The Indiana Department of Health has provided information regarding the baby formula shortage with answers to some of the more common questions they have been receiving. The information provided by State Health Commissioner Kristina M. Box, M.D. FACOG, is below:
Q: Why can’t I find my baby’s formula in stores?
- “Infant formula is being affected by supply chain issues. This means there are
interruptions in the network of people and activities that move a product from its
starting place to the store. In February there was also an infant formula recall from
Abbott Nutrition which limited the availability of certain formulas.”
Q: Can I make my own baby formula?
- “It is not recommended to feed your baby homemade infant formula. Babies need
just the right amount of nutrients to grow and be healthy, and homemade infant
formulas may not be safe, or may not meet your baby’s nutritional needs. Please
give your baby products that meet federal standards for nutrition and safety.”
Q: Does it matter what formula I give my baby?
- “Every baby has different needs, but it is important to give your baby products that
meet federal standards for nutrition and safety. If you are a client of the Women,
Infants, and Children (WIC) program, your Nutritionist can help you figure out what
formula is right for your baby. If you are not a client of WIC, you can ask your baby’s
doctor what formula is best for them.”
Q: Who do I call if I cannot find my baby’s formula?
- Call your baby’s doctor to see if a more available formula would work for
your baby; - If you are a WIC client, talk to your WIC Nutritionist about other formulas or
can sizes that might work for your baby; - Call the MCH MOMS Helpline at 1-844-MCH-MOMS (1-844-624-6667) for
assistance finding information.
Q: Can I stretch out my formula by adding more water?
- “Babies in the first 6 months after birth do not need water or other liquids such as juice,
tea, or water in addition to formula or breast milk, unless specifically advised by a
pediatrician. Diluting formula or feeding water in addition to breast milk or formula
can lead to a dangerous condition called water intoxication.”
Q: My baby is under 6 months old, is there anything else safe for my baby to eat?
- “Babies under 6 months old do not need any nutrition other than breast milk or iron-
fortified infant formula.”
Q: My baby is over 6 months old, is there anything else safe for my baby to eat?
- “If your baby is over 6 months old, talk to their doctor about when and how to add
nutrition other than breast milk or formula to baby’s diet. If your baby is on WIC, your
WIC Nutritionist can also give great recommendations on what your baby can eat.”
Q: Can I give my baby someone else’s breast milk?
- “If you are unable to feed your baby with your own breast milk, then pasteurized human
donor milk from a certified milk bank is the next best option. If you are considering
using anyone’s breastmilk other than your own, consider safety first! Know the risks and
benefits and reach out to your baby’s doctor to make that decision together.”
Q: What do I do if I’m partially breastfeeding, and I cannot find formula to supplement?
- “If you are a WIC client, you can reach out directly to your local clinic for ideas, support
and the tools you need to increase your milk supply. If you are not a WIC client, you
can work with a lactation specialist, your doctor, your baby’s doctor or a friend or
family member who has breastfed to help.”
Q: What do I do if I am not breastfeeding but would like to try?
- “If you are pregnant and planning to breastfeed your new baby, there are lots of great
resources to help! Reach out to WIC or check out these resources from the USDA WIC
Breastfeeding website and the Office on Women’s Health.” - “If you did not breastfeed your baby, or you have lost your milk supply, you can
consider re-lactation. Your WIC team can help you with this process, or if you are not
on WIC, you can find a lactation specialist who can assist you.”
Q: When I find formula, how much should I buy?
- “The recommendation is to try to have on hand enough formula to last your baby 10-14
days. Please avoid stockpiling formula beyond that, to ensure that all families have an
opportunity to access what their babies need.”