:
- Do not try to make formula yourself.
- Do not dilute formula to try to stretch it.
- Do not abruptly stop using formula, this can make your baby sick.
- Don’t buy formula from an online marketplace like Facebook or CraigsList. There are scam artists waiting to strike.
- Do not give toddler formula to your infant.
One natural and safe alternative for families who need supplementation is to visit a local milk bank. Linda Harelick, the Executive Director of the New York Milk Bank, says their agency has seen an increase in demand since the formula shortage crisis began. “We have seen an uptick in both women wanting to donate their excess breast milk and in families requesting donor milk. Compared to a year ago, the number of inquiries in receiving donor milk has more than doubled,” she explained.
While some may be wary of accepting milk from a stranger’s body, Harelick says it is perfectly safe, if done through a reputable milk bank. “Informal sharing of breast milk is considered a risky feeding practice and is not recommended,” she shared. However, at The New York Milk Bank, the breast milk is put through a rigorous 10-step safety screening. The milk is pasteurized and heated to remove harmful bacteria while maintaining most of the milk’s bioactive properties (the good stuff!) which support the immune systems of our recipient babies. It is then analyzed for energy and protein content and then tested for bacteria before being distributed to families.
Harlick says the best way to help support milk banks like hers is through funding. “Funding is critical right now as there are financial barriers for families to secure donor milk. We have a
Medical Relief Fund that people can contribute to at https://www.nymilkbank.org/donate-money/. We just passed 1 million ounces of breast milk distributed since our opening in 2016. We invite folks to be a part of our next million ounces. In addition to milk, money saves lives, too,” she shared.
For those that simply need formula, some relief may be in sight as planes carrying formula are arriving in the U.S. as part of “Operation Fly Formula.” The total imported supply of baby formula is equivalent to 30 million 8-ounce bottles. The Biden administration continues to work on this issue and hopes the formula will begin hitting shelves this week.
If nursing mothers in another state want to donate but don’t know where to start, you may reach out to the New York Milk bank. They can connect you to a safe and reputable milk bank. Contact them through their website: nymilkbank.org.
