Impact of the Infant Formula Shortage on Breastfeeding Rates

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the impact of the infant formula shortage on breastfeeding rates. The sample included infants attending newborn through 2-month visits at a rural pediatric practice. Preshortage data was compared with postshortage data from newborn (pre: n=302; post: n=302), 1-month (pre: n=273, post: n=259), and 2-month (pre: n=255; post: n=234) visits. Data analysis using Pearson's χ2 and Mann-Whitney tests found a significant increase in breastfeeding rates postshortage compared with preshortage. Breastfeeding initiation increased by 10.6% compared with preshortage. Many factors contributed to the significant increase in breastfeeding initiation during the formula shortage. Reports of illnesses associated with the ingestion of infant formula made breastfeeding more appealing. Furthermore, breast milk was readily available, whereas formula was not. Positive breastfeeding experiences during the formula shortage may lead to a sustained increase in breastfeeding.