Moms Speak On Desperate Baby Formula Search: 'It Is Terrifying'

LONG ISLAND, NY — With a nationwide shortage making baby formula almost impossible to find for many, the struggle for mothers desperate to feed their infants is all too real.

The shortage has made headlines: Pandemic supply chain issues exacerbated by recent baby formula recalls are sending moms and dads in New York and around the country on a scavenger hunt to feed their infants, with major drugstores limiting baby formula purchases.

With the need intensifying, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a strong warning against price gouging on baby formula in the midst of a nationwide shortage.

For Mattituck mom Fallyn, who asked that her last name not be used, the stakes are high. Her son Wyatt was born in February, eight weeks premature at only 32 weeks' gestation.

"We have relied on formula to help him gain weight since he was discharged from the NICU," she said. "We found out pretty early on in the time that he was home that he couldn’t metabolize dairy. We quickly had to switch him to Nutramigen since it was the only option," with two other formulas they'd used being recalled, she said.

Trying to find the formula has been daunting, she said.

"It has been incredibly difficult to find since most stores don’t carry as much of it as other formula since it is specialized," Fallyn said. "We’ve had points where I thought we were going to run out and not be able to feed him. I’ve personally run around for hours to find just one can and have had countless family members looking and giving it to me if they can find it."

The thought of not being able to provide her child with what he needs to survive has been wrenching, Fallyn said.

"Not knowing if you are going to have formula for your baby, who relies on it is terrifying — especially when they have to get weight checked regularly since they were born so early. Missing even one feeding or having to give him less could be detrimental to his health. If my son were to stop gaining as much weight due to rationing his formula, he would likely have to be put on a feeding tube."

The shortage is particularly acute for families whose babies need specialized formula, experts agree.

While other parents haven't yet run out of formula, there is a sense of uncertainty.

"The shortage has been ongoing since Harmony was born on January 4," said Gianna Volpe and Ryan Marcotrigiano, who live in Riverhead. "There was a sign hanging in the hospital informing staff about it with instructions to limit amounts of formula given."

Volpe added that the shortage accelerated after the Similac recall, "but the sight of empty shelves is nothing new. We have not run out of formula yet, but we’re concerned that time is around the corner with the recent media attention on the shortage."

Aware of the great need, Volpe said: "We always make sure we leave some behind when we find it on the shelves for the next person who comes along."

North Fork mom Karre Brown took to social media to express her concerns. "Today was completely exhausting and overwhelming. I spent hours and went to 13 stores searching for baby formula. For days now I've been searching with no luck."

Thankfully, she said, family members have been searching on foot and online and have come through to help. "My heart breaks for all the babies this shortage is affecting. I almost got really discouraged, but prayer and persistence forced me to keep searching. I was able to at least come home with two cans, which was good for now because we only had about two or three bottles left."

A disheartened Brown said she had seen evidence of price gouging firsthand. "Both cans were priced extremely high. Some stores are inflating the price even more and it's sickening."

But, she said, "Thanks to our family we can make it through the next two months."

Brown added: "I beg you all, if you know of any moms that are formula feeding, that you help them with their search. The shelves are empty out there and no one person can search alone. It's scary."

New York state Sen. Anthony Palumbo said that due to a "critical nationwide shortage of baby formula, Long Island families have been hit hard."

Organizations such as Angels of Long Island and Helping Makes U Happy are collecting formula, he said.

For those still searching, Patch has compiled a list of five things parents need to know.

Julia Dantes, who lives in Cutchogue, said her son Jack is 14 weeks old.

"He has a protein allergy, cannot digest dairy or soy. He's been on special formula since they found blood in his stool at two weeks old," she said.

Since he started Nutramigen, they have had problems finding it, she said.

"We have a prescription, but our pharmacist has only been able to track it down twice in three months — and never the entire prescription's worth. I am constantly searching for formula. About two weeks ago I was down to half a day's supply. I spent the entire day searching the North Fork and Riverhead while my husband searched every store from Southampton to East Hampton. Between the two of us and a whole day driving, we found a week's worth," Dantes said.

Her pharmacist checks every day for them, Dantes said. Although another hypoallergenic brand was found, Jack didn't respond well, she said.

"So switching brands isn't an option," Dantes said.

But desperate times have sparked creative solutions.

This week, her father found some formula in Missouri and shipped it; her stepsister found some in Texas and also put it in the mail.

"My friend had the great idea to check the United Kingdom," she said. "She was able to secure a couple weeks' worth of formula so her mom is going to try and bring it back with her from vacation. It's taking my friends and family base to keep my poor baby fed."

Also, Dantes said, families using the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) supplemental nutrition program can reportedly only buy the 12.6-ounce cans — so even if they find a retailer with supply, the vouchers won't work unless the can is that exact size.

Dantes added: "My heart goes out to those who don't have the time, resources or networks to help them find what their babies need."

Reflecting on the choices no mother should have to make, Dantes said: "It's horrible that I find myself considering if I should feed him when he's fussy and how much I should make. We have been saving the remaining formula in the fridge and giving it for the next feed to stretch our supply, which is crazy."

Dantes, a mother of four, said when her other children were infants, she would throw away the last couple ounces if they didn't finish.

"Now I'm writing down how long that bottle was at room temp and putting it in the fridge to use for the next feeding," she said. "I spilled some the other day and had to hold back tears. I am on Cloud 9 at the moment that I have some back-ups in my pantry but what happens when those are gone? Is this going to get worse before it gets better?"

Also, she added, there is guilt born in trying to walk the fine line between protecting your own baby and taking food from another infant who needs the special formula.

"With all my other kids, who also had allergies and were on Nutramigen, while formula shopping I always had a rule, never to buy the last can at a store. I knew the feeling of trying to find a meal for my baby and coming up empty — and never wanted to inflict that pain on another mother. Now I find I am the mom who is grateful to find her baby the last dusty can of formula on the bottom shelf."

With reporting by Jeff Edwards and Michael Woyton.