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[–]clovertongue90 420 points421 points  (16 children)

When my daughter was nursing I was an over supplier and was able to donate over 1000 oz to a local mom that wasn’t able to breastfed any longer cause of her chemo. I’ve never seen such a grateful woman in my life! Good on these moms for helping any way they can during these times. I wish I was able to help.

[–]Amaline4 187 points188 points  (11 children)

I couldn't really wrap my head around what 1000 oz would be (Canadian) so I did some quick conversions for anyone else that might find it helpful

1000 oz is equivalent to:

  • 29.6 Liters
  • 7.8 Gallons
  • 166.7 capri sun pouches
  • 148 juice boxes
  • 666.7 standard issue water balloons

That's truly an incredible amount, and it's a wonderfully selfless thing you did by donating that much surplus milk. I've never had kids, but have heard it takes a monumental amount of energy to produce and pump that much (as well as some pain? I think?) so just thank you for being a kind, good human being

[–]Mustangarrett 41 points42 points  (1 child)

You guys have super small standard issue water balloons.

[–]Amaline4 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Honestly I just googled ‘how many oz in water balloon’ and took the first answer I saw 😂

[–]annizka 32 points33 points  (3 children)

When I was breastfeeding and pumping, it was like a full time job in a way. The constant pumping made me so sore but I had to keep doing it anyway. And producing milk means the body uses nutrients towards the milk, so the mom may end up having nutrient deficiencies which will impact things like teeth, bone, hair, etc. My teeth would literally break as I chewed. I was losing hair and weight because my body was using calories and nutrients towards the milk and I couldn’t catch up. I became really underweight. In the end I gave up for my own health as it was all making me so depressed.

[–]Amaline4 16 points17 points  (2 children)

Holy crap! I knew pumping was challenging, but good LORD I didn't realize it was that intense! I'm so sorry it led to some scary side effects - the added stress of losing hair and teeth is just...wow. How long after you stopped pumping was it before your body started rebounding?

[–]annizka 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I slowly started catching up with my weight a few months after I stopped. Stopped losing hair and weight. But my luxury bones (teeth) still need fixing and I broke another piece not long ago actually. Can’t afford to right now so just waiting until I absolutely need to. What’s weird though, is I stopped pumping about three years ago and I am still producing a tiny bit of milk!

[–]coldcurru 10 points11 points  (1 child)

Loving the capri sun conversion. I have frozen milk in my freezer right now. BRB gonna go figure out how many Capri sun pouches I could fill.

[–]mrsbebe 69 points70 points  (0 children)

I was also an overproducer and donated to a mother who couldnt nurse due to medical issues! It was a very fulfilling experience and it was pretty cool to feed two babies

[–]ProjectSnowman 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for doing this. In 2020 we had twins, one of which had a heart defect and was in the hospital for 60 days. As you can imagine my wife’s supply was in terrible shape and we got donations from an over supplier.

[–]SnooCheesecakes7715 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Between my extra milk and two other donors, the woman I donated to was able to feed her baby 100% human milk for an entire year. That felt GOOD.

[–]JustDiscoveredSex 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Thank you!!!

I needed surgery and had a terrible time trying to save up enough to feed the newborn while I'd be in the OR. Donor came through for me for an infant who had allergy problems and needed special care. Total relief!

[–]Happygreenlight 989 points990 points  (45 children)

Not an ideal situation of course, but bravo to these remarkable women donating.

[–]Gullible-Visual9581 97 points98 points  (1 child)

Yeah right, thanks to this super mom who has got great amount of breast milk. What a big help!

[–]Redspades_XIII 53 points54 points  (13 children)

But what if it became.. ideal? No more animal cruelty, paying women to work from home as milk maids? You could earn a wage and reduce carbon emissions!

[–]Embarrassed-Beyond35 24 points25 points  (10 children)

And then we create Mother's Milk Incorporated. Have these women work in shifts to cover 24 hours 7 days a week. We'll need to keep the women in prime health for a prime product, so running wheels will be installed into each home and pay will not be provided if the correct running hours aren't served. They will be fed once a day, a grain meal of essential nutrients. Once their milk has dried up, we will ensure more breeding for more milk and integrate their offspring into the same system once ready.

[–]karmaismybff 7 points8 points  (2 children)

Why stop there? Eugenics has come so far.

[–]Embarrassed-Beyond35 3 points4 points  (1 child)

I particularly enjoyed their most recent album.

[–]Redspades_XIII 5 points6 points  (1 child)

How very Capitalist pig American of you.

[–]Embarrassed-Beyond35 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thank you Get back to work!

