From Moms Across America
Tips for mothers on how to manage during the infant formula shortage.
We are sure you have heard of the baby formula distribution problems, which have caused a shortage in many areas around the country. Thousands of moms are frustrated with the lack of coordination and foresight our government had displayed regarding this issue. It is infuriating that over government is prioritizing sending money overseas for war efforts when thousands of parents are struggling to feed their babies right here in America! Arrgh!
You can expect that mothers will not just get frustrated however- they take action. Emily Swanson in Texas founded a formula match-up Facebook group called Nationwide Formula Search and moms are helping each other. Mothers are posting photos of where the formula is available and even buying and sending it to other mothers. How generous and kind! How inspiring! We applaud all the mothers on formula Facebook search groups and encourage you to help out where you can too…
Let’s keep in mind that this shortage is primarily happening because the government and formula manufacturers failed to meet or even make safety standards to keep baby formula safe in the first place. Many babies have been reported to get sick and die from Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport infections after consuming three brands of formula made by Abbot – leading to the shutdown of that plant and the shortage. At that time, back in February of 2022, the FDA NEVER officially recalled the toxic formula! Abbot made a voluntary recall statement. So the President pushing baby formula manufacturers to hurry up and make more formula and fly in the formula from other countries (what countries and what are their safety standards?) in through Operation Fly Formula feels like the same situation where Trump urged the COVID vaccine manufacturers to hurry up and get through the safety trials with Operation Warp Speed. We all know how that’s going.
Here are a few other tips for mothers to consider regarding breastfeeding and formula feeding.
We will preface this by saying that we understand all mothers are simply doing the best they can to care for their babies. Whatever you are doing we want to support you. Also, the care of a baby does not just fall on a mother, the fathers are equally responsible and we urge them to get involved in supporting the feeding of all babies. Mothers, make sure to let go of control and allow, ask your spouse or partner to support you, reduce your stress and enable you to breastfeed or formula feed in a relaxed manner.
