What is the Feed The Babies Project?
The current infant formula shortage has impacted families across the United States. The City of St. Louis has been particularly affected by the shortages in stores as well as the substantial safety recalls by Abbott Nutrition.
Nurses for Newborns recently announced that the organization is assisting nearly 200 families with babies in the city who have been unable to feed their babies due to the formula shortage. This is evidence of the alarming impact the shortage is having in St. Louis.
People with low income and people of color are disproportionately affected by this crisis. We must proactively address this urgent need through a collaborative community effort.
It could be nearly 10 weeks before store shelves can be fully restocked to meet the demand.
Feed The Babies Project is a community-wide collaborative designed to address the infant formula shortage crisis and provide immediate solutions for families in St.Louis.
PRIORITIES
01
BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT FOR BIRTHING PEOPLE AND FAMILIES OF NEWBORNS
Utilize local doulas through Missouri Community Doula Council to efforts encourage, educate, and support breastfeeding for those who are able to.
02
MASS PURCHASE AND DISTRIBUTION OF PASTEURIZED DONOR HUMAN MILK (PDHM) FOR FAMILIES OF 0-6 MONTH OLD INFANTS.
Infants in the age group 0-6 months exclusively rely on formula or breast milk for caloric intake and hydration. For those who cannot breastfeed, we will organize the mass purchase of PDHM from an accredited milk bank followed by the distribution of PDHM to families in need.
03
NUTRITION SUPPORT AND COUNSELING FOR FAMILIES OF 6-12 MONTH OLD INFANTS.
Introduction of solid foods begins around 6 months of life. There are potential alternatives to formula for this age group. We will provide nutritional counseling for families of 6-12 month olds that could help them to utilize these options until formula supply is restored. Infants are introduced to cow’s milk or other alternative milk at 12 months of age.
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