Formula Shortage and Moms’ Mental Health
The formula shortage is affecting moms’ mental health. With the current baby formula shortage and parents’ inability to find the formula they need and worry for what the supply will be in the future, new parents, especially moms, are feeling the effects. Many families rely on baby formula to feed their babies. Whatever the reason families decide to use baby formula, whether they are taking medication that is not good for the baby, their own milk supply has challenges, or their jobs interfere with breastfeeding, these mothers are feeling the pressure and stress of supplying their children with the nutrition they need.
Baby formula shortage anxiety compounds on top of already stressed parents reeling from two years of COVID-19 and worry about infecting their children. In addition, these families’ jobs and financial situations may be precarious because to inflation. Add this to the already high rate of mental health issues for new mothers due to postpartum depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorders and you have the perfect storm of crisis for new moms.
Three out of four babies rely on formula for nutrition at some point during the first six months of their lives for various reasons which may include prematurity and specific nutritional needs. It is important for moms and families to reach out and get support when they’re stress and worried. A mom’s mental health can set the tone for the whole family during this stage and we want to make sure mothers are getting all the help they need. Talking with friends and other moms, online support groups, and reaching out to medical and mental healthcare providers is crucial.
Whatever you’re feeling and experiencing remember that just by reaching out, talking, and asking for help you are being a good parent. Many opinions on each side shape how different cultures view breastfeeding versus formula feeding. But what is most important is honoring what you know is best for you, your baby, and family and getting the support both physically and emotionally.
One online support group is the Circle of Hope provided by the Mom’s Mental Health Initiative. It is a private group you can join with the link. For immediate formula needs you can contact your local health department and/or family and children’s services groups. The Mom’s Mental Health Initiative has a list of resources here. A pediatrician local to Uniontown, OH has started a formula bank. If you can donate formula or are in need, find more information here.
River Root Counseling now provides group therapy options specifically for new moms and moms to be with a group forming in June 2022. Sessions begin June 13, 2022 at 9AM each Wednesday morning for those in the Uniontown, OH area. Contact us for information on how you can get support and connect with other new moms.
In health,
Danielle Older, MSW, LISW-S, CCTP
Danielle is one of our maternal mental health therapists and the founder of River Root Counseling. Her therapeutic style is individual, evidence-based, and unique to best serve each individual client. Danielle will work with you, at your pace, cheering you on and empowering you as you accomplish your therapeutic goals. Danielle values the therapeutic relationship and works to make each session beneficial and helpful for her clients. Danielle is a mother herself and understands the roller coaster that parenting, and motherhood, can sometimes feel like.
Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation (Ohio) – I.2002068-SUPV
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
Bachelor’s of Social Work – University of Akron
Master’s in Social Work – Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
For information and appointment call River Root at 330-595-4563.