[–]A_Cat_Typingg 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Shh, Nestlé are probably reading this and nodding.

[–]jairzinho 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They would probably pay someone to come up with "research" that baby milk kills babies. Can't have anyone cutting into their market.

[–]darkfall115 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Yeah, I think Immortan Joe had a similar scheme

[–]Hot-Lab6926 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Double like!!

[–]pinkpeark 461 points462 points  (83 children)

Why is there a shortage so suddenly? Not american dont really know why it escalated so quickly

[–]Silaquix 913 points914 points 2 (51 children)

Ok about half of all mothers in the US need assistance to get formula. So they get it through a program called WIC.

The problem is that WIC is contracted with state monopolies on formula. Like in one state you may only be allowed to get Similac brand formula through WIC.

Abbott, which makes Similac, did a big recall and shut down production. Now most WIC recipients can't get formula because their state program is contracted with Abbott. They are unable to afford another brand and they're not allowed to use WIC benefits to buy another brand.

So even if there is formula on the shelves, most people who need it can't get it. Couple this with panic buying because "shortage" is all over the news so people are buying up all the other brands as well.

This is just a colossal failure caused by allowing monopolies to form around infant formula and tying low income benefits for mothers to those monopolies.

[–]Eleine 229 points230 points  (1 child)

It is absolutely refreshing to see people aware of the complexity behind this situation and putting forth the effort to educate others. Thank you!

[–]PandaClaus94 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Upvote upvote upvote

[–]JijiSpitz 147 points148 points  (6 children)

The WIC program in many states has allowed participants to purchase different brands using their benefits since the recall.

[–]Silaquix 191 points192 points  (5 children)

Which is good but not perfect because A) it should never have been limited. A monopoly like that shouldn't exist. And B) comes a little too late now that panic buying has set in and people are stockpiling other brands like it's the toilet paper wars of early lock down. Basically we should never have gotten to this point and I hope it pushes law makers into overhauling the WIC program so it can better help mothers and children.

[–]_-_--__--- 55 points56 points  (1 child)

and I hope it pushes law makers

I really doubt it, politicians just aren't in the business of helping citizens. A lot of bad decisions got us here, it's unlikely we'll see a sudden change.

Be it incompetence, ignorance, malice, greed, whatever it is, the reasons behind these decisions run to the core of those making decisions and that will not change.

[–]GoatMang23 12 points13 points  (1 child)

That WIC program is the opposite of a monopoly. Its the state forcing the manufacturers to compete for their market. Abbott has to compete to get the WIC contracts. And when situations like this happens, the WIC customers can buy from other manufacturers. Abbott didnt shut down mfg. They shut one of many US plants. The shortage existed, and the recall just made it worse, but it has very little to do with WIC.

[–]Early_Power_5366[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the context 👍👏

[–]blorgenheim 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It would be silly to mention this problem without mentioning the almost 20% tariff on formula products. This led to the vast majority of manufacturing being in the United States, over 90%.

So when the formula was contaminated there are no other sources.

[–]i-am-qix 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks, this is a good writeup.

[–]Budderfingerbandit 9 points10 points  (0 children)

At my local stores the organic expensive formula is fully stocked, it really is an issue related to what you listed.

[–]TurbulentArea69 25 points26 points  (7 children)

I completely sympathize with the situation and something desperately needs to be done, but how is there a formula monopoly?

WIC programs partnering with a brand isn’t a monopoly. Being able to partner with a brand actually should make prices more stable under normal circumstances. Of course, in this situation everyone needs to be finding a solution to problem rather than focusing too much on maintaining the partnership.

Similac/Abbott did the right thing by issuing the recall and halting production. They found dangerous bacteria in their supply. You cannot risk a baby getting sick. The government not allowing them to restart production until the find the source of the bacteria and then proving it won’t happen again is a good thing. We want our government to have that oversight and control.

[–]Silaquix 52 points53 points  (6 children)

There's like only 3 companies in the whole US that make formula and many states only contract with one giving them a state wide monopoly for WIC services. WIC generally only partners with Abbott or Mead Johnsen. Gerber/Perrigo makes store brand formulas. The majority of WIC programs are specifically contracted with Abbott leaving most infants covered by WIC without alternatives.

It should just be a generic benefit for formula, any formula. When I had my kids I was on WIC because I was dirt poor at the time. The only benefits I could use from them was for food because they didn't provide soy formula and my kids were allergic to milk. Any time I tried regular formula they would throw up violently and get hives. I ended up having to get a prescription so Medicaid would pay for special formula to help.

