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A Quick Resource for the Baby Formula Shortage

by | May 19, 2022 | Uncategorized

black mother feeds newborn baby formula from a bottle

As I write this, lots of people are feeling panicky about feeding their babies, due to a baby formula shortage. I’m seeing arguments about whether it’s insensitive or helpful to share breastfeeding resources, and advice to just return to homemade formulas…

At DC Metro Maternity, we’re not going to pressure you about how you feed your children. We trust that you’re going to do your best, and we want to make sure information is available to you along the way. So in that spirit, here’s a quick and dirty guide of resources you may find helpful related to the baby formula shortage.

Why is the baby formula shortage happening? 

In addition to supply chain shortages that have affected many things, Abbott Nutrition- a company responsible for making much of the US’ formula supply- had a major contamination problem at a plant. 

What can I do if my baby is in need of formula? 

We DO NOT recommend homemade baby formulas with Karo syrup or powdered milk. We don’t even recommend the organic goat’s milk based homemade formulas. While previous generations (including some of us reading this!) may have used them, many products are made differently in the past. Also, formula has become a closer substitute for breastmilk over the years, and it’s important to get your baby the proper nutrients. 

So what do we recommend? 

  1. Be flexible about brands if possible. Formula is highly regulated, and a store brand may meet your baby’s need (unless they’ve been shown to have allergies or need a special diet). Here’s a guide for brand “equivalents”.
  2. You may consider ordering overseas on reputable sites such as www.formuland.com.  Brands we have always recommended include Hipp and Holle formulas, and you can verify if they meet your baby’s nutrition requirements. 
  3. In some instances, toddler formula may be a substitute. You can try Baby’s Only Organic, but please ask pediatrician before using. 
  4. WIC offices may be able to help if you are eligible. 
  5. Also, there are several formula exchanges. Try searching by your city or county, or use these:
  6. If you’d like to use breastmilk donation, you can talk to friends and family. Or we’ve often referred to these milk sharing banks: 
  7. Relactating is possible for some families. If it’s right for you, talk to a lactation consultant about it. 

If you’re looking to donate formula, these places are accepting: 

  1. The baby pantry at the Greater DC Diaper Bank accepts formula.
  2. Share Baby in Baltimore https://www.sharebaby.org/share-items is accepting.
  3. Local food banks are great places to donate formula.

And here are the milk banks again, if you’d like to donate milk you’ve expressed:

  1. Human Milk for Human Babies Maryland/DC https://www.facebook.com/HM4HBMD 
  2.  Eats on Feets Maryland- https://www.facebook.com/EOFMaryland 
  3. Human Milk for Human Babies Virginia https://www.facebook.com/HM4HBVA/ 

If you find yourself in need, please don’t be afraid to reach out.

This resource is accurate to the best of our ability as of May 19, 2022.