As a physician and a mother, my heart hurts for parents concerned about how to feed their babies amid the current infant-formula shortage. 

Unfortunately, the shortage has erupted into a discourse about breastfeeding versus formula feeding, turning the issue into a shame game and telling parents who are in fear of not having enough formula to “just simply breastfeed.” In reality, the focus should be on parents feeding their babies in any way that they can and that they believe is best, whether it is breastfeeding, formula or a combination of both. 

With just three manufacturers and limited supply, it can be scary for a new mom or parent to think that they might not be able to feed their babies — especially if they rely on a specific formula. Breastfeeding or switching to a new formula would appear to be obvious choices in the interim, but there are several factors that could prohibit someone from pursuing these options including the baby having an allergy that requires a specific type of formula or if the baby is unable to take breastmilk. Also, the parent may not be able to breastfeed, may have a limited milk supply, or may have a reason she cannot pump. Additionally, some mothers have made the choice to not breastfeed, and for adoptive parents of a newborn, it is not an option. 

All scenarios are acceptable; not all families are the same. That’s why the “just breastfeed” or “just use what you have” narratives may not work, not to mention how damaging that message could be to the psyche of a new or adoptive parent. 

Respect and understanding in these dynamics are key. 

There are options and hope for parents who are unable to breastfeed. Check with your pediatrician or family physician for available formula supply samples. You can also contact local hospitals, health departments, WIC and other trusted agencies, as well as try purchasing formula directly from the manufacturer. Parents can also work with their pediatrician to safely explore switching to a formula that is currently in stock and that the baby can tolerate. 

What to avoid

It is a scary situation to think about how you will feed your child when you are down to your last few items of supply. Following are a few things to keep in mind and steer clear of during these challenging times.

While it might be tempting to purchase infant formula from a third-party, it is important to use formula from a verified manufacturer or a trusted source such as a pediatrician, hospital or health department. Third-party vendors might be unregulated, and you run the risk of not getting what you thought you were getting for your baby. 

Additionally, do not try to ration baby formula, make your own formula, or dilute it with water or any other substance. This can be harmful, decrease the baby’s ability to absorb the necessary nutrients and increase irritability. Too much water consumption can also cause serious damage, which is why formula is vital. It provides the right amount of nutrients — those that are appropriate for the digestive tract and that allow the baby to grow. Full feeds with undiluted infant formula are recommended. When you see that you are running low on formula, reach out to a trusted source immediately. 

Also, do not try to feed your baby solid food or cow’s milk. Milk is not recommended for babies under a year old. Even after a year, a child’s milk consumption should be limited to no more than 48 oz. a day. Too much of it can cause a child to be anemic, cause damage to their colon or lead to internal bleeding and other complications. 

Mind Your mental health

As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month amid the formula shortage, I encourage new moms and parents to also take care of their mental health. 

We are living in unprecedented times and have been experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety without reprieve for the last three years—a global pandemic, wars, rising inflation and rising violence are now in addition to worries about how to feed your children. 

Take time to invest in your mental health and seek ways to help manage stress daily. Though seeking support may be hard to imagine when overwhelmed with worry and fear, it is best to talk with a trusted mental health professional and try to find little ways daily to take a mental break and reduce stress. Go for a walk with or without the baby; journal or say aloud the triggers that are causing anxiety; and find things that bring you joy, even if it’s just for a couple of minutes.

Also, during this time try to be supportive to other parents and avoid shaming them or feeling shame, whether you choose to breastfeed or use formula. Ultimately, we all just want to feed  our children.

Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, M.D., M.S., is a board-certified family physician practicing urgent care physician based in Reno, where she serves as regional clinical director for Carbon Health and medical director for Saint Mary’s Medical Group. Dr. Curry-Winchell is a TEDx Speaker and also a member of the Reno mayor’s task force and Governors Medical Advisory Team on COVID-19.