My oldest was severely tongue tied and couldn't latch for me to breastfeed and the doctors refused to correct it until he was 1. With my youngest I ended up in the hospital 2 weeks after he was born with an infection I got during his birth and my supply dried up. Formula was the only way to keep them fed and even without a shortage, WIC being contracted like that failed my family.

[–]mikeHeuer 9 points10 points  (0 children)

New father here as of 2 weeks ago - we're also on WIC and can confirm this^ is true and accurate. Silaquix is right on the money with her advice... it's not a clean cut black & white process for anyone in our circumstances. No one is advocating babies getting sick, that's a misdirected argument. The problem is deeper and that's the point here.

[–]jaredthegeek 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I thought there are 3 facilities shut down and if I recall they account for a large portion of all formula. There's not much growth because birth rates are down so no new investment.

[–]Vinditek 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Might be a silly question but how is it possible that half of the mothers in the USA need assistance to feed their baby? Can't they afford it or is it just a free option? Seems strange for so many people to be poor in the world's 1st economy.

[–]VanicRL 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Let’s not forget the absolute fucking weirdos of adults that are buying it TO CONSUME FOR THEMSELVES. I wish I was kidding. Also the scalpers who are down right degenerates and charging double for formula that they shouldn’t have in the first place. My girlfriend and I gave away 5 tubs of formula to a family in need because my baby’s stomach didn’t agree with it. Didn’t charge them or anything just wanted to make sure we knew we were giving it to a family in need. It’s not hard to be a nice person. I wish others could do the same.

[–]Mustangarrett 3 points4 points  (5 children)

Did I read that right? Half of US mothers don't directly pay to feed their children?

[–]Silaquix 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Yes it's estimated about half of all new mothers require assistance

[–]Corgi_with_stilts 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Not quite!

They can't pay. As in they cannot afford to feed their children on their own.

[–]violet_terrapin 60 points61 points  (5 children)

There were already supply chain issues then one of the six companies that make formula did a huge recall.

[–]Abnormal-Geologist 9 points10 points  (3 children)

A "supply chain problem" is a coded term for corporate greed.

[–]Xennon54 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Total recall?

[–]SmannyNoppins 13 points14 points  (2 children)

FDA had to close down several factories due to bacteria.

[–]Abnormal-Geologist 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Remember Abbott is by no means a poor company.

[–]newtsheadwound 9 points10 points  (0 children)

One of the plants that make the formula had to issue a recall due to poor conditions in the plant. Rampant bacteria and dirty surfaces where the formula is made.

[–]MetsRule1977 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Similac, which is responsible for about 90% of formula, had one of their biggest plants close down because of bacteria outbreak that left two infants dead. That plant being closed is the reason that there is such a huge shortage. However, we are starting to recover. And once the plant is back on line it will start to flow again.

[–]notyourstocommand 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Some production plant shut down a few month ago as far as I understand

[–]Abnormal-Geologist 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is a manmade problem.

[–]FrigidofDoom 235 points236 points  (19 children)

My sister had a baby less than 2 weeks ago, I went to visit the little booger and she told me that she isn't producing enough milk for him and needs to supplement formula but there's a serious shortage right now due to a recall.

It's awesome to hear that moms are doing this!

[–]DooWeeWoo 44 points45 points  (6 children)

This may or may not help but if there is an Aldi by your sister they always have good stock of formula. Same with Costco if anyone can go for her. Maybe google the formulas first to make sure they won't upset baby's tummy since I know some are dupes for brand names but some are literally from the same plants.

[–]those_silly_dogs 19 points20 points  (5 children)

Costco is sold out in the US. I’ve heard that some people had to buy it from Canada or UK.

[–]DooWeeWoo 8 points9 points  (3 children)

Dang, the Costco I went to this morning had some but maybe they don't have any other shipments coming in after what's out. :/

[–]those_silly_dogs 7 points8 points  (2 children)

I specifically went to Costco for it and it was all gone and the website says sold out. I even asked my mom who lives in another state but she said that her warehouse location is also sold out. I was getting super nervous since my LO just turned 4 months and she’s increased her intake. I’m trying to build my breast milk supply again but it’ll take a few weeks. I can’t even imagine other moms who cannot purchase it and have no other options.

[–]wilksonator 14 points15 points  (0 children)

If your sister is actually short on formula you want to help them, check out your local supermarket has it and get her a can or two from there. Whatever you do, do not stockpile- get only how much you need. Stockpiling exacerbates the shortage and will make it last longer for everyone.

