During the last week, I have had an increasing number of patients with estimated due dates in the next few weeks express their concerns about the national formula shortage. People that have had babies in the last two years have had a number of concerns, but wondering if they will be able to find food to feed their baby is one I don’t think any of us would have imagined.
According to the 2018 CDC Breastfeeding Report Card, 83.2% of birthing parents started out breastfeeding/chestfeeding. A number this high shows that most birthing parents want to and are trying to breastfeed/chestfeed. By 3 months postpartum, only 46.9% of birthing parents were still exclusively breastfeeding/chestfeeding. Exclusively breastfeeding/chestfeeding means they are only giving their baby breastmilk (including donor milk). Partial breastfeeding/chestfeeding means that the parents are supplementing with formula or foods.
I absolutely respect and honor the choice of any parent that chooses not to breastfeed/chestfeed their child, but based on the statistics, the majority of birthing parents do want to. If you do WANT to breastfeed, here are some things to consider:
· While some people have an easy time breastfeeding/chestfeeding and don’t really need any help, many do! It really does take a village.
· One of the most common reasons parents stop breastfeeding is perceived low milk supply. Please visit with a lactation consultant and your pediatrician to determine if your baby is not gaining weight and you do have low milk supply. A breastfed baby will drink the same amount of milk at 4 weeks old as they will during the rest of their breastfeeding journey as the composition changes. Formula fed babies needs increase as the composition of formula does not change with age.
· Find an IBCLC, CLC, or other breastfeeding educator while you are pregnant that you can reach out to once your baby has arrived.*
o There are IBCLC’s at the hospital and while some are great, some are not. AND everything changes once you come home and your milk comes in.
· Take a class while you are pregnant! If you are local to Cleveland, we have Liz Homes that teaches classes at our office!
· Find a support group that you can attend once your baby arrives. We are starting a peer-led perinatal support group this summer! We would love for you to join us- this is for patients and non-patients!**
· Build you support team now. Providers (besides IBCLC/CLC) to consider: chiropractor, lip/tongue tie specialist, craniosacral therapist, and mental health therapist.
· Get your pump during pregnancy and be familiar with it if (or when) you need to use it!
If you do NOT WANT to breastfeed, here are some things to consider at this time:
· Work with your baby’s pediatrician to find the best plan for you and your baby.
· Do not stock pile. It is suggested to have 12-14 days of formula on hand at a time.
· Dr. Madden at Primrose Newborn Care has been collecting unused, unopened, and unexpired formula and giving it to families who cannot find formula.
· Consider European formula, like Hipp Formula. It is a little pricier and may take a few extra days to get, but is great quality.
· Consider donor milk from a milk bank.
I am sending you love during this difficult time and wishing you all the best on your parenting journey!
Dr. C
*Lactation Resources:
· Breastfeeding Essentials Class with Liz: next class June 4th 2-4pm. Reach out to our office to sign up!
· Northeast Ohio Breastfeeding Medicine
· Fruit of the Womb Perinatal Services
· Primrose Newborn Care (offers baby feeding consults, including breastfeeding, pumping, choosing formula, and supplementing).
**We would love you to join us on August 13th from 9:30-11am for a peer-lead Perinatal Support Group. Dr. Candace will be leading the first one and they will be held monthly at the office.