@@@Formula shortage@@@@

[mskitkat]

May 13, 2022 11:12:35 GMT -5 bears said:

May 13, 2022 11:01:05 GMT -5 mskitkat said:

YEP. People are out here sharing 1960s homemade formula recipes that will cause infant malnutrition, but what other option do some parents have? I’m seeing people connecting with intentional groups that are shipping formula from Canada to the US. Not everyone has the time, energy, or resources to do this. I would imagine most people don’t. The way parents of young children have been left behind in every single way by this administration….I don’t even have words.

This is the most frightening part to me. If even one of the components is off (has the wrong form of a nutrient), the effects could have huge impacts on nutrition and development.

Like honey instead of karo syrup, which I’ve definitely seen.

[abs]

I don't think a lot of people really realize how bad this is (not here just in general). There has been a shortage for awhile and it's just now getting recognized? Not addressed whatsoever just said out loud? It's horrifying and gives me such PTSD.

Just everything feels absolutely awful.

This situation in particular cuts so close to home. DD had terrible reflux and allergies. My milk never came in so I relied on formula. She could only tolerate Alimentum RTF. Even in 2010 it was sometimes hard to find but it never occurred to me it could become a situation like this.

Just another way we don't want to support new parents. May the odds be ever in your favor.

[Velar Fricative]

I think a temporary flow of imported formula that meets FDA standards would be the quickest, safest way to solve this. But then I'd wonder why this wouldn't be able to continue permanently, particularly given the near-monopoly of formula makers here in the US. But, I'm not sure if there are issues I'm unaware of with this.

I seriously am horrified over this situation. Feeding a baby is already fraught with stress. I am on the lookout for my nephew since they're running low for him. It shouldn't be like this. And I agree that issues with a product that requires tight government regulation needs to be solved by the government.

[dontlook]

My nephew is almost 3 months and our area is very low on formula. I’ve been helping out by driving to different stores near me to see if I can find any that he can have (he’s on similac sensitive). My brother and SIL are super stressed so I’m trying to do my best to help out. This whole situation is so messed up and I can’t believe we can’t figure out a way to get more formula on shelves.

[Bad Dingo]

May 13, 2022 9:29:27 GMT -5 kadams767 said:

May 13, 2022 8:33:19 GMT -5 bears said:

Psaki said concerned families should teach out to their pediatricians (https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/12/politics/biden-infant-formula-meeting/index.html). This is a fucking systemic issue, not something for your pediatrician to solve.

I didn't see this comment or the context, but I would assume she meant for immediate assistance, since pediatricians often have stockpiles of formula samples.  Or at least, used to.  I'm not sure if that is still the case given the shortage.

Pediatricians are saying the same thing, they have samples on hand that can be given out instead of people going to drastic measures like making their own formula.

[goldengirlz]

It’s also worth noting that lower-income families are being hit hardest, not least because of the limitations around which brands WIC will cover. That’s a whole other dimension to this.

[bears]

May 13, 2022 12:30:53 GMT -5 Bad Dingo said:

May 13, 2022 9:29:27 GMT -5 kadams767 said:

I didn't see this comment or the context, but I would assume she meant for immediate assistance, since pediatricians often have stockpiles of formula samples.  Or at least, used to.  I'm not sure if that is still the case given the shortage.

Pediatricians are saying the same thing, they have samples on hand that can be given out instead of people going to drastic measures like making their own formula.

Samples from the pediatrician's office aren't what will solve this. Also, look at the quote from what Psaki was asked and her answer. People are asking how will the government support them. The answer is not in individuals.

[wildrice]

May 13, 2022 12:17:09 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

I think a temporary flow of imported formula that meets FDA standards would be the quickest, safest way to solve this. But then I'd wonder why this wouldn't be able to continue permanently, particularly given the near-monopoly of formula makers here in the US. But, I'm not sure if there are issues I'm unaware of with this.