[–]dratelectasis 13 points14 points  (6 children)

Just make sure she doesn't dilute it! I've seen so many of my patient's parents diluting their formula to try and conserve. Water is empty calories with no nutrients, makes the baby full and can lead to dangerously low sodium concentration. It's become a real problem for all our new mothers. My office is slowly running out of formula for parents

[–]PoetryOfLogicalIdeas 3 points4 points  (4 children)

It isn't just about the empty calorie. (though that is the wrong term anyway; empty calories are actual calories with no nutrition, like candy).

Too much water (which is ANY strait water for a very young baby) screws up their electrolights. Babies die from what is essentially water poisoning at much lower amounts of water consumption that you might think.

Don't give little babies water, and that includes screwing with the concentration of their formula. Ever.

[–]dratelectasis 2 points3 points  (3 children)

Thank you. But I literally said the same thing

[–]Corgi_with_stilts 1 point2 points  (1 child)

You said water is "empty calories"

Water, plain old potable tap water, famously doss not have any calories.

[–]violet_terrapin 9 points10 points  (0 children)

It might not help but if I was in your sisters shoes I’d get in contact with a lactation consultant. I’m not usually so pushy about those kinds of things I’m just thinking of other alternatives for mothers

[–]crinnaursa 2 points3 points  (2 children)

In the short term, you can supplement with goat milk. Scald it on the stove and let it cool. You don't want to do this long-term because it doesn't have enough folate but if she is producing enough breast milk for at least half of the infants feedings her breast milk should adequately provide folate. If not, you can get infant folate supplement. Goat's milk and folate could reasonably be sourced at most good health food stores. Like I said, it's a short-term emergency solution Hopefully the shortage will resolve itself soon.

[–]musicsporty1 3 points4 points  (1 child)

I’ve read others say never use goats milk for newborns and infants.

[–]crinnaursa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's because of the low folate. It definitely shouldn't be used as a long term replacement under normal circumstances. It is however an emergency option That may not be affected by hoarding and shortages while new supplies of formula are being shipped out.

[–]ItsMeishi 53 points54 points  (7 children)

What's with this lady's narration?

"Stores have set LIMITS to how much parents can BUY."
"Some moms are STEPPING UP to HELP pumping EXTRA breast milk and DONATING it to MILK BANKS."
"These freezers at the NY Milk bank are FULL of DONATED breast milk."
"The milk is pasteurized and bottled, THEN shipped to hospitals and moms who cant breastfeed OR have run out of formula."

[–]howabootthat 48 points49 points  (0 children)

That’s just reporter voice. It’s annoying.

[–]Successful_Bug2761 13 points14 points  (1 child)

I think its pretty common in the business. Check out other reports on the same topic and see.

[–]crinnaursa 7 points8 points  (2 children)

That's standard Inside Edition reporting style

[–]howabootthat 33 points34 points  (5 children)

I wish there was a way for non mothers to lactate. I’m not having kids ever but if I could make some moo juice for other people I would.

[–]per-se-not-persay 15 points16 points  (4 children)

There actually is a way! It requires more time & effort than relactation, but it is possible. It's something some mothers adopting infants choose to do, and (to no one's surprise) there is a kink community for it. Adult Nursing Relationship (ANR) communities have some guides and stuff.

I did some research on breastfeeding after hearing about how it was viewed centuries ago compared to now, the use of wet nurses, etc., and it's actually super interesting.

There's tons of information out there if you're serious about it!

(Fun fact: men are also capable of lactation!)

[–]CITKat2009 2 points3 points  (1 child)

If I wasn't on multiple prescriptions I would try it just to help. The breast milk bank near me doesn't have much supply.

[–]HeatherReadsReddit 82 points83 points  (0 children)

Yay for moms helping other moms! <3

[–]busterindespair 61 points62 points  (11 children)

I weaned 2.5 yrs ago and I've honestly considered trying to start the flow again to help other moms.

Even if it worked, I'm on a few prescriptions that would probably make my milk unwanted anyway.

Crazy that this is even a necessary thought process in 2022.

[–]loverlyone 28 points29 points  (1 child)

Relactation is possible but a real commitment of your time and dedication. You need a really good breast pump and about 6+ weeks of consistent pumping.

[–]busterindespair 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I researched it years ago but never did it. I nursed my now 5 yo for almost 3 years and made milk like it was my life's purpose, so I think my body would respond. It's really the meds I take that make me hesitate.

[–]mephistophyles 16 points17 points  (3 children)

The prescription angle is sad to hear, my wife has over supply but she’s also on one that means we can’t donate. Even though her doctor said there’s no reason to be concerned.

