Coping with the 2022 infant formula shortage

Kalaitzandonakes, Maria; Ellison, Brenna; Coppess, Jonathan

doi:10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102123

Cited by 11 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…While WIC is a supplemental program and is not designed to meet all formula needs for infants enrolled in the program, mothers described challenges using their WIC benefits during the shortage and had to pay for formula out-of-pocket, resulting in significant financial strain. It is important to note that while the present study was conducted among mothers in Washington, D.C., resources and support available to families enrolled in WIC during the infant formula shortage varied across states, and complications using WIC during the shortage were observed throughout the U.S. (Kalaitzandonakes et al, 2023 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mothers’ Experiences During the 2022 Infant Formula Shortage in Washington D.C.

Sylvetsky,

Hughes,

Kuttamperoor

et al. 2023

Matern Child Health J

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Introduction An unprecedented shortage of infant formula occurred in the United States (U.S.) in 2022 and posed widespread challenges to infant feeding nationwide. The purpose of this study is to investigate mothers’ experiences during the 2022 infant formula shortage and its perceived impacts on infants’ diet and health. Methods Mothers (n = 45) of infants under 8 months old from Washington D.C. were invited to participate in a virtual study meeting during the summer of 2022. Mothers completed surveys regarding their demographics, infants’ anthropometrics, infant feeding practices, information they have received about infant feeding, and knowledge about infant feeding practices. They then participated in a qualitative interview about their experiences during the infant formula shortage. Results Overarching themes were: the shortage (1) had adverse impacts on mothers’ mental and emotional health; (2) had significant financial and intangible costs; (3) led to changes in infant feeding practices; (4) social and family networks were helpful in navigating the shortage; and (5) mothers felt fortunate to have resources to breastfeed and/or obtain formula. Discussion The infant formula shortage adversely impacted mothers’ mental and emotional health, and was costly, in terms of financial and intangible costs. Findings demonstrate the need to develop clinical and policy approaches to support mothers in feeding their infants and provide education about safe infant feeding practices.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mothers’ Experiences During the 2022 Infant Formula Shortage in Washington D.C.

Sylvetsky,

Hughes,

Kuttamperoor

et al. 2023

Matern Child Health J

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“…The sample size is small, and as the interview guide was not designed to ask about the formula shortage, there may be other ways that the participants coped with the shortage that were not captured. Although the participants used the main strategies of going to multiple places, ordering online, and relying on network support, another study found that some parents tried human milk donations, asked doctors' offices, and made homemade formulas 26…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although the participants used the main strategies of going to multiple places, ordering online, and relying on network support, another study found that some parents tried human milk donations, asked doctors' offices, and made homemade formulas. 26…”

Section: Strengths and Limitationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although the impact of this shortage has not yet been assessed, other recent shortages have led to concerning feeding practices, such as diluting formula with additional water or decreasing bottle sizes 25. In addition to the concerns about feeding practices, the shortage exacerbated existing disparities and disproportionately affected minoritized and low-income families 26,27. This study explores Latina mothers' experiences with infant feeding during the time of the formula shortage.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…25 In addition to the concerns about feeding practices, the shortage exacerbated existing disparities and disproportionately affected minoritized and low-income families. 26,27 This study explores Latina mothers' experiences with infant feeding during the time of the formula shortage.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Latina Mothers' Infant Feeding Experiences During the 2022 Formula Shortage

Channell Doig

2024

Journal of Perinatal &Amp; Neonatal Nursing

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Background: Mothers report feeling immense pressure to breastfeed their infants, and not doing so can be associated with stigma, shame, and judgment. Many Latina mothers struggle to meet their breastfeeding goals and substitute formula earlier than planned. During 2022, an infant formula recall caused a shortage and made acquiring formula difficult or impossible in many areas of the United States. This study explores Latina mothers' experiences with infant feeding during the time of the formula shortage. Methods: In-depth interviews (N = 7) were conducted with Latina mothers who formula-fed during the shortage. Interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Mean maternal age was 29.7 years, and mean infant age was 10.3 months. Three mothers were born in the United States, and 4 were immigrants. Results: Thematic analysis generated 3 themes: (1) Fighting to breastfeed; (2) Breastfeeding is not the only way to be a “good” mother; and (3) No formula on the shelves. Participants described their determination to continue breastfeeding despite challenges before realizing that it limited their ability to care for their children. They discussed the emotional toll of the formula shortage and strategies for finding formula. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the need for additional structural support for infant feeding in the United States to prevent future formula shortages and for better lactation care and mental health support for mothers who want to breastfeed.

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