The Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) Maternal Child Services is now offering formula to delivering mothers upon discharge to help support families during the nationwide shortage of baby formula. Delivering families will receive one case of Similac 360 Total Care Ready to Feed formula to support growing infants between the time of hospital discharge and their first pediatrician appointment.
“We’re so blessed to be able to support new mothers and the babies we deliver here with this formula,” said nurse manager Renee Bonafield, RN, BSN, IBCLC. “The formula shortage is putting further stress on families who are already struggling. We’re hoping this will help ease the struggle for new parents.”
While it is tempting to buy as much formula as possible right now, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises buying no more than a 10-day to 2-week supply of formula to help ease shortages. If you have any concerns about your baby’s nutrition, please consult your pediatrician.
For those interested in breastfeeding as an alternative to formula, MVHS offers breastfeeding classes and support. Please call 315-624-4782 for more information, or to schedule an appointment for lactation consultation.
