TEXAS — A Central Texas mother is just one of many parents concerned about how they're going to feed their babies following supply chain interruptions and a baby formula recall.
As a new mom, Maggie Cole is adapting to the role.
"You don't know how much you could love somebody until you have your own," she shared.
There have been some difficulties, though.
Not too long ago, Cole learned she can't produce enough ounces of milk to feed her 3-month-old.
"Even psychologically when you don't produce enough, you don't feel like you're enough," Cole said. "... That was a hard thing to deal with, but now I know, with some soul searching, that I am enough."
Her baby Caroline only relies on breast milk and formula.
However, the Infant Nutrition Council of America confirmed reports of challenges across baby formula supply chains, including effects on transportation, labor and logistics.
"I have to feed my kid and I don't want to have an added stress of trying to find a way to do it," Cole said.
Not to mention, recently, Abbott Laboratories voluntarily recalled three powder formulas, including Similac, Alimentum and EleCare manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan.
The recall comes as the FDA investigates complaints of four infant illnesses. Officials said all four babies were hospitalized, and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case.
“To hear that maybe that the formula she got wasn’t safe is very alarming,” Cole said.
Kim Updegrove is the executive director of the Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin.
The nonprofit relies on healthy women to donate their extra breast milk to preterm and ill babies in need.
Updegrove said the milk bank needs more donors.
"We have experienced about a 30% reduction in our milk donors," Updegrove said.
Recently, they heard from several parents who use formula and are now concerned about feeding their babies.
"Their brains will grow very rapidly over the next two years and so they must receive specific nutrients," Updegrove explained. "We don't get to choose randomly what we feed our infants."
Spectrum News 1 received this statement from Abbott Laboratories:
We value the trust parents place in us for high quality and safe nutrition and we’ll do whatever it takes to keep that trust and resolve this situation.
We have a global manufacturing and supply network we’re leveraging to better meet demand and are increasing production at an FDA approved facility in Europe and air freighting product in. Our other U.S. plants are running at maximum capacity and we’re converting some production of other liquid products to Similac.
The Infant Nutrition Council of America gave this comment to Spectrum News 1:
Members of the Infant Nutrition Council of America (INCA) are committed to meeting the needs of families who rely on infant formula—it is their top priority. Broadly, there are reports of challenges across supply chains, including impacts on transportation, labor and logistics. Infant formula manufacturers are actively working with suppliers, distributors, retailers and state agencies to ensure availability and access to infant formula products, to quickly address the needs of babies everywhere. Parents and caregivers should always obtain infant formula from a safe, reliable source and discuss feeding-related questions with a healthcare provider.
Families who believe they qualify for the WIC program are encouraged to contact their local WIC agency. INCA also reminds families that they can order infant formula for home delivery directly from online retailers. Be sure to consult a child’s pediatrician on all infant feeding options. Commercial infant formulas from INCA member companies are safe and designed to provide babies with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.
To find out if you have a product that has been recalled, visit www.similacrecall.com or call 1-800-986-8540.