Breastfeeding

OC Health Care Providers Supporting OC Families with Infants During the Infant Formula Shortage

A nationwide shortage of infant formula has been ongoing for several months. The shortage was initially due to COVID-19 pandemic related supply chain issues which were then compounded with a voluntary recall of some Abbott Nutrition products and ceasing of production in the Sturgis, Michigan plant due to possible association with some serious bacterial infections in infants. While a number of measures are being taken at the federal level and through CDPH/WIC to increase access to formula, intermittent and sporadic shortages have been reported. Concerns about finding sufficient formula have led to reports of unsafe practice, such as diluting formula or using homemade formula.

Health Care Providers Should Support Parents and Caregivers of Infants By:

  • Affirming parents’ concerns
  • Reinforcing the messages for families and providing resources including printed copies of handouts, as needed
  • Encouraging and supporting breastfeeding, including helping to arrange for breast pumps and facilitating lactation support, if needed
  • Assisting families with selecting alternative formulas and requesting specialty (therapeutic) formulas from the formula manufacturer
  • Evaluating mental health needs and making referrals for support as appropriate
  • Reporting any suspected or confirmed adverse clinical outcomes (such as hospital admission) that may be a result of inadequate infant nutrition due to the formula shortage to OCHCA at (714) 834-8180 or epi@ochca.com

Resources for Health Care Providers:

Pregnant/Post-Partum Women, Breastfeeding or Considering Breastfeeding:

Tips for preparing imported infant formula

Consejos para preparar la fórmula infantil importada

 Preparing Formula Safely:

  • Infants need a specific balance of nutrients for their growth. Infant formula is strictly regulated by the FDA to not only be as close as possible to human milk, but also safe and free of harmful bacteria.
  • Follow the mixing instructions on the label for the formula; do NOT overdilute the formula to stretch the quantity out.
  • Avoid making or feeding homemade formula.
  • Avoid feeding infants under one year of age cow milk (or other animal milk besides human milk) or other milk substitutes (such as almond or soy beverages).
  • Avoid feeding infants toddler formula.
  • Avoid using imported formulas from other countries that have not been reviewed by the FDA.

Finding Formula:

  • Call the vendor (store) ahead of time to see if they have the formula in stock.
  • Try another store if the one you usually frequent is out of your formula.
  • WIC clients:
    • Redeem your WIC benefits as soon as they are redeemable.
      • Note that more trips to the store may be required as there may be a limit on how many cans of formula may be purchased at one time.
    • Contact your issuing WIC agency if you are unable to locate formula after trying several stores in your area.
    • Non-WIC clients: Contact the Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448 if you are unable to locate formula after trying several stores in your area.
    • Ask a health care provider for guidance on alternative formulas you can use. Babies usually tolerate alternative products except in the case of special therapeutic formula. For babies on therapeutic formula, your health care provider may be able to request limited amounts of formula directly from the manufacturer if there is an urgent health need.

 Resources:

Can’t Find Baby Formula? Pediatrician Shares the Do’s and Don’ts of Navigating the Shortage

Here & Now‘s Lisa Mullins talks to Dr. Kate Williamson, a pediatrician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, about what parents should and should not do in cases where they can’t find the formulas their babies are accustomed to. Listen Here

Baby Formula Shortage Information

You may have heard about shortages of infant formula. We are hoping the situation will improve soon with the President’s new efforts (Biden Administration Announces Steps to Increase Infant Formula Supply).  If you get questions from anyone having difficulty locating formula, here are some suggestions:

  • Call the vendor (store) ahead of time to see if they have the formula in stock
  • Try another store if the one they usually frequent is out of their formula
  • Redeem their WIC benefits as soon as they are redeemable and not wait until the last minute
  • Be sure to follow the mixing instructions; do NOT overdilute the formula to stretch the quantity out
  • Breastfeed more if they are doing combination feeding

Infant Formula Shortages: CDPH Partners with AAP

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), in partnership with the American Academy of pediatrics, created a guidance document for families having difficulty finding formula. It is our hope that you can share this guidance document with families, organizations, and anyone else that may benefit from this information.

Some key highlights from the guidance document include:

  • How to find formula
  • Information on therapeutic formulas
  • Information on cow’s milk options for some children
  • Information on solid food … and more!

View the Guidance Document Here!

Breastfeeding and Neonate Hyperbilirubinemia

September 9, 2021
Vinod K. Bhutani, MD FAAP
Note: CME Credit only available for attendance at Live Meeting
Video Recording
Presentation Slides
Questions & Answers (Updated 09.14.21)

See more resources on healthychildren.org

SoCal WIC Breastfeeding Consortium

Meetings
Quarterly on a Friday | 10:00 am-2:00 pm

Orange County Breastfeeding Coalition

Meetings
3rd Thurs. of odd numbered months | 12:00-1:30 pm

Breastfeed LA

Meetings
Quarterly Meetings | 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Workshops and Support

Programs

Breastfeeding and COVID-19

Additional Resources

Supported by the National AAP Section on Breastfeeding