WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — Families in Wake County have been looking high and low in Wake County to find baby formula.
What You Need To Know
Moms in Wake County are helping others find baby formula
Some are doing it through social media
One such Facebook group is how one mom found and delivered formula to other moms
Molly Ingraham said it's important to remember the benefits of formula sharing because not all mothers can breastfeed
Because of the nationwide shortage, some moms have used social media as a launchpad. Others resorted to driving several miles to get what their babies need just to keep them alive.
Molly Ingraham, 29, can no longer breastfeed with her second child because of a health condition.
"Breastfeeding is not an option for everyone, and I think that is something people fail to understand,” Ingraham said.
The mother of two said she and her husband received frozen unused breast milk from another family.
"It’s really hard. I think most moms know there is this weird pressure to nurse,” Ingraham said.
She is also part of multiple facebook groups, like Formula Exchange Wake County NC, to find formulas.
"Some people just don’t know people, so social media helps to bring people solutions,” she said.
The massive effort to essentially crowd share has brought solutions to her own life. Because Ingraham runs an online makeup artistry business she is slightly used to communicating using social media channels. Her husband, Kyle Ingraham, said she has grown savvy in how she locates items through messaging other women on social media.
"She’s the one who coordinates everything,” Kyle Ingraham said. “It’s pretty scary, but when Molly finds solutions that’s what brings me peace."
Her efforts don’t only benefit her family. The young mother has connected other moms to formula as well. Molly Ingraham shared screenshots with Spectrum News 1 of her communications with other mothers. One message from Molly Ingraham to another mother said “Got neuro pro. Send me (an) address please!”
Another mother entrusted Molly Ingraham to pick up some formula off her porch.
A leap of faith that Ingraham takes to heart. The mom has physically driven to the homes of other mothers, after locating them on Facebook and Instagram, to drop off formula.
"I think people are very grateful, and I think immediately they wanted to do the same,” she said.
President Biden’s administration released a website on Friday to help find resources they need.