In the Arena: The baby formula shortage – Brown Univ and Women & Infants specialists

Each week Joe Paolino, Jr. interviews leaders and topic experts on his show, In the Arena, on ABC6. This week Paolino interviews Dr. Patricia Risica of Brown University and Lynn Przystac, Neonatal Dietitian, Women & Infants Hospital on the formula shortage happening in America and in Rhode Island.

Both expressed that never in their careers did they think there would be a baby formula shortage. They talk about the value of breast feeding being the best alternative, but if that is not possible, special formulas are usually readily available.

Crowd-sourcing – having the whole family help in finding formula is mentioned as well as working through your pediatrician if you need a specialty formula. Do not dilute formula or make homemade formulas. In the first year of life a baby triples its size, and appropriate nutrition is necessary for good health. Buying online might be the best way Powder is harder to find than the ready to feed liquid. Liquid is more expensive, and does not last as long – probably about a year.

Listen to In the Arena every Sunday at 7:30am on ABC6.