I seriously am horrified over this situation. Feeding a baby is already fraught with stress. I am on the lookout for my nephew since they're running low for him. It shouldn't be like this. And I agree that issues with a product that requires tight government regulation needs to be solved by the government.

I would assume even if it DOESN'T meet FDA standards, it is better than letting babies starve. If infants in other countries are safely consuming it, it should be good enough for now. It is absolutely awful that this hasn't been figured out. I wonder if part of the problem is that there aren't really suppliers with enough formula in other countries to spare the amount the US would need?

[bears]

May 13, 2022 13:07:57 GMT -5 wildrice said:

May 13, 2022 12:17:09 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

I think a temporary flow of imported formula that meets FDA standards would be the quickest, safest way to solve this. But then I'd wonder why this wouldn't be able to continue permanently, particularly given the near-monopoly of formula makers here in the US. But, I'm not sure if there are issues I'm unaware of with this.

I seriously am horrified over this situation. Feeding a baby is already fraught with stress. I am on the lookout for my nephew since they're running low for him. It shouldn't be like this. And I agree that issues with a product that requires tight government regulation needs to be solved by the government.

I would assume even if it DOESN'T meet FDA standards, it is better than letting babies starve. If infants in other countries are safely consuming it, it should be good enough for now. It is absolutely awful that this hasn't been figured out. I wonder if part of the problem is that there aren't really suppliers with enough formula in other countries to spare the amount the US would need?

These are the steps they will take with regards to foreign formulas:

Expediting the necessary certificates to allow for flexibility in the movement of already permitted products from abroad into the U.S
Offering a streamlined import entry review process for certain products coming from foreign facilities with favorable inspection records.
Exercising enforcement discretion on minor labeling issues for both domestic and imported products to help increase volume of product available as quickly as possible.

www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-important-steps-improve-supply-infant-and-specialty-formula-products

[mcppalmbeach]

I absolutely cannot imagine the stress this is putting on families with babies. Particularly babies who can only have one type of formula. From what I’m hearing locally, there is formula around, but not if you are brand specific. It’s so scary.

[macmars45]

May 13, 2022 14:00:26 GMT -5 mcppalmbeach said:

I absolutely cannot imagine the stress this is putting on families with babies. Particularly babies who can only have one type of formula. From what I’m hearing locally, there is formula around, but not if you are brand specific. It’s so scary.

My DS(6) could only eat similac sensitive. Everything else made him sick. I'm terrified for families who have FF babies.

[goldengirlz]

May 13, 2022 14:00:26 GMT -5 mcppalmbeach said:

I absolutely cannot imagine the stress this is putting on families with babies. Particularly babies who can only have one type of formula. From what I’m hearing locally, there is formula around, but not if you are brand specific. It’s so scary.

Right, that’s what I was saying above. My sister has a baby on a special ($$$) formula and says she’s okay because she’s not limited to one of the WIC-approved brands. She acknowledges her privilege there.

[Birdie]

If I see one more Boomer post about how they made their own formula back in the day and "they turned out fine!" I might FLIP MY SHIT.

[eddy]

I have been just absolutely speechless on this issue. And I agree the Dems are fucking failing on treating this as the emergency that is.

My youngest is 10. And I have been absolutely panicked on how this must feel.

[W.T.Faulkner]

I have a 3 month-old who is exclusively formula-fed. We’re okay for now — and she has never been brand-loyal, lol — but this is absolutely terrifying me. My husband is like, “they won’t just let babies starve” and right now it seems like many would.

I’m resentful that I have to worry about how I’m going to feed her and more irate that a popular response seems to be “Well, why don’t you breastfeed?” Fuck everybody off the face of the goddamn earth who says or thinks anything like that.

[W.T.Faulkner]

May 13, 2022 12:30:53 GMT -5 Bad Dingo said:

May 13, 2022 9:29:27 GMT -5 kadams767 said:

I didn't see this comment or the context, but I would assume she meant for immediate assistance, since pediatricians often have stockpiles of formula samples.  Or at least, used to.  I'm not sure if that is still the case given the shortage.

