Resources During Infant Formula Shortage
We understand that the shortage of available safe formula is stressful for families. We are here to support you in whatever way you need to feed your newborn.
UCSF lactation consultants, OB-GYNs, and pediatricians have compiled information about national and local formula resources, formula use best practices, and if you choose to feed your child human milk, donor milk program options, and UCSF lactation service information.
CDC Infant Formula Feeding resource
https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/InfantandToddlerNutrition/formula-feeding/
Health and Human Services
https://www.hhs.gov/formula/index.html
WIC program (Women, Infants and Children)
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DWICSN/Pages/Program-Landing1.aspx
https://www.myfamily.wic.ca.gov/Home/FormulaShortage#FormulaShortage
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has created a comprehensive list of recommendations to support pregnant and postpartum families, healthcare providers, and community members during this critical time.
ABM Statement
https://www.bfmed.org/statement-on-shortage-of-breastmilk-substitutes
NASPGHAN
NASPGHAN Tools for Infants and Children Affected by Formula Shortages
Resource to understand which formulas can be safely interchanged if your child requires specialty protein formulas.
Formula Preparation Information
Babies under 12 months need human milk and/or formula as their main source of nutrition and calories.
There are three types of infant formula:
1. Powdered
2. Concentrate
3. Ready-to-feed
All formula types are safe feeding options for babies.
Powdered and concentrate formulas must be mixed with clean water
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/Forms-of-Baby-Formula.aspx
Formula 'DO's
Practice good hand hygiene when making bottles
Measure water first, then add powder
Follow package instructions exactly
Use formula within 1 hour of the start of the feeding
Discard any leftovers
Make feedings in advance if needed and refrigerate, using within 24 hours
Use ready-to-feed formula within 72 hours of opening the bottle
Put only what baby needs in the bottle
Once baby drinks from the formula bottle, it only lasts one hour
Do not use for the next feeding
The reason for this, is that the Baby's saliva mixes with the milk, and quickly causes bacterial growth
Refrigeration does not slow this growth
Place the untouched formula that has been mixed into the refrigerator
Formula 'DON'T's
Dilute or water down formula, which can cause slow growth, nutritional deficiencies, and even seizures
Feed your baby regular cow's milk, another animal milk, or plant milk (soy, almond, rice milk, etc.)
Make your own formula
Give leftover formula more than 1 hour after the start of a feeding
Here is a step-by-step guide to preparation of powdered formula
https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/downloads/prepare-store-powered-infant-formula-508.pdf
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Are-there-shortages-of-infant-formula-due-to-COVID-19.aspx
Additionally, if you desire to feed your child human milk, below are some donor milk and lactation service resources.
Donor Milk Options
There are two large, trusted human milk banks in California that provide/ship donor milk.
The San Jose Mothers' Milk Bank
https://mothersmilk.org/
The San Diego University of California Health Milk Bank
https://uchealth.service-now.com/csp
You usually will need a prescription from your baby's pediatrician to obtain donor milk.
However, for the first 40 oz. you receive you do not need a prescription.
There is a cost to receive donor milk, and to ship it. The cost is approximately $3.75/oz.
Please see below for how to contact the Milk Banks to receive further information.
San Jose Mother's Milk Bank
Mothersmilk.org
Go to "Get Milk"
Go to the brochure MMB_Recipient-Brochure.pdf
(408) 638-2822 [email protected] (best way to contact)
1887 Monterey Road Suite 105-110 San Jose, CA 95112
The first 40 oz you do not need a prescription. After this you must contact your pediatrician and have them fill a Mother's Milk Bank prescription form.
UC San Diego Milk Bank
http://uchealthmilkbank.ucsd.edu/
(858)249-MILK (6455)
[email protected]
3636 Gateway Center Ave, Suite 102 San Diego, CA 92102
UCSF Outpatient Lactation Services
We offer one-on-one visits lactation consultations with International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs)
In-person visits: Monday-Friday at two locations Mount Zion Women's Health Building
5th and 7th floors, 2356 Sutter, San Francisco Mission Bay Gateway Building
3rd floor, 3B and 3C, 1825 4th St, San Francisco
Telehealth: Video visits available Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm
Appointment line: (415) 353-3400
Additional resources for UCSF Employees through the UCSF Lactation Accommodation Program https://campuslifeservices.ucsf.edu/familyservices/services/lactation_accommodation_program
MILK (Mother & Infant Lactation Kooperative)-Virtual Group
MILK is a FREE breastfeeding support group facilitated by a board-certified lactation consultant. There is no cost to attend. A great forum to connect with other breastfeeding mothers and have your questions about breastfeeding answered by a Lactation Consultant.
Tuesdays, 1:30-3:00pm
Fridays, 10:00-11:30am
Online via Zoom (except holidays)
Register at whrcportal.ucsf.edu/whrcmember (recommended), or call (415) 514-2670.
Pump Rentals
To rent a hospital-grade breast pump, call the Women's Health Resource Center
(415) 514-2670 to check inventory and reserve a pump.
If you used a pump in the hospital, you can reuse the pump kit that the hospital provided. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a pump kit separately from the Friend to Friend gift shop at 1825 Fourth St., First Floor
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/services/friend-to-friend-gift-shop
The Friend to Friend gift shop also sells pump parts and lactation products.
Call the gift shop to check availability of products.
Alternate pump rentals: https://medela.us/breastfeeding/services/breast-pump-rental
Additional Lactation Resources (Non-UCSF)
Natural Resources https://www.naturalresources-sf.com/
Store in the Mission with pump and scale rentals, baby supplies, classes, and support groups
Healthy Horizons https://www.healthyhorizons.com/
Stores in Burlingame and Menlo Park with pump and scale rentals (shipping available), lactation consults
CPMC Newborn Connections https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/pregnancy-childbirth/newborn-connections-cpmc
Store at Van Ness campus with pump rentals, lactation consults
Bay Area Lactation Associates http://www.bayarealactation.org/find-a-lactation-consultant.html
Directory of private lactation consultants offering home and video visits
Download of Infant Formula Shortage Resources pdf
We hope these resources are beneficial to you. If you are in need of more information, please reach out to our Lactation consultants or your OB provider.
Thanks, UCSF OB/GYN