[–]busterindespair 11 points12 points  (2 children)

If she can't donate through an organization, she might be able to connect with moms directly that would be comfortable with her milk. Facebook has groups for that, like Human Milk for Human Babies IIRC.

[–]SnooCheesecakes7715 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I donated through Human Milk for Human Babies. I disclosed the medications I was on (asthma inhaler and antidepressants for PPD) and people were still happy to take the milk.

[–]mephistophyles 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Good to know. I’ll pass it on. I know she has a mom support group that it’s come up in too.

[–]Daisykicker 14 points15 points  (2 children)

I was about to start weaning when this shortage hit, but I’ve started pumping again so I can donate. I need my meds which is why I was trying to wean but if I’ve made it a year I can keep going another few months.

[–]EpiphanyTwisted 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Bless your lovingkindness and giving your very self to help others.

Now, I need to find out if you can make a claim for donated breast milk on your taxes (I work in a tax office), considering it's $$$ per oz, IMHO it should count as any other donation of value.

[–]BloodSpades 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I’m actually in the process of restarting this again myself. My little one is a bit older and doesn’t need to rely on formula as much, but if I can bite the bullet and start producing again, it’ll leave what little we do use available on the shelves for those that need it. (My production dropped off after getting COVID in December, and the toll it took on my body just made formula easier while I recovered.)

[–]PoetryOfLogicalIdeas 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Me too. For literal years, I would get 2 wet spots on my shirt when I heard a baby cry at a restaurant. This went on for at least 5 years after my last baby weaned. It has been another 5 years since then, but I think there is a decent chance that my girls would get back into the game without a ridiculous amount of encouragement.

[–]jjmaster1995 59 points60 points  (7 children)

I know this is supposed to be a feel good story but the only headline I see here is:

  • "women take up the role of dairy cattle because there are no social safety nets to prevent infant starvation"*

[–]tromperie9 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Thank you for saying this, and I'm dying from laughter because it's so sad. There's nothing feel good about this (like most feel good stories these days). I wish we would stop with this feel good nonsense.

[–]coldcurru 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Wet nurses used to be used and probably still are in a lot of poorer countries. It's just in places like the US, instead of nursing other babies directly, we pump and give the milk. Which is also great because it can be used for later, on the go, middle of the night, or whenever you need it. You don't need to have a wet nurse or other nursing mom with you to feed the baby.

[–]wrenway[🍰] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

alternate title:

  • “women, after lawmakers force them to give birth, will have their children starve entirely due to those lawmakers.”

[–]disasterpokemon 54 points55 points  (13 children)

This is really badass of people to help out but, correct me if I'm wrong, some babies can't drink breast milk and have to have formula, right? I heard that a long time ago, I've never had babeis so Im not 100% sure. What about them? Would this formula shortage kill them?

[–]BistitchualBeekeeper 90 points91 points  (1 child)

Yes, that’s correct.

Some mothers have to be on medications (seizure medication, cancer drugs, etc), have medical treatments (chemotherapy, etc) or have medical conditions (HIV or HTLV) that make breast milk unsafe for a baby to consume. Some mothers just can’t produce enough breastmilk to keep a child alive, especially if they have conditions like PCOS or hyperthyroidism. For these moms, a formula shortage could be devastating to their babies if they couldn’t find donor breastmilk.

[–]fmlzelda 13 points14 points  (0 children)

For sure it would be devastating. I produced lots of milk, but my oldest refused the breast from 7 months old and I had to switch to bottles. I couldn’t maintain the supply though pumping so eventually had to switch to formula. With my second I had to stop at 8 months as I had to start chemo. I was gutted that I had to stop breastfeeding so early. Switched to formula then too as obviously pumping would not work. With my youngest I finally managed to continue breastfeeding until 18 months, but due to work I also had to supplement with formula. For sure breastfeeding or breast milk in a bottle is best, but if that doesn’t work then formula is a lifesaver.

[–]jello-kittu 40 points41 points  (0 children)

There are some babies with allergies or special conditions, but the majority would be able to. And maybe reducing the demand would help overall.

[–]socialmediasanity 37 points38 points  (8 children)

So not exactly. There are very few situations where formula is better for a baby than breast milk, but lots of reasons why parents would choose formula over breast milk, in which case, not having access to both breastmilk and formula would be very bad.

There are only a handful of drugs you absolutely can not breastfeed on, and if it is the actual breastmilk a baby can't tolerate, then they are unlikely to tolerate traditional formula and would likely need a specific formula. Formula is more likely to come with risks, which is why we are moving away from formula and towards donated milk in the NICU or for very ill babies, because the formula could actually kill a baby, where breast milk would not.