Pediatricians are saying the same thing, they have samples on hand that can be given out instead of people going to drastic measures like making their own formula.

My pediatrician’s office donated all of theirs to Ukraine, where there was an urgent need. Because this is the fucking world we live in.

[melmaria]

May 13, 2022 17:49:16 GMT -5 W.T.Faulkner said:

I have a 3 month-old who is exclusively formula-fed. We’re okay for now — and she has never been brand-loyal, lol — but this is absolutely terrifying me. My husband is like, “they won’t just let babies starve” and right now it seems like many would.

I’m resentful that I have to worry about how I’m going to feed her and more irate that a popular response seems to be “Well, why don’t you breastfeed?” Fuck everybody off the face of the goddamn earth who says or thinks anything like that.

I *do* exclusively breastfeed/pump, and I want to launch people into the fucking sun every time I hear that.

Also, while we’re at it, breastfeeding isn’t “free” either.

www.glamour.com/story/formula-shortage-breastfeeding-comments

[mbcdefg]

May 13, 2022 17:49:16 GMT -5 W.T.Faulkner said:

I’m resentful that I have to worry about how I’m going to feed her and more irate that a popular response seems to be “Well, why don’t you breastfeed?” Fuck everybody off the face of the goddamn earth who says or thinks anything like that.

Bette Midler tweeted this nonsense, and then Stephen Miller of all fucking people handed her her ass.

I’m sorry to everyone who is affected and frightened by this. It’s an awful situation, and people in power need to get their asses in gear to fix it.

A coworker mentioned on a group Zoom call that he isn’t finding his DD’s brand anywhere so a bunch of us offered to keep an eye out. I went down the baby aisle on my ShopRite trip today and the formula case was pretty bare, which broke my heart.

[fancynewbeesly]

This infuriates me so much. Both DDs were formula fed because I was on medication and couldn’t safely breastfeed.

Our stores are fairly bare. In all local groups I see people posting and trading. It is awful. And it seems like there are literal crickets from the administration. 😩

[morecoffeeplease]

May 13, 2022 11:01:15 GMT -5 sillygoosegirl said:

Based on the photos of store shelves in my local moms groups, it seems like it's really only certain brands. But of course not every baby can just switch.

And a month ago, I thought my inability to get a CPAP machine was bad...

I’m sorry this is off topic but we’re you able to get one? How long of a wait was it? My husband just had his sleep study and his follow up appointment to discuss what type of machine is at the end of this month.

[morecoffeeplease]

As someone who hated breast feeding and could have but chose not to because it made my PPD awful, I feel sick about the shortage. I took it for granted that I could go to the store and easily buy my babies formula.

I am so sorry to the families that have to deal with this. The whole thing makes me sick. Especially for families that use WIC.

[penguingrrl]

This is awful. I wanted to BF so badly, but my first was unable to. We tried and tried and they kept losing weight. By the time I realized how bad it was I tried exclusively pumping but my supply couldn’t keep up, so we combination fed. They also had a super sensitive stomach and could only have one type of formula and only in powdered form. Anything else left them screaming in stomach pain. I can’t imagine if we were dealing with this on top of all their struggles.

And yes, the government needs to address this and quickly. They need to stop propping up big food companies and approve non-US brands immediately to ensure healthy food for babies.

[msmerymac]

My BFF has a 5 week old baby and I think she’s had to switch brands based on what she can find.

We’re expecting in November and will need to rely 100% on formula. So of course, I’m wondering if I need to start buying it every time I get a Costco order, but do things like that also exacerbate supply issues?

[dancingirl21]

This is so terrible. As if people with an infant don’t already have enough going on, now they have to worry about how to keep said child fed?

