Mothers' Experiences During the 2022 Infant Formula Shortage in Washington D.C

Authors

Allison C. Sylvetsky, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20052, USA. asylvets@gwu.edu.
Sarah A. Hughes, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20052, USA.
Janae T. Kuttamperoor, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20052, USA.
Hailey R. Moore, Division of Psychology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20010, USA.
Jeanne Murphy, School of Nursing, The George Washington University, 1919 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 20006, USA.
Jennifer Sacheck, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20052, USA.
Emily R. Smith, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20052, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

12-26-2023

Journal

Maternal and child health journal

DOI

10.1007/s10995-023-03860-9

Keywords

Infant feeding; Infant formula; Mental health; Pediatrics

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: An unprecedented shortage of infant formula occurred in the United States (U.S.) in 2022 and posed widespread challenges to infant feeding nationwide. The purpose of this study is to investigate mothers' experiences during the 2022 infant formula shortage and its perceived impacts on infants' diet and health. METHODS: Mothers (n = 45) of infants under 8 months old from Washington D.C. were invited to participate in a virtual study meeting during the summer of 2022. Mothers completed surveys regarding their demographics, infants' anthropometrics, infant feeding practices, information they have received about infant feeding, and knowledge about infant feeding practices. They then participated in a qualitative interview about their experiences during the infant formula shortage. RESULTS: Overarching themes were: the shortage (1) had adverse impacts on mothers' mental and emotional health; (2) had significant financial and intangible costs; (3) led to changes in infant feeding practices; (4) social and family networks were helpful in navigating the shortage; and (5) mothers felt fortunate to have resources to breastfeed and/or obtain formula. DISCUSSION: The infant formula shortage adversely impacted mothers' mental and emotional health, and was costly, in terms of financial and intangible costs. Findings demonstrate the need to develop clinical and policy approaches to support mothers in feeding their infants and provide education about safe infant feeding practices.

APA Citation

Sylvetsky, Allison C.; Hughes, Sarah A.; Kuttamperoor, Janae T.; Moore, Hailey R.; Murphy, Jeanne; Sacheck, Jennifer; and Smith, Emily R., "Mothers' Experiences During the 2022 Infant Formula Shortage in Washington D.C" (2023). GW Authored Works. Paper 3920.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/3920

Department

Exercise and Nutrition Sciences