(P10-024-24) Breastfeeding Goals, Experiences, and Infant Formula Perceptions Among Parents Affected by the 2022 U.S. Infant Formula Shortage

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate breastfeeding goals, experiences, and infant formula perceptions of parents impacted by the 2022 United States infant formula shortage.

Methods: An anonymous, electronic, cross-sectional, survey was used to collect data retrospectively from individuals who were 18 years or older, residing in the U.S. with an infant aged 6 months or younger that consumed some amount of infant formula before May 2022 and faced infant feeding challenges due to the formula shortage.

Results: A total of 178 respondents from 37 U.S. states completed the survey of which 93.3% were female. Eighty-one percent of female parents planned to exclusively breastfeed, yet 87% did not meet this goal. Eighty-six percent of female parents received lactation support within 72 hours postpartum and of 18% paid out-of-pocket for lactation support. About half of female parents participated in prenatal and 35% of female parents participated in postpartum breastfeeding support groups. Before the shortage, 89% of parents relied on U.S. infant formula brands and this number decreased to 79% during the shortage. The use of imported infant formula increased from 2% to 7% and use of social media to purchase formula increased from 3% to 10% during the shortage (p < 0.05). Free formula samples provided by healthcare providers decreased from 40% to 20% (p < 0.01) and parents’ dependence on U.S. shipments from friends or family increased from 11% to 25% (p < 0.01). Twenty-seven percent of parents that relied on providers for guidance received recommendations on switching formulas, 25% obtained formula samples, and 16% received lactation and breastfeeding information. Most parents agreed ready-to-feed formula (80%), concentrated liquid formula (64%) and powdered formula (89%) are safe. Most parents were concerned about what they would feed their infants if they stopped breastfeeding (83%) and about their infants' tolerance to a new formula (91%). A smaller percentage of parents introduced solid food earlier than planned (16%).

Conclusions: The study highlights the need for comprehensive changes to policies that stabilize the infant food supply, provide universal breastfeeding education and improve access to lactation support services.

Funding Sources: Bobbie and UC Davis Chancellor’s Innovation Award (2020)