I have an 8 month old nephew who is formula fed. My SIL sent out a text to the family asking us all to check our local Costco for the Kirkland brand they use because they were running low and couldn’t find the formula at their location. She texted back a few hours later and said their Costco had just gotten a shipment so they were able to get some. But she was definitely very worried in that moment.

I’ve seen a lot of posts locally about people offering up their samples or posting shelves with formula when they are out shopping.

I saw a Q&A on social media yesterday with Jen Psaki and one of the questions asked what Biden is doing about this. She said he’s “on it” and is very involved in the situation (I’m paraphrasing). I hope that’s the case and something changes soon.

[sillygoosegirl]

May 14, 2022 5:55:01 GMT -5 morecoffeeplease said:

May 13, 2022 11:01:15 GMT -5 sillygoosegirl said:

Based on the photos of store shelves in my local moms groups, it seems like it's really only certain brands. But of course not every baby can just switch.

And a month ago, I thought my inability to get a CPAP machine was bad...

I’m sorry this is off topic but we’re you able to get one? How long of a wait was it? My husband just had his sleep study and his follow up appointment to discuss what type of machine is at the end of this month.

Still waiting. No estimate on how long.

[Bad Dingo]

May 13, 2022 21:12:59 GMT -5 fancynewbeesly said:

This infuriates me so much. Both DDs were formula fed because I was on medication and couldn’t safely breastfeed.

Our stores are fairly bare. In all local groups I see people posting and trading. It is awful. And it seems like there are literal crickets from the administration. 😩

It's not crickets, things are being done for a very complicated issue. Falling for Republican talking points isn't really helpful. www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com

Also, many stores are bare because the formula is behind the counter to stop people buying it and selling it at a huge markup.

People that can switch formula to one that hasn't been recalled should (there are other brands that are not in short supply). For people that cannot, they should contact their pediatrician or hospital system.

www.factcheck.org/2022/05/baby-formula-shortage-fuels-misleading-partisan-claims/

[abs]

May 14, 2022 7:47:38 GMT -5 msmerymac said:

My BFF has a 5 week old baby and I think she’s had to switch brands based on what she can find.

We’re expecting in November and will need to rely 100% on formula. So of course, I’m wondering if I need to start buying it every time I get a Costco order, but do things like that also exacerbate supply issues?

Wait did we know this? Congratulations!!

[Bad Dingo]

This article has a lot of background information. perma.cc/PPD7-YQ54

[msmerymac]

May 14, 2022 8:49:45 GMT -5 abs said:

May 14, 2022 7:47:38 GMT -5 msmerymac said:

My BFF has a 5 week old baby and I think she’s had to switch brands based on what she can find.

We’re expecting in November and will need to rely 100% on formula. So of course, I’m wondering if I need to start buying it every time I get a Costco order, but do things like that also exacerbate supply issues?

Wait did we know this? Congratulations!!

Thanks! I announced on TTTC. Our surrogate is about 13.5 weeks.

[lilac05]

May 14, 2022 7:47:38 GMT -5 msmerymac said:

My BFF has a 5 week old baby and I think she’s had to switch brands based on what she can find.

We’re expecting in November and will need to rely 100% on formula. So of course, I’m wondering if I need to start buying it every time I get a Costco order, but do things like that also exacerbate supply issues?

Congrats!!

And the answer to your last question is yes. It does exacerbate supply issues. I read in a report somewhere that formula sales are UP, even though supply is down as much as 50%. They felt (and I agree) that people are buying more than usual because of the decreased supply. Similar to the toilet paper issue of 2020, but there is ALSO a legitimate shortage, too…making the situation that much worse.

That said, I don’t blame any parent for grabbing an extra container or two (or more…I never formula fed, so I have no clue how long a container lasts) if they ever see it available. It’s terrifying to think about formula not being available when needed, and I absolutely understand the desire for people to stock up. The people buying it to seek for a profit are another story.

I think/hope this will be ancient history by November. Plus there’s no way of knowing what kind they’ll take. It would be awful to stock up on one kind and then find out they don’t tolerate it.