@@@Formula shortage@@@@

[W.T.Faulkner]

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

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?

Congratulations! This fucking better be resolved by November. 

In “normal times” I’d say not to purchase too much formula yet because you don’t know what kind your baby will do best on. Maybe start with one can of each “kind” (i.e., Similac Pro-Advance or the equivalent, or Similac Total Comfort or the equivalent). Maybe your surrogate can also pick up some samples this summer or fall as well. 

[Velar Fricative]

One of the reasons for the shortage is due to births declining in 2021. Then there has been an increase in births since the start of 2022 coinciding with mass vaccination. But the formula companies were producing at 2021 levels for now. So my hope is they they increase production for those expecting later this year and beyond. Obviously, this is certainly not the only reason for the shortage and doesn’t help any parent or caregiver today, but I was reminded of reading about this as people mentioned being concerned about later supply.

[wildrice]

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?

Congratulations! That is such wonderful news!!!

I would not stock up now. November is 6 months from now so things will likely change a lot by then and hopefully this whole thing will be resolved. Anything else that has been a shortage in the last 2 years seems to have resolved within a couple of months. Once you get closer to the birth, maybe I'd start buying a bit more than you would have otherwise just in case, though. 

[suburbanzookeeper]

www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/05/baby-formula-shortage-abbott-recall/629828/

As someone trained for ordering items for emergency shelters (long term and short), the photo that really kicked off the GOP commentary is all one type - Member's Mark (Sam's Club) formula. The chances are high that formula is on an rotating PO with Sam's Club along with other bulk supplies/food as evident by the cataloging in the phone on the squeeze pounces above it. Border Patrol is not running around, cleaning shelves to spite regular Americans.

[basilosaurus]

I understand and totally agree with all the reasons against homemade formula. I've seen people recommend honey or raw cow milk!!! Also along with the logical fallacy of "my grandmother did it, and we all turned out ok [ignoring all the children who didn't actually turn out ok].

Am I entirely too cynical that I think that even if there were a semi-ok homemade recipe and available nutrient supplements, one that maybe could alternate to stretch a stash in emergency, nestle and similar assholes would quickly work to stop it?

I cannot, will not, blame desperate parents who, in the absence of alternatives, switch to homemade and watering down. They're the victims here. I will blame those who say "just breastfeed" or "just use cows milk" because jfc how shit a person you have to be to say such a thing. Or, take the formula away from babies forcibly separated at the border b/c fuckem. Pro-life my left ass cheek.

I cannot also help but think in tomorrow's Roe overturned world, doing such desperate but dangerous efforts would count as "unfit mother" and cause for supplying the MTG's imaginary baby deficit. Further benefit if they become felons and lose voting rights potentially forever.

Basically, I'm in a FUCK EVERYONE sort of mood.

[NewOrleans]

Back in April 2020 when there was no meat or eggs (or a bunch of other stuff) in the stores, I remember how scared I was. I knew logically that there were plenty of foods available but the empty shelves and all the absence were glaring and scary. That’s not really the case with formula— there is no plentitude of alternatives. My heart goes out to moms of babies right now. Women bore the brunt of the at home schooling and pandemic work/home life. They bear the brunt of this formula issue, and the Roe component magnifies that pressure. And no vaccine. 🥺

Are the major formula brands (probably the generics too) all owned by the same company?

[wanderingback]

May 15, 2022 10:19:11 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

Back in April 2020 when there was no meat or eggs (or a bunch of other stuff) in the stores, I remember how scared I was. I knew logically that there were plenty of foods available but the empty shelves and all the absence were glaring and scary. That’s not really the case with formula— there is no plentitude of alternatives. My heart goes out to moms of babies right now. Women bore the brunt of the at home schooling and pandemic work/home life. They bear the brunt of this formula issue, and the Roe component magnifies that pressure. And no vaccine. 🥺

Are the major formula brands (probably the generics too) all owned by the same company?

There are essentially only 4 companies that make formula here. Here’s some back story- www.wsj.com/amp/articles/who-made-the-baby-formula-shortage-biden-administration-abbott-tariffs-nestle-11652480538

I feel like that’s true of so many things. Like there are really only something like 10 companies that make most of the processed foods we see in general groceries stores (don’t quote me on that exact number of 10, but it’s really low considering grocery stores often have hundreds of items).

Same thing with tv, etc.

[mskitkat]

May 15, 2022 5:37:56 GMT -5 basilosaurus said:

I understand and totally agree with all the reasons against homemade formula. I've seen people recommend honey or raw cow milk!!! Also along with the logical fallacy of "my grandmother did it, and we all turned out ok [ignoring all the children who didn't actually turn out ok].

