Impact of the Infant Formula Shortage on Breastfeeding Rates

One of an expectant parent's earliest decisions is whether to breastfeed or formula feed. The recent formula recall and subsequent shortage undoubtedly impacted that decision-making process (Abrams& Duggan, 2022; Doherty et al., 2022). Infant formula is derived from cow's milk protein or plant-based sources such as soy, and despite being specially formulated to contain the nutrients necessary for healthy growth, human milk is widely considered the optimal infant feeding choice. Although formula companies strive to replicate the qualities of human milk as closely as possible, unique factors such as immune-boosting properties, blood cells, antibodies, hormones, growth factors, and enzymes in human milk cannot be commercially produced (Martin et al., 2016).
Source: Journal of Pediatric Health Care - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research