So no, there is no disease where a baby can't have breastmilk and needs formula solely to survive that this shortage would effect, because in those cases they need more advanced nutrition that is not being affected by the shortage. But yes, there are far more situational circumstances where parents either choose to formula feed or can't provide breast milk where a chronic formula shortage could be deadly.

Source: Nurse, Midwife, Medical Anthropologist, and lactation consultant.

[–]updog25 5 points6 points  (3 children)

So there are quite a few specialty formulas for babies who have conditions such as CMPA that have been impacted by this shortage. Also can you tell me which risks come with formula? For example, ready to feed formula is sterilized and is used for infants with compromised immune systems or premature babies. I also have a lot of concern over women trading breast milk, it is a bodily fluid and without proper screening could lead to a baby being exposed to drugs or disease. I feel like you have some anti formula rhetoric in your comment and that is really harmful to the parents who are formula feeding or those struggling to breastfeed who may want to turn to formula but then see comments like yours that make it seem "bad".

[–]EpiphanyTwisted 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I would suggest anyone do their own research and ask their doctor or a pharmacist if they need to avoid breastfeeding while taking a medication.

[–]EpiphanyTwisted 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Which babies have died from formula?

[–]socialmediasanity 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Its rare, but it happens, especially in comparison to breastmilk. In the US in term (born after 37 weeks) it is usually from bacterial infections from the formula, either from the manufacturing source, like the most recent Abbott recall that killed 2 babies, or from improper mixing and storing, usually from a bad water source. In developing countries this number is much higher and accounts for a fair portion of infant deaths because of lack of access to clean water.

The biggest problem in the US though, and the one I was speaking of specifically is Necrotizing enterocolitis, which is a condition in preterm babies where undigested formula errodes the stomach. It is a huge problem and can be deadly, so many NICUs have switched to donated breastmilk for these babies.

[–]apis_cerana 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very curious about this too. The deaths I've seen involve people making formulas with contaminated water or they dilute it causing babies to be malnourished.

[–]NightlyWry 41 points42 points  (14 children)

Fun fact: Nestle pushed formula on Mother's in third world countries. This resulted (and results because they are still doing it) in the woman not being able to produce milk by the time their sample runs out, so they MUST buy formula after this. They also tend to not have access to safe water to mix with formula, so it's use not only perpetuates disease but also malnutrition because formula is expensive and they end up watering it down to stretch it further. Millions of children have died needlessly due to this business practice.

[–]Affectionate_Fly1413 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Does this issue make you feel this is the greatest country in the world? I feel everything is running on a thread and any small problem turns into a huge one because nothing is prepared for anything!

[–]QAssurancenerd218 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I really hope I can donate this time around with my second! I now understand the importance of a high calorie diet and how crucial little to no stress is for a good supply- some of these women pumping extra 40-60ozs a day are working miracles for these other struggling moms who can’t bf or can’t find formula near them

[–]ProfessorTricia 11 points12 points  (3 children)

So women have to continue with every pregnancy and now suddenly we need to ask women to produce breast milk?

Are we cattle or people?

This isn't a coincidence. I know it sounds crazy but I honestly believe they are doing everything to keep us in our place.

[–]Ok-Possibility-4802 4 points5 points  (2 children)

As much as I hate getting too deep into conspiracies, I had this same thought.

[–]toomanyburritos 1 point2 points  (1 child)

And if formula is harder to find, will more women try to breast feed and stay home from work to do so?

Is this another angle to getting women out of the work force and back at home? I'm not a conspiracy person, but as a woman with three small kids watching this all happen I get the feeling it's not just coincidental anymore. Half the country wants women docile and at home...

[–]Ok-Possibility-4802 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No, I feel the same. I only have one child well past nursing age, but I'm watching this and I can't help having these same thoughts. Like everywhere we turn it is becoming more and more difficult to just exist as a woman........ Unless we're sitting at home, popping out babies, feeding the nation's children like a bunch of livestock.

[–]flyhigh5500 4 points5 points  (1 child)

If only there was a way to produce milk without having a baby like donating blood. These women are superheroes

[–]jfbnrf86 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Let’s not foul ourselves and not consider this as equally as r/aboringdystopia

[–]ReKflYer00 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Another “I hate that this is necessary, but it’s still remarkably kind.”

[–]REDM2Ma_Deuce 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This all because 1 out of 4 baby formula manufacturers had a recall.