Am I entirely too cynical that I think that even if there were a semi-ok homemade recipe and available nutrient supplements, one that maybe could alternate to stretch a stash in emergency, nestle and similar assholes would quickly work to stop it?

I cannot, will not, blame desperate parents who, in the absence of alternatives, switch to homemade and watering down. They're the victims here. I will blame those who say "just breastfeed" or "just use cows milk" because jfc how shit a person you have to be to say such a thing. Or, take the formula away from babies forcibly separated at the border b/c fuckem. Pro-life my left ass cheek.

I cannot also help but think in tomorrow's Roe overturned world, doing such desperate but dangerous efforts would count as "unfit mother" and cause for supplying the MTG's imaginary baby deficit. Further benefit if they become felons and lose voting rights potentially forever.

Basically, I'm in a FUCK EVERYONE sort of mood.

You don’t even have to go as far as homemade formula. There is plenty of formula available in Canada, and part of the reason we can’t just bring it in comes from lobbying by Abbott.

[NewOrleans]

May 15, 2022 11:20:36 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

May 15, 2022 10:19:11 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

Back in April 2020 when there was no meat or eggs (or a bunch of other stuff) in the stores, I remember how scared I was. I knew logically that there were plenty of foods available but the empty shelves and all the absence were glaring and scary. That’s not really the case with formula— there is no plentitude of alternatives. My heart goes out to moms of babies right now. Women bore the brunt of the at home schooling and pandemic work/home life. They bear the brunt of this formula issue, and the Roe component magnifies that pressure. And no vaccine. 🥺

Are the major formula brands (probably the generics too) all owned by the same company?

There are essentially only 4 companies that make formula here. Here’s some back story- www.wsj.com/amp/articles/who-made-the-baby-formula-shortage-biden-administration-abbott-tariffs-nestle-11652480538

I feel like that’s true of so many things. Like there are really only something like 10 companies that make most of the processed foods we see in general groceries stores (don’t quote me on that exact number of 10, but it’s really low considering grocery stores often have hundreds of items).

Same thing with tv, etc.

my train of thought (and I can see maybe yours too) is that a problem at the heart of it all is essentially monopolistic capitalism. I’ll try to get behind the paywall for that article.  

[tealblue]

In addition to trade rules on not bringing formula over the borders, we also have supply chain issues on bottles/caps/etc that are slowing down production in the remaining factories.

They can’t run 24/7 because there is not enough places to put the formula for distribution. And to further complicate, WIC mothers can only buy (from my limited understanding) certain quantities/oz per container or types of formula. So factories switch on/off lines to meet the wic requirements. I saw some articles saying they would loosen up on that but not sure how quickly they can do it and the logistic nightmare that is for everyone.

[SusanBAnthony]

May 15, 2022 18:19:58 GMT -5 tealblue said:

In addition to trade rules on not bringing formula over the borders, we also have supply chain issues on bottles/caps/etc that are slowing down production in the remaining factories.

They can’t run 24/7 because there is not enough places to put the formula for distribution. And to further complicate, WIC mothers can only buy (from my limited understanding) certain quantities/oz per container or types of formula. So factories switch on/off lines to meet the wic requirements. I saw some articles saying they would loosen up on that but not sure how quickly they can do it and the logistic nightmare that is for everyone.

I don't know the specifics but from what I know about IT at my work and SC in general, asking a million grocery stores to just switch up their IT systems to allow other brands to be covered is a nightmare. You can't just flip a switch. So I imagine that although everyone wants to open it up, the actual logistics probably make it very difficult.

And yes to the packaging shortages. For regulated products you can't just switch to another type of packaging.

[ewall]

I volunteer at a formula/diaper bank. Walmart took back all of our recalled stock and gave us $$$$ gift cards for it, but formula is obviously not readily available for us to repurchase. Most of our clients are on the Similac Sensitive since Abbott got our state’s WIC contract a few years ago. Our state WIC has loosened purchase guidelines to allow other brands, but it’s still difficult for clients to find especially given that some don’t have transportation to drive all around searching for in stocks. I think all the press is a double edged sword - yes it’s an issue that needs addressed ASAP,
but may also result in do gooders buying up stock in hopes of helping someone. I guess I can hope they donate it to us!

[pandora89]

Are we allowed to mail formula? I am in Canada and there does not seem to be a shortage issue here. If anyone needs anything please feel free to reach out and I can try mail some to you.

