Parents of infants have been faced with a shortage of formula over the last couple of years. While this is a concern nationally, Gothenburg Health is ready to assist parents in the surrounding area to get the formula supplies they need.

According to Melissa Thoene, PhD, RD with the Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative, “Infant formula has been on shortage during the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the past several months, these shortages have worsened because of several varieties of infant formulas being recalled and disruptions in the supply chain.”

Gothenburg Health is aware of the shortage and wants to offer help. Dr. Anna Dalrymple said, “If someone is struggling to find formula for their infant, they can call us to get accurate information and see if we can help. We are here to give advice on what to do.”

In addition, Gothenburg Health is organizing an exchange where families can donate unopened, non-expired formula that they are willing to donate to the YMCA at Gothenburg Health. Dr. Dalrymple said the clinic will be a point of contact to direct donations of the formula to the YMCA and to direct parents who call in needing formula to contact the YMCA for any supply on hand.

While USA Today reported this week that the USDA made a deal with Abbot to reopen the infant formula factory in Sturgis, Mich., Dr. Dalrymple said supply will likely not start showing up on shelves for six to eight weeks. Right now formula supply is 43% out of stock at retailers across the country, according to the USA Today article.

A few tips provided by the NPQIC include checking smaller stores or drug stores, buying formula online, considering liquid formula or a different brand and seeking assistance from WIC and SNAP. Thoene warns against diluting formula with extra water, making homemade formula, using cow’s milk or milk alternatives such as soy, almond, oat, etc. and give toddler formula to infants.

For more information about the formula exchange or appropriate alternatives for your infant, contact Gothenburg Health at 308-537-4066.

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