With the ongoing infant formula shortage nationwide, the local Women Infant and Child Program have been doing their best to assist new mothers.
Better known as “WIC”, the program offers nutrition education to promote good health for pregnant women, new mothers, and children up to age 5. The office has been fielding calls about shelves being EMPTY and what to do if their brand of formula isn’t on the shelves.
Staci Schmenk, Nutrition Coordinator WIC explains, “But yes, there are other options, if your child doesn’t have any nutritional restrictions you may be able to flip from brand to brand. If you’re on a milk-based formula from Similac you can probably do a milk-based formula from Enfamil or a store brand. If your child does have restrictions obviously stay with formulas that meet those requirements.”
Schmenk says not to use cow’s milk or dilute the formula you do have to make it last. She also advises against filling in feeding with water or juice which doesn’t provide the right nutrition. By doing that, it can lead to growth problems, malnutrition, seizures, or even death.