[wawa]

May 15, 2022 19:20:16 GMT -5 SusanBAnthony said:

May 15, 2022 18:19:58 GMT -5 tealblue said:

In addition to trade rules on not bringing formula over the borders, we also have supply chain issues on bottles/caps/etc that are slowing down production in the remaining factories.

They can’t run 24/7 because there is not enough places to put the formula for distribution. And to further complicate, WIC mothers can only buy (from my limited understanding) certain quantities/oz per container or types of formula. So factories switch on/off lines to meet the wic requirements. I saw some articles saying they would loosen up on that but not sure how quickly they can do it and the logistic nightmare that is for everyone.

I don't know the specifics but from what I know about IT at my work and SC in general, asking a million grocery stores to just switch up their IT systems to allow other brands to be covered is a nightmare. You can't just flip a switch. So I imagine that although everyone wants to open it up, the actual logistics probably make it very difficult.

And yes to the packaging shortages. For regulated products you can't just switch to another type of packaging.

And this is one of the many reasons why it sure would be nice if WIC wasn't SO FUCKING SPECIFIC.  i kinda get it, since it's not just a "food for hungry people" thing but is specifically targeted at achieving high nutrition levels, but goddamn it's annoying in practice.

[Bad Dingo]

May 16, 2022 9:08:26 GMT -5 pandora89 said:

Are we allowed to mail formula? I am in Canada and there does not seem to be a shortage issue here. If anyone needs anything please feel free to reach out and I can try mail some to you.

The shortages are mainly ones that are by prescription so I don't think this would be possible.

Here's some helpful information for people:

www.hhs.gov/formula/index.html

www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/12/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-additional-steps-to-address-infant-formula-shortage/

[sillygoosegirl]

May 16, 2022 9:37:00 GMT -5 Bad Dingo said:

May 16, 2022 9:08:26 GMT -5 pandora89 said:

Are we allowed to mail formula? I am in Canada and there does not seem to be a shortage issue here. If anyone needs anything please feel free to reach out and I can try mail some to you.

The shortages are mainly ones that are by prescription so I don't think this would be possible.

Here's some helpful information for people:

www.hhs.gov/formula/index.html

www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/12/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-additional-steps-to-address-infant-formula-shortage/

This is interesting. This FDA website says they are NOT recalling the specialty formulas for lack of safe alternatives for those babies. Or alternatives need to be considered on a case by case basis with the baby's doctor. Even though those formulas are also thought to be contaminated. Instead they are telling people to make it up following updated guidance about this bacteria. It doesn't say what is updated about the guidance, but I assume it's the part about using scalding hot water >185 degrees to mix the formula, as that's the only part of the guidance that seems to have anything to do with addressing possible manufacturing contamination. Hopefully doctor's offices that have prescribed these formulas are reaching out to affected families directly, because I haven't seen anything about this in any of the news coverage.

www.fda.gov/consumers/powdered-infant-formula-recall-what-know

The Abbott Nutrition facility that produces recalled infant formulas also produces metabolic and other medical specialty infant formulas for infants with inborn errors of metabolism and other medical needs, as well as medical foods. These products, with the exception of one lot of Abbott Similac PM 60/40, have not been recalled because the FDA has determined that the risk of not having these specialty products available would significantly worsen underlying medical conditions. For many of these patients, the risk of life-threatening adverse events from restricted access to these critically needed products is likely greater than the risk from consuming products that have been produced at the facility.

The FDA wants to be sure that parents and caregivers who use these specialty products are aware that there may be some risk of Cronobacter contamination. If possible, parents and caregivers should work with their medical provider to consider whether comparable products may be appropriate. If comparable alternative products are not available or appropriate, parents and caregivers should take extra care to follow the CDC’s updated advice for parents on how to reduce the risk of Cronobacter contamination of formula during preparation of powdered product, whether that contamination comes from the product itself or from other contamination sources in the home.

[onthemove]

Is the Abbott that makes the formula the same Abbott that makes the Binax Covid test?

[Bad Dingo]

sillygoosegirl, I'm ASSuming that since these formulas are obtained by prescription that families that use these formulas were contacted by their doctors to discuss their options and safety protocols.

This issue is serious and exposes yet another way that capitalism has harmful effects on many people; but the issue is also being completely blown out of proportion for political gain. People need to stop spreading rumors and falsehoods and of course not hoard formula.

[al dente]

May 16, 2022 9:37:00 GMT -5 Bad Dingo said:

May 16, 2022 9:08:26 GMT -5 pandora89 said:

Are we allowed to mail formula? I am in Canada and there does not seem to be a shortage issue here. If anyone needs anything please feel free to reach out and I can try mail some to you.

