As a birth worker, you are very aware of the current formula shortage in the US, as well as stretching into Canada and other places. As a breastfeeding counselor, part of your role is helping families make informed choices about feeding and caring for their infants.

As a CBC, you know there are circumstances where formula may be necessary for a variety of reasons. What do you need to know about the formula shortage when your primary role is breastfeeding support?

A CBC’s Role in The Formula Shortage

One of the most important things you can continue to do is provide evidenced based information and education to your clients. This is especially true for your prenatal clients. Preparing parents for what to expect during early breastfeeding before baby arrives is one of the most important things we can do.

Once baby arrives, everything becomes more challenging. Navigating the immediate postpartum period, varying directions, and advice from nurses, etc., can all be overwhelming. Giving parents the tools to make informed decisions before baby’s arrival will make it easier for them to make decisions in the tense moments.

For our clients who have already welcomed their babies, it is important that we:

• Provide empathetic support while educating about the formula shortage
• Encourage breastfeeding, even if not exclusively, to reduce their dependence on formula during this difficult shortage
• Remind parents that while breastfeeding is challenging, it can be done with adequate support for most pairs
• Immediately refer to an IBCLC for issues which go beyond a CBC’s scop of practice so any big issues a resolved ASAP
• Provide evidenced based information about the benefits of breastfeeding in relation to the risk of inadequate amounts of formula
• Keep an up-to-date resource list of where clients might be able to find formula as necessary
• Provide clients with information about milk banks and informal milk sharing

Are CBCs Anti-Formula?

The shortest answer is absolutely not. As an educated professional, we are aware there are circumstances where formula may be necessary, or even simply desired. Our role is to provide evidenced based support which is empathetic and non-judgmental.

We are aware that 25% of birthing people go back to work within two weeks of giving birth. Evidence tells us this can be detrimental to milk supply for some. We know that some hourly wage workers, despite federal mandates, do not always have access to proper pumping breaks.

Professionals such as teachers, nurses, and others with demanding jobs can have limited time to pump. While we can educate clients and they can demand their rights, this does not negate the fact that many are unable to get as much parental leave and time to pump as is ideal for maintaining supply.

We are also aware that some premature infants, those with medical conditions, and when a parent has a health crisis, formula can become necessary.

We are never anti-formula as professionals. However, many of us are frustrated with how formula companies are run and how they advertise. We know that when a client creates their registry, they are likely to receive formula samples and breastfeeding “education” that is not quite accurate from a variety of formula companies.

We know that formula companies provide continuing education courses to doctors, nurses, and even neonatal intensive care (NICU) staff. This influences how healthcare providers interact with new parents and can cause them to provide advice which is not best practice for lactation.

Most lactation professionals are not anti-formula, but anti-formula companies.

How Can I Best Support Clients Through A Formula Shortage?

Be sure that you are prepared and have the skills to:

• Educate about re-lactation
• Help clients navigate going back to work, pumping, and maintaining supply
• Discuss skin-to-skin, proper latch, and frequent feeds for newborns to help establish a good supply
• Share information about milk banks and informal milk sharing for clients in need
• Remind parents that they can combo feed and maintaining some breastfeeding will ease their risks during a formula shortage
• Be aware of places which are stocked for formula, food pantries, and doctors’ offices which may have samples
• Be sure to register for samples, coupons, etc., where possible so you can donate as needed to clients or the community in need

As a CBC, we can help more parents reach their breastfeeding goals with proper support and education. We can provide support for those reliant on formula, whether in part or for their baby’s entire diet, by being aware of what is happening in the formula market.