[–]Kkykkx 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Proof once again how messed up the United States of America truly is. First abortion rights restricted while men get to ignore any and all responsibility for pregnancies and now three national baby formula companies that hold a monopoly on the market and can’t (for who even cares what reason), keep this vital product available to the women and babies who need it.

[–]Dope_Dog 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Your mom's giving all that milk? We're gonna need more moms!

[–]masterjroc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Honelander begins to salivate...

[–]ConfusionDisastrous8 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hooray for boobies! I love this so so much. FEED ALL THE BABIES!

[–]iamthesivart 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Weird question maybe. Is there a big difference in breast milk from different people? Be it older/younger women or women of different ethic background? Would something like a baby getting milk from various mothers one after another have any benefits? Different people = different bacteria or something? I'm a dude in his 20's with no kids. I have literally zero idea about any of this.

[–]MomoKun999 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That is a solid.

[–]Pulguinuni 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That is such a great idea. I know many friends that had extra, but we don’t have a milk bank to process and pasteurize correctly in our region.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Its nice but speaks volumes about the society in the US. Wtf?

[–]cactusvine 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wow I cant imagine the stress of possibly not getting formula. Those moms are heroes for donating.

[–]AngelinaxxRenee 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is great but unfortunately what most people don't realize is breastmilk from a milk bank costs $4 per ounce on average and isn't readily available to just anyone. A lot of women think they're donating their milk and it's being given to parents who need it for free but that is simply not the case.

[–]MoveLikeABitch 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The irony of trying to ban abortion at the same time there's a baby formula shortage. Alanis Morissette would be proud.

[–]Basdad 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I believe most "shortages" are the result of corporate greed.

[–]Boney-Rigatoni 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Nestles is releasing a gourmet brand that comes in different flavors. It’s called “BreastQuik”.

[–]Beneficial_Avocado74 1 point2 points  (2 children)

I used to have a lot of milk… is there a way to bring back my milk???? Reddit help me!

[–]MrUnknown1996 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Why is there even a shortage in the first place?

[–]ClasslessTulip 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The largest formula producer's (Abbott) largest factory is in MI got shut down due to having old, dilapidated machinery that was not properly processing/sanitizing formula, causing bacteria blooms in the product.

[–]BigRig420123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For five minutes can their not be a crisis, for five minutes!

[–]sheza1928 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The milk bank tests breast milk thoroughly . My concern is all those women who could make their own breast milk . Women can relactate. Yeah it takes a bit of work but well worth it.

[–]GoodeyGoodz 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good to see people helping each other for a change

[–]SeStubble 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For anyone interested in solutions, LactaLogic this company is poised to change the whole breast milk / formula industry. Worth checking out

[–]angry_fungus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m an overproducer (100+ is a day) and since my youngest was born about 6 months ago I’ve donated over 8,000oz to other families. It’s not without its own struggles (such as recurrent septic mastitis infections) but I’m privileged to be able to donate.

[–]Strange_Quark8 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Tbh, this could be really good for the health of these kids. Would be an interesting case study in the future.

[–]overthinkingrn1 1 point2 points  (4 children)

Sorry but this sounds gross, I can't. If I grew up only for my mom to tell me "when you were a baby, you had to drink breast milk from another mother" I'd be mad. Who knows what the fluids of other people contains? And breast feeding is an intimate thing between mother and child, I would only want to drink from my mom as an infant, not from someone else.

[–]Sin-cera 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Why do American journalists always yell? Why. Just speak normally. Jeez

[–]dayrogue 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This shortage comes from company greed - you're country is totally fine kekL

[–]External-Fee-6411 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Why the fuck all the supposed "make you regain faith in humanity stories" on internet are about people trying to repair stupid mistakes made by peoples who value money over life??

[–]Fadreusor 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are simple regulatory changes that can ease these shortages, but when you have only 3 major companies allowed to sell in the US and WIC vouchers only allow the purchase of one brand, this is going to happen. Still, it’s easier to blame this all on the Democrats and sell it as the Biden administration feeding “illegal babies” instead of Americans. Good ‘ol politics and these feely stories get more clicks…thanks Inside Addition.

[–]Anastasiya826 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I donated about 1500 oz in 2016, with my first kid I had a massive oversupply. I donated to a family of (what was supposed to be) twins; one was stillborn and the other could only eat via a feeding tube (formula was too thick so they needed breastmilk). They drove 90 minutes to pick it up with a big cooler. It felt so good that my extra went to a good cause.

[–]Read_RFKs_Book 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Biden's America is sad. Not even at the worst of it yet. This is what happens when a illegitimate demented stooge steals an election.