The shortages are mainly ones that are by prescription so I don't think this would be possible.

Here's some helpful information for people:

www.hhs.gov/formula/index.html

www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/12/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-additional-steps-to-address-infant-formula-shortage/

IME it's not just prescription. The formula aisle is practically empty, and everyday I see FB friends asking for "regular" formula that they can't find anywhere.

The recipes I keep seeing going around for homemade formula are so scary. But also I feel like there is no real help. This shortage has been building up for awhile, the Abbott recall just made it even worse. There has been time for the government to do things before it reached absolute crisis level but they didn't. Everything lately in regards to women and children has me so upset.

[fancynewbeesly]

By us even non prescription ones are not available. Many many friends of mine tried to brand switch too and their infants didn’t tolerate it well. It makes me so sad and frustrated.

[tealblue]

May 16, 2022 10:54:55 GMT -5 onthemove said:

Is the Abbott that makes the formula the same Abbott that makes the Binax Covid test?

Yes, Abbott is the parent company that owns/makes Similac formula and have several other companies in the health industry including diagnostics like covid.

[Deleted]

A few days ago someone from the Administration (Jen Psaki? May have been Biden himself?) said that the government “can’t fix what we don’t know about” as justification for why nothing had been done. I don’t really understand how this is possible. I don’t even have an infant, and I’ve been aware of shortages for at least the last 6-8 weeks.

So how does the government find out about stuff like this? Is this a case of not having enough women/moms in positions of power?

[wawa]

The whole hardline "don't make your own formula" messaging, I get it...but what actual alternative are they offering people who can't find any formula? What's the harm reduction approach here, because these babies need to eat SOMETHING.

Am I crazy?

[tealblue]

I’m seeing the admin and the fda are allowing formula imports? This would help much faster than production increases and the factory in Michigan coming online in the next few weeks.

[sillygoosegirl]

May 17, 2022 8:37:31 GMT -5 wawa said:

The whole hardline "don't make your own formula" messaging, I get it...but what actual alternative are they offering people who can't find any formula? What's the harm reduction approach here, because these babies need to eat SOMETHING.

Am I crazy?

Like when they tell you that the best thing to do to protect your kid against COVID is to get them vaccinated.  Um, yeah, get that, but until you let me do that, what else can I do? 

[EvieEthelGarland]

Does anyone know if there are limits or restrictions for bringing formula over the border? Some neighborhood friends are heading up to BC today but no one could find any information. They'd love to bring back more than a few cans for personal use and those of us with older kids would love to help pay for it.

[pixy0stix]

May 17, 2022 12:35:58 GMT -5 EvieEthelGarland said:

Does anyone know if there are limits or restrictions for bringing formula over the border? Some neighborhood friends are heading up to BC today but no one could find any information. They'd love to bring back more than a few cans for personal use and those of us with older kids would love to help pay for it.

I believe it's being recommended to not buy more than personal use as it could kick off shortages elsewhere. 

[thejen626]

May 17, 2022 7:11:27 GMT -5 @villainv said:

Is this a case of not having enough women/moms in positions of power?

YES. When women, and moms, are elected, they can actually start to affect these issues.

Think the average 70 year old white dude cares or even KNOWS about a formula shortage? First, he doesn’t know about it. Second, that’s who holds the vast majority of elected offices in this country.

[waverly]

May 17, 2022 14:29:43 GMT -5 thejen626 said:

May 17, 2022 7:11:27 GMT -5 @villainv said:

Is this a case of not having enough women/moms in positions of power?

YES. When women, and moms, are elected, they can actually start to affect these issues.

Think the average 70 year old white dude cares or even KNOWS about a formula shortage? First, he doesn’t know about it. Second, that’s who holds the vast majority of elected offices in this country.

It is generally known that old white men Republicans give zero @#$%s about women and children. I don't know what Biden's excuse was except for maybe focusing on the war in Ukraine and not really thinking about formula until someone said hey there is any issue (too late). 

[luckydog]

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.

If you’re able to shop around, you can order one from any supplier online and they often show which ones are currently in stock. Sometimes they’ll send an upgraded machine if that’s all they have. If you’re limited on your suppliers, it can take a few months. I’ve gotten a couple of machines this year, one for me and for my H. One came within a few days and was in stock at cpap.com (ResMed 10). The other took 3-4 weeks from Hart Medical, but their website didn’t show what was in stock or not and they sent a ResMed 11 when I ordered a ResMed 10. IMO the 10 is better for many reasons but both do their jobs just fine and are both user friendly.