Using regular formula is fine until the stock replenishes in two to four weeks, experts say.
Parents are reportedly panicking as the only two commercial formulas prescribed for premature babies are out of stock in Quebec. Préma-Québec, an organization that supports families of premature children, says it is concerned about the mental health of these parents, who may lack information about an alternative to feed their baby.
Premature infant formulas Similac Neosure and EnfaCare, which come from two U.S. companies, have been out of stock since at least the beginning of the week. Préma-Québec says there is panic on a Facebook group that brings together thousands of parents who have premature babies. In particular, mothers are asking if other users could provide them with a portion of Similac Neosure or EnfaCare formula.
The two products are prescribed by doctors when an infant born before 34 weeks is discharged from the hospital. The formulas are designed for the needs of a premature baby, containing more calories and different nutrients to promote growth, explained Dr. Marie St-Hilaire, a neonatologist at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, in an interview. Elements such as zinc, phosphorus and calcium are “a little more suitable for premature babies, for example for their bone health and ensuring that they have good growth,” she said.
“We are receiving an incredible number of calls from panicked parents. Not being able to feed or not being able to use a good milk formula for their premature baby is a bit worrying for them, because they have been told for a long time that these are the kinds of milk that are good for their child,” said St-Hilaire, adding that parents do not know where to turn for an alternative.
Parents’ only option is to feed their baby a standard milk formula sold over the counter at grocery stores and pharmacies.
St-Hilaire said both manufacturers reportedly sent a note saying their products for premature babies should be back in stock within two to four weeks. She explained that standard milk formula is not harmful to the child if used short term. “If the shortage lasts only a month, as manufacturers predict, there will be no serious impacts on the health of the premature baby,” she said. It is growth in particular that risks being affected.
“If the shortage persists, we will have to find other strategies to offer the best to our premature children,” said St-Hilaire, who specified that the weight of these babies will have to be monitored. She reiterated that there was no danger with the standard milk formula.
Breastfeeding remains the best thing for a premature baby, she said. “But in the case of a mother who does not want to breastfeed, where breastfeeding is difficult or milk production is difficult, this is where we turn to specific milks for premature children.”
A mother who has not breastfed for six months, she said, won’t be able to decide overnight to go back to breastfeeding.
Breast milk banks in Quebec are also not an option since these products are only intended for neonatal units. “As this milk bank can run out, it is really kept for the most fragile babies who are hospitalized children,” she said.
Quebec neonatologists planned to meet Thursday evening to come up with common recommendations for future premature babies who will leave the hospital.
Préma-Québec said it was very concerned about the impacts of the formula shortage on the health of premature babies as well as on the mental health of parents, many of whom have spent weeks at the bedside of their premature newborn hoping for the best. The organization said once these parents return home, they are stressed by the shortage.
“We ask the authorities concerned to urgently communicate with these parents to offer them alternative products and recipes for commercial infant formula,” Préma-Québec said in a statement.
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