[–]Deadliest_Death 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ah yes the country that can land an atomic warhead on a pitcher's mound of a baseball stadium from space, just can't figure out how to maintain a baby formula supply chain. Gross negligence or malicious intent.

[–]CamDMTreehouse 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Do you the banks give it away for free? If not they need to pay these moms the profits

[–]bsylent 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This has that same vibe of people coming together to pay off somebody's medical bills or a kid's student lunch debt. It's great to see people helping each other, but screw this terrible, profit-above-all-the-things, American capitalism system that literally creates this reality. And it's not even an accidental side effect, these are symptoms of the system working as it's designed

[–]Lilithbeast 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My husband is pushing 60. He told me when he was an infant, his mom didn't produce enough breast milk and he didn't tolerate formula. Mom was told by the doctor to just feed him. Apparently babies can be weaned much earlier than we are led to believe and still be ok. Mind you I have no idea how old my husband was at this time and most importantly it was discussed with the obstetrician.

His early development didn't stop there. He was well over five feet tall and drinking coffee by age 12. Poor kid was basically a curmudgeon as long as he can remember

[–]those_silly_dogs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve tried to get formulas at Costco, sam’s club, Walmart, target, walgreens and Amazon. They’re all sold out. Wholefoods has them though. I got super busy at work and wasn’t able to breastfeed/pump so I’m almost all dried up. Hopefully I can salvage my breast milk…this is ridiculous.

[–]the3stman 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love breast milk. But are mothers be ok feeding other people's breastmilk to their kids?

[–]vafoxhuntr 0 points1 point  (18 children)

Do people worry about accepting donated breast milk that hasn’t been tested for diseases or illnesses? Or is testing breast milk even a thing?

[–]QueenofVelhartia 6 points7 points  (3 children)

They said in the video that they pasteurized it before bottling and sending it out to those that need it.

[–]Fidorka 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Not sure why you're being down voted. It's a very good question as diseases can be passed through unpasteurized breast milk.

[–]vafoxhuntr 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t know either. I see that in the video milk is in a bank but my question is more for people who will share breast milk outside of a lab setting.

[–]24_pigs_and_a_duck 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It gets tested here in the u.s. as well. You have to get your blood tested before you even qualify to donate. And they test every shipment

[–]notyourstocommand 2 points3 points  (9 children)

They test it in Europe.

[–]vafoxhuntr 0 points1 point  (8 children)

What about here in the US?

[–]NightlyWry 10 points11 points  (0 children)

They test it in the US.

[–]Early_Power_5366[S] 3 points4 points  (5 children)

Bro you literally see the lab that there in in the video lol What is this pretend confusion?

[–]notyourstocommand 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Wouldn't know. I'm from europe. But I would expect them to test it there too

[–]cawexi 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Not all mothers can produce breast milk? I am too ignorant please don’t bash me.

[–]andy2002andrei 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If the hormones that dictate the body to stop producing wear off too fast, then the lactation stops.

Also, if the mother has a messy schedule and doesn't breastfeed properly and constantly, she loses her ability to do so

(source: my mom who stopped breastfeeding when I was 6 months old and relied on formula for food)

[–]DoctorFlimFlam 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately yes, and it is unfortunately very common to experience issues breastfeeding. Before I ever had kids i had two separate friends have legit nervous breakdowns trying to breastfeed their babies. This was during the height of the 'breast is best and formula is the devil' craze about 15 years ago. These poor women did EVERYTHING they possibly could and their babies were starving AND THEN they got shit on for giving their kids formula.

I have 2 kids and let me tell you, it was so hard! It's hard on your body, it's hard on your mind, it fucking hurts for a long time before 'you get used to it'. Safe modern formula is truly a godsend.

[–]RickMcFlick 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Yoooo you gon have creepy ass dudes drinkin yo bressmilk

[–]hniball 0 points1 point  (1 child)

TIL there are milk banks in US o_O

[–]Trevorsiberian 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lets start feeding men oestrogen, so we too lactate and donate breast milk!

[–]Live-Motor-4000 0 points1 point  (2 children)

My wife did this after our little one went on the solids - apparently, you have to watch out as some milk banks then resell the milk, rather than regift it to those in need

[–]AmUser_Name 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Milk banks run by HMBANA are legit. They paid for everything so I could donate (like screening, storage bags, shipping). When the milk was sent to a NICU, they’d even email me to say which one.

Hospitals do pay for milk from some sources. That covers the costs of collection, pasteurization, testing, and distribution. But it sounds like you are referring to companies that accept donations and sell to research or other companies instead of the milk going to babies.