NBC Palm Springs recently conducted an interview with Dr. Ashley Zerr, a pediatrician at Desert Regional Medical Center, about the growing baby formula shortage that has become a national crisis.
Grocery store and pharmacy shelves in Coachella Valley are marked examples of the escalating impact the shortage is having on the nation as it becomes increasingly more difficult to find formula.
“There’s concern about it so people are buying in bulk more than they need, so that’s also decreasing the supply for a lot of parents,” Zerr told NBC Palm Springs recently. “We very much support breastfeeding if that is a possibility for parents. For mothers interested in in breastfeeding, the Desert Regional Medical Center has a Healthy Beginnings team that helps with lactation.”
In the interview, Zerr went on to discuss resources such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, often called WIC; and the local food bank.
“A lot of the formula companies will offer samples to pediatrician offices so if you’re really struggling and you don’t have any other options, give your local pediatrician a call,” she said.
Additionally, Zerr noted that a lot of formulas have similar compositions, which means as long as it’s a term formula for babies, it’s OK to switch formulas. What’s important is that parents do not dilute the formula with water to make it last. Not only will children miss out on nutrients but they could also become seriously ill.
The shortage began as a result of supply-chain issues from COVID-19, a recent CBS report said. The problems included difficulties for companies to obtain key ingredients, along with packaging delays and a limited workforce. Another significant factor contributing to the shortage is the major baby formula recall that took place in January.
As of now, the Infant Nutrition Council of America is encouraging parents to keep a 10-day to two-week supply of formula on hand and not stockpile it, which could be detrimental to other families needing the food.
