Download PDF
Am J Perinatol
DOI: 10.1055/a-2796-1459
Original Article

Evaluating the Impact of the Formula Shortage on Feeding Plans of Newborns

Authors

  • Jessica L. Knapp

    1   Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, Delaware, United States
    2   Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
    3   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, ChristianaCare Health System, Wilmington, Delaware, United States

  • Alicia Grant

    1   Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, Delaware, United States
    2   Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
    3   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, ChristianaCare Health System, Wilmington, Delaware, United States

  • Anna Lackey

    1   Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, Delaware, United States
    2   Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
    3   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, ChristianaCare Health System, Wilmington, Delaware, United States

  • Amy Mackley

    3   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, ChristianaCare Health System, Wilmington, Delaware, United States

  • David A. Paul

    2   Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Further Information
Also available at
   Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate if the 2022 formula shortage had an impact on current feeding plans.

Study Design

A survey was created and offered to birthing people at a single center from July 2023 through January 2024. Analysis included descriptive statistics and Chi-square for categorical variables.

Result

In the study sample, n = 163, 55% planned on exclusively breastfeeding (n = 90), 7% on formula feeding only (n = 11), and 37% on a combination of breastmilk and formula (n = 61). While 84% were aware of the shortage (n = 137), 17% agreed or strongly agreed that the formula shortage impacted their feeding plan (n = 27). There were no differences in responses by race or ethnicity. Participants with older age and higher education level indicated that there were more important factors other than the formula shortage when choosing what they were planning to feed the baby.

Conclusion

In our study, while 84% of respondents were aware of the formula shortage, 17% indicated that the 2022 formula shortage continues to impact feeding plans. The main implication is that providers should be aware of our findings and consider integrating a discussion on the formula shortage when supporting and counseling patients on their infant feeding plan.

Key Points

  • The 2022 formula shortage continues to have impact on families.

  • There were no statistical differences among race, ethnicity, education, or age.

  • Majority recognize there are more important factors when choosing their infant's feeding plan.

Keywords

formula shortage - breastfeeding - newborn - feeding

Contributors' Statement

J.L.K.: conceptualization, data curation, formal analysis, investigation, methodology, project administration, writing—original draft, writing—review and editing; A.G.: investigation, project administration, writing—review and editing; A.L.: investigation, project administration, writing—review and editing; A.B.M.: conceptualization, data curation, methodology, project administration, supervision, writing—review and editing; D.A.P.: conceptualization, data curation, formal analysis, investigation, methodology, supervision, writing—review and editing.


Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 30 June 2025

Accepted: 23 January 2026

Accepted Manuscript online:
30 January 2026

Article published online:
11 February 2026

© 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA