The country’s baby formula shortage continues to get worse, sparking panic across desperate mothers in the U.S.
Several parents took to social media to express their troubles finding formula with pictures of empty store shelves.
“If the [mainstream media] can talk about the toilet paper shortage ever (sic) hour, they should be talking about the baby formula shortage at least,” one mom tweeted. “We ended [up] finding the Amazon brand online but not everyone is so lucky to be able to feed that. Please share. This is every store!”
One mom from New York told reporters that her infant lost a lot of weight following her birth, so she had to use formula to supplement the baby’s diet because she could not produce enough breast milk.
“When we ran to the local Target one day to get some [formula] just days after she was born, the shelves were completely empty,” the New York mom said. “My heart literally sank.”
“Luckily she doesn’t need any special formula and I was able to order online, but not everyone has been as lucky,” she explained. “Our neighbor said her family member can’t find the sensitive type of formula for their newborn who has stomach issues anywhere. They’re in a panic daily not knowing if they’ll be able to feed their newborn tomorrow or the day after; my heart breaks for those parents.”
Meanwhile, a Georgia mom tagged Governor Brian Kem in a tweet, saying: “At what point are we going to start talking about the baby formula shortage? I shouldn’t have to cry & wonder how I’m going to feed my 4 month old!”
The baby formula shortage escalated in recent weeks after formula manufacturer Abbott Laboratories recalled their products following the deaths of two infants in Michigan who reportedly consumed formula made by the company.
“A thorough review of all available data indicates that the infant formula produced at our Sturgis facility is not likely the source of infection in the reported cases and that there was not an outbreak caused by products from the facility,” Abbott Laboratories said in a statement.
The shortages caused major stores to put limits on how much customers can purchase at one time.
