Navigating the Formula Shortage

How the Baby Formula Shortage Highlights our Fears as a Mother 

Being a mother can be scary at times. Questions like, “Is my baby reaching its milestones? Why is my baby crying so much? Am I doing enough?” are a familiar presence in our minds. With so much to worry about already, in the late Spring of 2022, women are facing a new fear: how am I going to feed my baby? Many moms are struggling to fathom the reality of the baby formula shortage due to the closure of Abbott’s manufacturing plant in Michigan. New questions in the form of, “Will there be enough formula available for my baby to eat? Or will I have to drive out of town for formula to ensure my baby stays healthy?” add to the constantly-running ticker tape in the minds of new moms and expectant moms alike.

Before you dive in, remember that our professionals are always here to help

Abbott Manufacturing Plant Closure

Many women have faced these questions since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) closed an Abbott manufacturing plant this past February. If you’re unfamiliar with the specifics, Abbott is a major manufacturer of infant formula. The company produces up to one-fifth of formula in the U.S., particularly specialty infant formulas designed to provide babies with adequate nutrients when they have health or feeding issues. The plant was closed due to unsanitary conditions associated with the illness of four infants and the eventual deaths of two of them.

Formula Shortage

This formula shortage is a complex and stressful experience that no woman should have to deal with, and perhaps even more challenging because it seems like nothing can be done individually to make it any better. Being outside of the ability to control the situation lands many women in truly uncomfortable territory. 

Beyond the practicalities of navigating this crisis and ensuring that your baby has the sustenance they need, we at LunaJoy understand the true impact of this baby formula shortage. In the fallout, a seedling of doubt was planted in women all across the country, inspiring and highlighting their fear of their ability to provide for the little ones who depend on them most. 

What’s Being Done

As supply issues have already been impacting the production of formulas, the recall of Abbott’s Similac, Alimentum, and Elecare formulas have led parents to find bare shelves in some regions. In efforts to alleviate the stress parents are experiencing, the FDA implemented emergency measures to increase access to infant formula near the end of May. These emergency measures will allow the importation of safe and healthy formulas from other countries. The FDA will work with other infant formula manufacturers to increase their production levels. The same week, the Biden administration invoked the Defense Production Act to assist these efforts. The Defense Production Act will allow for the expansion of the supplies and ingredients needed to produce infant formula. The administration also requested that the Department of Defense use its contracts with commercial airlines to increase the delivery of infant formula sent from overseas. 

These actions will alleviate parents' struggles, yet relief may not occur in an already strained system for many weeks. 

Impacts on Mental Health

In general, the use of infant formula can bring up a lot of emotions for parents, as society places a lot of pressure on women and perpetuates many ideas about what is or is not correct when it comes to feeding their babies. Situations like the current formula shortage may stir feelings of guilt, as judgments come from all sides, often leaving women feeling that whatever they do is somehow wrong.

Difficulties of Breast Feeding

Women may be unprepared for the difficulties that can come with feeding. They may not have the resources to be able to breastfeed, the baby may have trouble latching, or a woman may have a low milk supply. Accepting these obstacles and implementing a formula or a mixture of breast milk and infant formula can be challenging, and the recent formula shortage might exacerbate an already difficult situation.

In this type of environment, it is easy for women to feel overwhelmed in caring for the baby and to perceive themselves as isolated and powerless. When these feelings arise, anxiety and depression come with, making it challenging for women to reach out for the assistance they need. If you are feeling this way, allow yourself a moment to rest in the knowledge that we see you and you're not alone. 

Take A Moment to Breathe 

Whatever the situation, it's important to remember that you made the right choice for yourself and your baby when you originally began using formula. These unfortunate events are not a sign that you made the wrong choice, or that you’re not a “good mother” because breastfeeding wasn’t right for your body or your baby. Don't be afraid to lean on others, as this can be the support and extra pair of eyes you need. Download some of your worries onto friends and family and when they head to the store, ask them to look for the type of formula you use. Rest in the fact that you’re doing all you can, and the endless worry is only complicating things further. 

If you are coping with more stress than usual due to the formula shortage or are suffering from anxiety or depression, take a moment to breathe and carve out some time for yourself at home. Meditation is a free and simple option that can help you regulate your emotions and improve your quality of life, which is excellent for you and your baby. 

By allowing yourself to receive support and take a pause, it is easier to recognize that there are people who hear you and are available to be with you in these stressful moments. Meditation can also help you relieve stress by concentrating your focus on something soothing. It can provide you with a sense of quiet, tranquility, and balance, enhancing your psychological well-being and physical health. When you take a moment to breathe and meditate, there is an opportunity to change your views on a stressful situation, increase patience and tolerance, and improve sleep quality. 

By allowing yourself to pause in the crazy moments and to be open to receiving support, it is easier to recognize that there are people who hear you and are available to be with you in these stressful moments. There will always be uncertainty, even when the formula shortage ends, so take this time to sit and be.