Employer Guide

What's Going On

A nationwide shortage of baby formula — triggered in part by supply-chain issues and worsened by a recall by the baby food manufacturer Abbott Nutrition — has left parents confused and concerned. 

Empty store shelves are leaving desperate parents searching for infant formula, resulting in hours of drive time and a stunning emotional toll on parents who need to feed their babies.

Who is Affected

Any family using formula to feed or supplement, including:

• Babies with special needs and medical conditions

• Adoptive and non-birth parents

• Military personnel away from their babies

• One in three breastfed babies also receive supplemental formula

• Parents with medical conditions taking medications that should not be passed through breastmilk

• And many, many more

What else you need to know

Take a moment to imagine not being sure you can get enough food for your baby. Really think on it. How stressed would you be? Would you feel isolated? More vulnerable?

This supply crisis not only impacts working parents logistically, but emotionally. Regardless of how a parent keeps their baby fed, support is needed.

A few things to keep in mind:

• There are many decisions that go into feeding a baby and we encourage employers to foster support for each family's unique path

• Even if parents want to / are in the position to increase breastmilk in baby's diet, the goals of increased breastmilk supply and relactation are not always attainable. And if they are attainable, they may take weeks or months to achieve and sometimes involve expensive specialty equipment and prescription drugs.

• Mental and emotional health among employees with babies could be impacted significantly.

How You Can Help

Employer support is crucial right now and will likely impact absenteeism, medical claims, retention and eventually recruitment. This is a time to be human and to connect with your working parents. 

Here are some simple and effective action items to consider for your organization:

• Conduct employee check-ins to address specific concerns and needs

• Share access to formula availability and human milk banks to find donor milk

• Recommend WIC for access to formula and breastfeeding support

• Consider offering pumpspotting’s workplace lactation program to your employees and their families. In-app, parents:

  • Connect with thousands of baby-feeding parents facing similar challenges

  • Consult with IBCLC-certified lactation consultants about their unique situations

  • Receive guidance, support and encouragement tailored to their unique journey

Learn more

Want to learn more about how a strong workplace lactation program support your workforce? We're here to support you and your working parents.  Schedule a demo today.