ALL OUT OF FORMULA
We ran out of the formula we use for our son over a week ago. The panic that this was going to happen set in before the last scoop was dug out of the empty formula container.
All four of our kids have had horrible reflux, some to the point of it being labeled GERD. Finding a formula that works for each of them has been a process. The goal has always been to find the one that “stays down the best”. Which essentially means which one causes the least amount of puke. In the past, we’ve tried medicine, different formulas, and so much more. It never made a difference.
We were all out and we had to try other formulas. It became obvious, very quickly that it was not going to go well. Think projectile. The amount of laundry was increasing imensly. Tears were shed. Switching formulas is not as straight forward as some may think. Some littles do not do well with change. Especially if it is immediate. Some littles must stay on a certain formula.
WHERE’S THE FORMULA?
Unfortunately, this is not the first time in our son’s 6 months of life that we have struggled to find the formula he needs.
We had a glimpse of the shortage back at the end of summer. The shelves were getting very empty at the store. Asking around, we were told a shipment would be arriving in a week. We had time. No need to worry. We picked up two containers, as that was the limit. My Mom picked up some more formula for us. It didn’t occur to us that maybe this would be the last time in a while that we would be able to get that formula from the store. Why would we have to worry?
Apparently we should have worried.
Where’s the formula?
It’s rarely on store shelves. You go into the pharamcy, grocery store, and Costco the shelves are running bare. Specialized formula has been hard to find since early summer. You have problems that have carried over from the pandemic. Staffing shortages. Supply chair issues. A manufacturing facility in the States had to shut down. A lot of the formula in Canada comes from the States.
THANKFUL FOR THE COMMUNITY AROUND US
This shortage is a huge source of stress for anyone who needs formula for their child. We ended up putting out a plea on Facebook, in several different groups, begging for a container of the Sensitive to Lactose formula by Kirkland that you can get from Costco. After a week of hearing nothing and things not going well having our son on different formulas, I shared on my Instagram stories what was going on. I am so thankful for the community around us through social media, within a few hours of doing that we were able to connect with someone and get one can of formula. One can lasts us roughly 9 days.
Thanks to everyone around us, we had offeres to check stock out East, in the States, and even to ship European formula from Germany. I have not been able to keep up with the influx of messages. Those messages have given me a bit of hope in this tough time.
We may have to continue trying other forumulas if we run out again before Costco can restock their shelves. Calling to check if they recevied a shipment we went from being told it would be in the other day, to now being told that it might be in at the end of the month or the beginning of December. Some have also heard that it hadn’t even been ordered yet. I guess we wait to see. I’m thankful to know that if needed I can reach out to those around me. A formula shortage in 2022 was most definitely not on my bingo card of things to happen this year. I’m a bit stunned that it’s something we have to worry about at all right now. I know we will get through this thanks to everyone around us.
CHECK IN ON OTHERS
If you are able, please check in on the parents and care givers of littles around you. Offer to help find things they might need. Or, if you are able, please consider donating formula to places like Mamas for Mamas and the Food Bank. This shortage and rising costs is leaving an impact all over. No one should have to worry about providing for their little one.
